Introduction to Surveying

Course Overview

• The material provides an introduction to surveying, covering concepts, definitions, earth shape, units, equipment, safety, and notes.

Syllabus

• The course will cover basics of surveying, distance measurements, leveling, angle measurements, surveying equipment, and an introduction to geoinformatics.

Student Work

• Student work accounts for 30% of the grade, including attendance, timely sheet delivery, quizzes, and lab work.
• A mid-term exam is worth 20%.
• The final exam is worth 50%.

Core Concepts

• Mathematics serves as the language of science, engineering, and technology.
• Science provides established facts and laws about the real world.
• Engineering is used for predicting future behavior of objects.
• Technology provides contemporary tools used to achieve goals.

Accuracy and Precision

• Accuracy ensures all information is correct and free from error.
• Precision goes a step further than accuracy, demanding that words and data used are exact, with no more details to be added.

Earth Shape

• Key parameters and definitions related to the WGS84 system are explored.
• The earth's center of mass is defined, with 'b' (semi-minor axis) measuring 6,356,752.314 m and 'a' (semi-major axis) measuring 6,378,137.000 m.
• Geodetic reference surfaces and horizontal datums are discussed, noting latitude originates from the Equator and longitude originates from Greenwich.

GNSS - Derived Ellipsoid Coordinates

• P(X, Y, Z) = P (φ, λ, h)
• φ is the geodetic latitude
• λ is the longitude
• h is the height above the ellipsoid

Units of Measurement

• Distance Units
  • 1 meter is equal to 0.001KM, 100cm, and 1000mm.
• Time Units
  • One hour equals 60 minutes or 3600 seconds.
• Angle Units
  • One degree equals 60 minutes or 3600 seconds.

Surveying Types

• Plan Surveying: Measurements on earth's surface are based on 3D Euclidean geometry, and the curvature of the earth's surface is neglected.
• Geodesy: The science and engineering of modeling and making measurements of Earth's shape, considering 3D dimensions, time, geophysics, and geodynamics.
• Coordinate System: A mathematical model represents the area of interest based on geodesy.
• Projection: The mathematical transformation of a 3D shape into a 2D plan shape.
• GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite navigation system that allows users to determine their absolute position relative to the WGS84 coordinate system using GPS receivers.
• Photogrammetry: The process of obtaining information about an object by photographing it and measuring the photographs, with data collected from terrestrial, aerial, and satellite imagery.
• Remote Sensing: Collecting, storing, manipulating, and displaying raster images, such as aerial and satellite images.
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Decision support systems with advanced capabilities for capturing, storing, checking, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying geographically located data.

Types of Errors in Surveying

• Gross Errors: Mistakes due to the carelessness of the observer; these must be detected and eliminated before measurements can be used.
• Systematic Errors: Follow a pattern and can be expressed by functional relationships. They should be removed from measurements by applying necessary corrections.
• Random Errors/Accidental Errors: Treated using probability models.

Safety in Surveying

• Plan the trip to the site; ensure all equipment is in good working condition and that batteries and power sources are ready.
• Obtain legal entry to sites and protect the environment.
• Use gloves, respirators or face masks, safety helmets, ear defenders, eye protection, boots, and temporary lighting.
• Be aware of existing landmarks and new control points.

Student Notes

• Sheet 1 delivery is required for each section
• Quizzes are in each section