Geomatics Engineering Technology

This course examines geomatics engineering theory and design, emphasizing construction and municipal surveying methods. It will cover the organization and management of survey data in a three-dimensional environment for building and analyzing surfaces, modelling road corridors, developing legal plans and performing grading and volume calculation tasks. It also covers various techniques for rendering, visualization, animation and presentation of geomatics data.

Pre-requisites:

• ENGD 213
• MAPS 204 or MAPS 213

This course is designed to develop technical writing and presentation skills to ensure workplace readiness. Students will learn how to evaluate communication situations, analyze documents, assess research sources and develop organizational skills to apply in their work. They will learn about and practice designing, formatting and writing various professional documents. Students will also develop confidence (through practice) in developing and delivering effective and engaging presentations.

This practical course on computer functionality and commonly used industry software covers current productivity software to develop industry-specific solutions in communication and organization, documentation, data management, analysis, and visualization. Other topics include file management techniques and best practices, security considerations such as identifying threats, safeguarding data and intellectual property and digital citizenship and etiquette are also included.

Equivalents:

• BCMP 225

Geomatics Drafting is a computer-aided survey design and drafting course using survey field notes, registered plan documents and other geomatics data to construct survey plans, topographical maps, property reports and subdivision layouts. This course will familiarize the student with geometric construction and orthographic projections in a 2D and 3D CADD environment.

This course introduces map and plan reading, research methods and algorithm design for visualization of spatial data. Map reading incorporates scale, coordinate systems, contouring methods, generalization of data, and the interpretation of colour, symbols, and labels for effective communication. Examples of surveying and engineering plans are used to locate land parcels and interpret natural and artificial features that affect development and construction projects. Remotely sensed imagery, including aerial photographs, develop perspective, scale and geometry concepts. Research methods, validation of information sources, locating maps and spatial data, and locating survey plans prepare participants for future projects. Basic algorithm design concepts are introduced to analyze engineering problems and create algorithms.

The course introduces the concepts of geodesy and map projections and their implementation in different Geomatics applications. Topics will include physical and mathematical representations of the Earth’s surface, Earth’s gravity field, principles of physical geodesy, height systems, ellipsoidal geometry, geodetic reference systems, terrestrial and celestial coordinate systems, Three dimensional (3D) coordinate transformations, time systems, astronomic positioning, elements of map projections, classes and types of map projections and the calculation of mapping grid coordinates from geodetic curvilinear coordinates.

Pre-requisites:

• SURV 230
• SURV 248
• SURV 263

Equivalents:

• SURV 373

This course focuses on geospatial data management, analysis and representation and production with applications and techniques used during all stages of the Geographic Information System (GIS) development cycle. Topics include database design principles and management, database linking, data classification and analytical processes such as spatial queries, topologies, spatial joins and map presentation.

Pre-requisites:

• COMP 220
• MAPS 204 or MAPS 213

This course introduces the concepts and applications of three-dimensional modelling using terrestrial and airborne laser scanning methods. The course expands on the technological limitations of laser scanning and how the limitations are overcome with technology integration. There is an in-depth investigation of data collection and processing laser scanning data. The topics include terrestrial laser scans in the field, visualization, organization, registration and calibration of laser data, feature extraction, quality assurance and presentation of laser scanning results.

Pre-requisites:

• SURV 263
• SURV 342

This course is an introduction to the science of photogrammetry and the process of planning for an aerial image and LiDAR acquisition project. Students will build on previous Geomatics knowledge to plan a mapping project, complete an orthorectified photograph of the SAIT campus and create three-dimensional models from stereo imagery.

Pre-requisites:

• MAPS 315
• SURV 263
• SURV 342

This course enables students to apply basic algebra and introductory calculus knowledge to resolve applied scientific and technological problems. Applications include linear motion, areas under curves, and volumes of revolution.

Equivalents:

• MATH 235
• MATH 1011

This course enables students to apply advanced algebra, integral and differential calculus methodologies to scientific and technological applications. Topics include trigonometric and transcendental calculus, methods of integration, specifically integration by parts, trigonometric substitution and tables. Applications include linear motion, areas under curves, volumes of revolution, centroids, moments of inertia, and program-relevant applications.

Pre-requisites:

• MATH 238

Equivalents:

• MATH 285

This course focuses on the capstone project, from defining the situation for investigation through research, data collection, data analysis, drafting, editing, and producing a formal report. Written proposals and progress reports are included. The project is presented orally to faculty, peers and industry guests. The report topic is specific to geomatics technology.

Pre-requisites:

• CADD 308
• COMM 238
• MAPS 315 or SURV 330
• SURV 263

Introduction to survey theory and field practice. A brief history of surveying and current applications. Focus on using, caring and handling equipment while implementing safe work practices. Demonstrate skills of observation, record-keeping and problem-solving. Recognize concepts of error theory concerning measurements of elevations, distances and angles. Calculate conversion of units, angles and directions, and polar and rectangular coordinates. Calculate positions, survey closures and adjustments. Apply trigonometric concepts to calculating intersections, areas and land partitioning problems. Field exercises use industry-standard equipment to conduct typical construction surveys, ensuring participants experience a range of environments while demonstrating practical survey skills.

A comprehensive introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technologies focusing on the Global Positioning System (GPS). Satellite system concepts, design, operation, implementation, and applications are described, and detailed information on GNSS signal, satellite status, plans, schedule, and capabilities are discussed. GNSS theory is applied by planning, collecting, and analyzing field data. Surveys are performed using single point and differential positioning real-time and post-processed kinematic and static surveying methods.

Pre-requisites:

• ENGD 213
• MAPS 204
• SURV 214

Demonstrate field survey techniques using conventional equipment. Employ data collection and desktop survey software. Demonstrate project management for planning, field data capture and layout, and production of deliverables. Conduct topographic surveys, engineering layout, earthworks surveys and legal surveys. Calculate horizontal curves from tangents and vertical curves from constant grades for design and layout.

Pre-requisites:

• ENGD 213
• SURV 214

Theory of errors, analysis of errors and reliability measures of Geomatics data, implementation of error propagation in different Geomatics applications, pre-analysis for Geomatics projects, formulation of direct, indirect, conditional and implicit models for Geomatics problems, application of parametric, conditional and combined least-squares estimation techniques for adjustment of Geomatics measurements, linear and non-linear least-squares estimation with iterative solutions, introduction to univariate and multivariate statistics, estimation of unknowns with weighted observations, quality assessment of the adjustment results, error ellipses, percent errors, advanced least-squares estimation techniques applied in Geomatics such as Kalman filtering and sequential solution methods.

Pre-requisites:

• MAPS 204
• MATH 238
• SURV 214

Equivalents:

• MATH 265

Introduction to control survey concepts, definitions and implementation in geomatics applications. 

Pre-requisites:

• SURV 248
• SURV 263

This course introduces the concepts of electromagnetic energy and how it is applied to create remotely sensed images. Digital image processing from all remote sensing platforms is investigated in how information is extracted from a single or multiple exposure(s). The topics include image acquisition, manipulation, rectification, enhancement, classification and emphasizing hands-on image processing.

Pre-requisites:

• COMM 238
• COMP 220
• MAPS 204 or MAPS 213

This course introduces the concepts of several surveying applications and their implementation in Geomatics. Topics will include sewers and storm water drainage systems, hydrographic surveying, subdivision surveys, well site surveys, seismic surveys, tunnel and mining surveys, inertial navigation systems, multi-sensor integration and data fusion for navigation and georeferencing of remotely sensed data.

This course introduces the law and practice of land surveying in Western Canada. Land ownership, land registration systems and the documents registered against parcels are studied to provide a basis for locating land, determining boundaries and identifying any land-use restrictions. The DLS/ATS survey system provides the foundation for subdivisions of both public and private lands. It determines the positions of boundaries and improvements in rural and undeveloped areas. Best practices for boundary determination are applied to subdivision and real property surveys in urban areas and to well site and right-of-way surveys in rural and undeveloped areas. In addition to studying artificial boundaries, the physical identification and legal context for natural boundaries are also explored.

Pre-requisites:

• SURV 248

Equivalents:

• SURV 371