Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Spatial positioning of objects, features and boundaries is a standard surveying and mapping activity and involves computation. Accordingly, it is essential that students become efficient in surveying computations in order to be able to operate effectively in the workplace. This unit provides grounding in plane surveying computations so that you can carry out basic surveying activities. It also provides the foundation for subsequent, more advanced surveying units that the students undertake in later years of the course.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to computations on plane and curved surfaces.

Objectives

By completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following discipline specific capabilities at intermediate level:
1. Use a programmable scientific calculator for computations.
2. Carry out traverse, intersection, resection, plane transformation and horizontal curve computations.
3. Understand the elements of spherical trigonometry, take astronomical observations and compute directions on the surface of the Earth.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and characteristics of the common map projections used in surveying.

Content

• Calculator programming principles: variables; expressions; loops; conditional statements; arrays; error traps
  
• Direct solutions: determination of traverse misclosure; angular adjustment; coordinate adjustment; application of weights
  
• Indirect solutions: intersections by angles, bearings and distances; 3-point resection by directions; plane conformal transformation of coordinates
  
• Horizontal curve calculations: circular and transition curves; missing parameters; setout of intermediate points on the curve
  
• Introduction to spherical trigonometry: definition of sphere; circles on sphere; spherical excess; geographic coordinates; celestial sphere; equatorial coordinates; horizon coordinates
  
• Azimuth determination by astronomical observations: solar and stellar observations; hour-angle method; altitude method
  
• Introduction to map projections: plane, cylindrical and conical projections; Mercator and Transverse Mercator projections.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: Hours per week:
Lecture: 2
Tutorial: 2

Learning Approaches:
Lectures will be example based with references to relevant surveying contexts and applications. There will be an emphasis on problem solving learning process with opportunities for formative feedback.

Assessment

The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in section 5.1.1 Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP).Formative feedback will be offered during the semester at key times to assist you with your assignments.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Survey Calculation Tasks

Multiple-part submission of written calculations based on observations involving traverses, resections, intersections, plane transformations and horizontal curve set-out
Relates to objectives: 1. Use a programmable scientific calculator for computations in this unit.
2. Carry out traverse, intersection, resection, plane transformation and horizontal curve computations.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 7

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Azimuth Determination by Astronomical Observation

Observations are recorded to terrestrial and astronomical targets and reduced to determine the azimuth between points on the surface of the earth.
Relates to objectives: 3. Understand the elements of spherical trigonometry, take astronomical observations and compute directions on the surface of the Earth.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 13

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Students will solve problems and demonstrate calculation skills related to foundation survey computations covered during the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1. Use a programmable scientific calculator for computations.
2. Carry out traverse, intersection, resection, plane transformation and horizontal curve computations.
3. Understand the elements of spherical trigonometry, take astronomical observations and compute directions on the surface of the Earth.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and characteristics of the common map projections used in surveying.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: END OF SEMESTER

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text
There is no set text for this unit.

References
References will be given as required.

Journals
There are no set journals for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in traditional classrooms and computer laboratories. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

Additional Costs
You are required to have access to an advanced programmable scientific calculator to undertake this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012