Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit builds upon the Control Surveying and Analysis subject and further extends your understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of physical geodesy and satellite geodesy including the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and its geodetic surveying applications.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a range of skills in qualitative and quantitative methods applicable to geodesy and the broader spatial science industry.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of geodesy and precision time, including physical geodesy and satellite geodesy in the context of surveying and navigation applications;

2. Describe the gravity field of the earth and related techniques for measurement and its influence on global elevation datum models;

3. Demonstrate competency of the principles and algorithms of geodetic GPS surveying, related software processing techniques and Australian best practice guidelines for control surveying.

Content

Theory: Concept and classification of geodesy, the basic concepts of the earth's gravity field, measurement techniques fro gravity, level surfaces, heights, geoids, mean sea level, deflections of the vertical etc., fundamentals of satellite geodesy, reference coordinate systems, horology and precision timing, Kepler's motion, perturbed motions; GPS operation and navigation messages, GPS observables and error budget, differencing techniques, GPS positioning models and algorithms, software. GPS field observing, various GPS applications in geomatics.

Practical skills for GPS field observing and mission planning considering best practice guidelines for survey control networks in Australia;

Generalised Least Squares approach for the adjustment of Geodetic horizontal and vertical networks; Importance of precise time to navigation and precision surveying applications;

Geodetic calculations skills applicable to geocentric datums and international terrestrial reference.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: 5 Hours per week
Lecture: 2
Tutorial/practical: 3

You will explore the theoretical concepts that underpin the geodesy studies in this unit through lectures, and develop key skills through real-world practical projects. A series of structured lectures addressing issues specific to geodesy, horology and theory, supported by computer software demonstrations, will encourage student participation and interaction. This unit will also include supervised practical exercises in an off-campus environment. The online learning and teaching environment (Blackboard), will contain a number of related reading programs in support of the theory and practice relating to this unit. You will achieve full learning by doing exercises, exploring examples, and referring to reference material as required. A range of tutorial exercises will be provided for you to develop an understanding of the subject matter, and to enable you to learn techniques, skills and applications.

Assessment

QUT's Assessment Policy is located at MOPP C/5.1.You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions through the semester. You will receive written formative feedback on the assignment and GPS Project report.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: You will be required to individually report on the processes and outcomes from a geodetic mission planning exercise and horology related topic.
Relates to objectives: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of geodesy and precision time, including physical geodesy and satellite geodesy in the context of surveying and navigation applications.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Report
Description: GPS Project - you will be required to complete and report on a GPS positioning project that meets Australian best practice guidelines for survey control networks. Group field-work data collection but individual post-processing, preparation of professional plans and reporting with submission.
Relates to objectives: 3. Demonstrate competency of the principles and algorithms of geodetic GPS surveying, related software processing techniques and Australian best practice guidelines for control surveying.
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Theory Test
Relates to objectives: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of geodesy and precision time, including physical geodesy and satellite geodesy in the context of surveying and navigation applications;
2. Describe the gravity field of the earth and related techniques for measurement and its influence on global elevation datum models
Weight: 25%
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

Recommended text: GPS for Land Surveyors 3rd Edition
Author: Van Sickle
Publisher: CRC press

Risk assessment statement

This unit will involve you in individual and instructor-led site visits. You must have attained a construction safety induction white card prior to the practical sessions. The Faculty provides a safety induction course in the early weeks of semester. This safety induction session introduces you to the relevant workplace health and safety requirements of Queensland construction sites.

A risk assessment for the field practices has identified several low impact risks including travel, slips and trips, sun exposure and working on road reserves. You will be provided with an on-site safety briefing prior to survey fieldwork.

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: 06-Feb-2013