Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is used extensively in many aspects of spatial positioning, and is a core measuring technique used by surveyors. The use of GPS relies on an understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of geodesy and satellite geodesy. The unit is offered in fourth year extending the knowledge base developed from geodesy and control survey and analysis.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide an intermediate level understanding of concepts, principles and algorithms of GPS and its data processing techniques and software. This unit also provides opportunities to gain practical skills in using real-time GPS technology for a range of geomatic engineering purposes including applied project management for surveying practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Describe the fundamental principles of the various segments that construct the real-time surveying systems using global positioning system technology including an advanced knowledge of GPS instruments technologies, signal and measurement characteristics.
2. Communicate results of applied measurement activity through written technical reports and presentation skills dealing with four-dimensional spatial data.
3. Use creative and analytical thinking to determine suitable methods to critically evaluate research information from a variety of sources.
4. Apply concepts of project management in a survey practice environment.

Content

This unit covers the following topics:

• Real Time GPS techniques and positioning accuracy.


• Advanced GPS positioning models and algorithms.


• National best practice guidelines applicable to surveying with GPS technology


• Advanced measurement applications in the broad field of geomatics including exposure to the latest technologies used in industry


• Introductory concepts of project management principles and application to survey practice environments.


• Field Practicals: Project planning evaluation, Real Time GPS for Photogrammetric ground control, antenna calibration, comparisons to national standards of length measurement, RTK-GPS topographic surveying.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures are used to address specific topics and provide context for your thinking and reflection on the key content areas. In a series of field practical sessions, you will have the opportunity to practice selected survey measurement skills, discuss the application of concepts/principles presented during lectures, share experiences and discuss with peers issues related to survey practice environments. The on-line resources for this unit support your learning through the use of examples, case study applications and exercises.
Teaching Mode: 5 hours per week
Lecture: 2 Tutorial/Practical: 3

Assessment

The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in section 5.1.1 Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP).You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and studio-based discussions through the semester.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: A collection of exercises, tutorials and outcomes from the off-campus fieldwork activity. This will include outcomes from specialist software including constrained least squares adjustment solution and comparisons to the Australian Fiducial Network.
Relates to objectives: 1. Describe the fundamental principles of the various segments that construct the real-time surveying systems using global positioning system technology including an advanced knowledge of GPS instruments technologies, signal and measurement characteristics.
2. Communicate results of applied measurement activity through written technical reports and presentation skills dealing with four-dimensional spatial data
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 13

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Project management for GPS survey practice
Project management for GPS survey practiceProject management for GPS survey practice Demonstrated use of project management software for the control and resourcing of a GPS coordination project in a survey practice environment.
Relates to objectives: 4 Apply concepts of project management in a survey practice environment.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 6

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: You will be required to submit a research paper summarizing a particular topic relating to four-dimensional spatial data. A brief oral presentation with supporting visual aids to be undertaken in- class.
Relates to objectives: 2. Communicate results of applied measurement activity through written technical reports and presentation skills dealing with four-dimensional spatial data.
3. Use creative and analytical thinking to determine suitable methods to critically evaluate research information from a variety of sources.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 9

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

There are no set texts for this unit.
Reference materials:
Standards and Practice for Control Surveys (SP1), Published by Inter Governmental Committee for Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) Australia.
Hofmann-Wellenhof, Lichton, Collins (2001), Global Positioning System: Theory and Practice. New York, Springer-Verlag.
Hofmann-Wellenhof (2006), Physical Geodesy. New York , Springer.
Torge (2001) Geodesy. New York, W de Gruyter.
Gunter (2003) Satellite Geodesy. New York, W de Gruyter
Haynes (1992) Project Management Kit. California, Crisp Publications
Other Resources:
A number of electronic resources (examples and case studies) and software application manuals will be available through the on-line leaning environment.

Risk assessment statement

This unit requires off campus site visits. All students are therefore required to obtain construction safety induction session (blue card/white card) training. This course is provided by QUT in the first few weeks of semester. Students who do not possess an induction card will not be permitted to attend site visits. A risk assessment for the field practical sessions has identified several low impact risks including travel, slips and trips, and sun exposure. You will be provided with an on-site safety briefing prior to survey field work. Students in this unit will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. Covered footwear is required in survey measurement laboratory and mapping sciences laboratory.

Additional Costs
There are no additional costs associated with 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