Advanced Surveying and Remote Sensing Techniques - 2025 entry

A highly practical module designed to give you advanced knowledge and surveying skills, building on from the basics covered in CSMM134.

The course covers advanced techniques such as geodesy and GPS and some specialized surveying methodologies such as photogrammetry, laser scanning, machine control and the use of gyro-theodolites.

The course is integrated with practicals on state-of-the-art surveying instruments and software. The application of surveying in underground environments is a critical aspect covering methodologies, error control and mitigation. This has direct relevance to large mining and civil projects. Excavation techniques will also be covered in lectures to provide context and need for accurate surveys.

The module has been developed alongside advancements in the geospatial industry with tailored content on photogrammetry techniques from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and terrestrial platforms. In addition, laser scanning techniques are covered in detail both from a mobile and terrestrial basis. The methodologies and processing will be covered in lectures and developed using practical sessions.  

The module is rounded off with a comprehensive survey so you can apply allthe knowledge acquired  over the whole course in a practical assessment.

The module aims to develop your skills in advanced surveying techniques (using instruments and associated computational packages).

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

• Elevation control by the method of precise levelling;
• Determination of the three main EDM errors and their associated accuracies and examining their effect on short and long distance measurement;
• Statistical analysis and rejection theory as applied to surveying data, to determine the quality of observed data;
• GPS - principles, limitations, use, practical training, plotting of results;
• Positional control and determination using both intersection and resection, with particular reference to "Tienstra's" formula for position determination using resection;
• Geodesy - principles and application to orientation / location of local grid systems;
• Determination of true north, using gyrotheodolites;
• Laser scanning – principles and applications;
• Feasibility study exercise: 3 to 5 day field course to a selected site, to conduct complete survey of site to generate a geometric digital twin (using all survey methods to control and detail), set out a new facility and undertake environmental assessment.

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Basic reading:

Reading list for this module: