Course Syllabus
Course: ENGR 2240
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Computer Science & Engineering
Title: Surveying and Global Positioning
Semester Approved: Fall 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
End Semester: Spring 2026
Catalog Description: This course introduces students to the use of surveying field equipment such as an auto-level, total station, and positioning equipment using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Using the equipment, students learn and practice the processes to measure and compute a surface, to establish and correct control positions, to quantify surface volumes, and to layout designed alignments and positions. Students will be introduced to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and will learn to create maps using GIS software.
Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 1060 or high school trigonometry
Justification: This course is part of the Pre-Engineering Associates Degree and is commonly taken by students pursuing Civil, Environmental, or Construction Engineering, or Construction Management. The course is most similar to CEE 2240 at Utah State University and MG EN 2400 at the University of Utah.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will know how to properly set up, collect data, and stake positions using basic surveying equipment including a level, a total station, and a GNSS positioning unit. Students will demonstrate this through lab exercises and field projects.
Students will be able to use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software to create maps and three-dimensional conceptual models of terrain. Students will demonstrate this through lab exercises and field projects.
Students will be able to use field data to correct and compute vertical and horizontal control surveys, vertical and horizontal curves, and cut and fill volumes. Students will be able to interpret land description documents and topographic maps. Students will demonstrate this through homework exercises, exams, and lab exercises and field projects.
Content:
This course includes several laboratory projects where students will work together in small groups. The course will teach students from diverse backgrounds methods to work together successfully. The following topics will be covered in this course:
• Surveying geometry
• Horizontal and vertical distance measurement and correction.
• Establishment of horizontal and vertical controls
• Horizontal and vertical angular measurement and correction
• Property surveys and descriptions
• Topographic surveys
• Design of horizontal and vertical highway curves
• Quantifying earthwork volumes and cut and fill designs
• Geographic information systems and associated datums, projections, and coordinate systems
• Proper use of an auto-level, total station, and positioning systems using GNSS.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed through homework assignments, midterm exams, lab exercises and field projects, and a comprehensive final.
Regular homework assignments 15 to 30%
Midterm exams 10 to 30%
Laboratory exercises and field projects 20 to 50%
Comprehensive final exam 20 to 40%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Ghilani, Charles D. Elementary Surverying: An Introduction to Geomatics. Pearson Publishing. Current Edition.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be delivered through lecture, hands-on laboratory activities, and small group discussion and practice. Instruction will regularly assess students familiarity with terms and historical practices to better understand the context and methods used in practice today. Lectures, assignment details, and in class examples will be communicated through some combination of verbal, written, and, drawn instruction to offer a variety of communication modalities to facilitate an inclusive and diverse classroom.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 18
Optimum Class Size: 12
