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Course Syllabus

ENGR 2240 Surveying and Global Positioning

  • Division: Natural Science and Math
  • Department: Computer Science & Engineering
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 3
  • Prerequisites: MATH 1060 or high school trigonometry
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2020
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
  • End Semester: Spring 2026
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 18

Course 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Students will be able to use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software to create maps and three-dimensional conceptual models of terrain.
  3. 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.

Course Content

This course includes several laboratory projects where students will work together in small groups. The course will teach students from various 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.