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What is Surveying?

Surveying is the study of precise locations and vertical heights on the surface of the earth and seabed.

There are many facets to the field of surveying and many applications that are used in everyday work. All land boundaries, both existing and new areas of land that are created through redefinition or sub-division, are surveyed and recorded along with title and ownership information.

Surveying is used in hydrographic applications where the coastline and seafloor are surveyed and mapped. Surveyors in Geodesy measure, very precisely, the shape of the surface of the earth so that minor and major adjustments (through earthquakes for example) can be assessed.

Surveying also involves computer mapping using geographic information systems and satellite remote sensing.

Surveying allows students to pursue indoor and outdoor study, where one of our classrooms is the great outdoors.

For this elective, students will be introduced to state of the art survey equipment that allows them to find 'their place in the world' in coordinates. In addition, students will be introduced to the use of Computer Aided Design and Geographic Information Systems that allow various land features, such as aspect and slope to be quantified.

More information about Surveying at Otago

Study Surveying

School of Surveying, Te Kura Kairūri

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