An introduction to field astronomy and geodesy including height systems, precise levelling gravity and geodetic datums. Advanced methods of analysing surveying data including error ellipses, automated network adjustment, and network analysis.
This paper gives students a basic understanding of field astronomy, geodetic reference systems and least square techniques. Understanding of these techniques is essential for anyone who plans a career in surveying.
| Paper title | Geodetic Reference Systems and Network Analysis |
|---|---|
| Paper code | SURV302 |
| Subject | Surveying |
| EFTS | 0.1334 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,173.39 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- SURV 202 or SURV 212
- Restriction
- SURV 312
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- robert.odolinski@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Dr Robert Odolinski and Dr David Goodwin
- Paper Structure
This paper covers three key themes:
- Field astronomy
- Geodesy, physical geodesy and gravity
- Least squares analysis
Topics covered include:
Spherical Astronomy
- Review of spherical trigonometry
- Astronomical coordinate systems
- Time
- Observational corrections
- Azimuth by altitudes and hour angles
- Practical determination of azimuth
Introduction to Geodesy, physical geodesy and gravity
- The ellipsoid and its representation
- Geodetic datums
- Gravity field of the Earth
- Height systems
- Height determination
Least Squares Analysis
- Review of the derivation
- Error propagation
- Error analysis
- Single-variable, post-adjustment statistical tests
- Multi-variable, post-adjustment analysis
- Error ellipsoids
- Relative error ellipses
- Network realisation, pre-analysis and design
- Use of SNAP
- Network design and control specifications
- Teaching Arrangements
- 48 Lectures: 4 per week for 12 weeks.
- Textbooks
- Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship,
Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to determine azimuth from time and altitude observations to the sun and stars, knowing how to undertake star predictions and where to find the necessary information. They will then be able to use spherical trigonometry to solve the requisite astronomical problem
- Students will understand geodetic reference systems used in New Zealand and globally
- Students will understand and be able to apply the basic concepts of geometric and physical geodesy
- Students will understand the different height systems that exist and methods of height determination. They will also understand how to calculate and apply any height corrections that might be needed
- Students will know the appropriate post-survey statistical tests to apply to an adjusted network so as to identify observational errors and be able to apply error estimates for derived parameters. This will include the use of error ellipses and error ellipsoids
- Students will be able to use the SNAP software to undertake basic least squares positioning problems. They will also be able to use the software to undertake network pre- and post-survey analysis
