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Overview

An introduction to the mathematical methods used in spatial positioning and analysis. Includes concepts of measurement, least squares analysis using observation equations, transformations, spherical trigonometry and map projections.

About this paper

Paper title Surveying Mathematics
Subject Surveying
EFTS 0.1334
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,355.21
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
SURV 201 or SURV 211
Pre or Corequisite
MATH 130
Restriction
SURV 212
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility

Suitable for students with a good understanding of fundamental surveying methods and techniques.
Requires an understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts.

Contact
paul.denys@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff
Lecturer: Dr Paul Denys
Paper Structure

The paper covers the following topics:

  • Survey measurement and spatial analysis
  • Statistical testing
  • Least squares analysis using linear observation equations
  • Least squares analysis using non-linear observation equations
  • Spherical trigonometry
Teaching Arrangements

Lectures: Four 1-hour lectures 

Tutorials: Two 1-hour tutorials 

Textbooks

Required:

  • Denys, P. H. (2024), Computational Models for Surveying Applications

Recommended:

  • Cooper, M.A.R. Fundamentals of Survey Measurement and Analysis (Granada Publishing)
  • Anderson and Mikhail, (1998). Surveying Theory and Practice (7th Edition)
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

The goals of the paper are

  • To apply basic mathematical and statistical procedures to spatial measurement and analysis problems
  • To understand measurement errors, their sources and error propagation of a set of linear or non-linear functions
  • To establish an appropriate statistical hypothesis for a surveying-related problem and test it using the appropriate statistical distribution
  • To formulate simple observation equations, as might be needed to solve surveying applications
  • To apply non-linear least squares analysis techniques to problems in surveying practice
  • To use spherical trigonometry to be able to solve practical navigation problems

Overview

An introduction to the mathematical methods used in spatial positioning and analysis. Includes concepts of measurement, least squares analysis using observation equations, transformations, spherical trigonometry and map projections.

About this paper

Paper title Surveying Mathematics
Subject Surveying
EFTS 0.1334
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
SURV 201 or SURV 211
Pre or Corequisite
MATH 130
Restriction
SURV 212
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility

Suitable for students with a good understanding of fundamental surveying methods and techniques. Requires an understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts.

Contact
paul.denys@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff
Lecturer: Dr Paul Denys
Paper Structure

The paper covers the following topics:

  • Survey measurement and spatial analysis
  • Statistical testing
  • Least squares analysis using linear observation equations
  • Least squares analysis using non-linear observation equations
  • Spherical trigonometry
Teaching Arrangements

This paper comprises:

  • Lectures: Four 1-hour lectures 
  • Tutorials: Two 1-hour tutorials 
Textbooks

Required:

  • Denys, P. H. (2024), Computational Models for Surveying Applications.

Recommended:

  • Cooper, M.A.R. Fundamentals of Survey Measurement and Analysis (Granada Publishing).
  • Anderson and Mikhail, (1998). Surveying Theory and Practice (7th Edition).
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

The goals of the paper are

  • To apply basic mathematical and statistical procedures to spatial measurement and analysis problems
  • To understand measurement errors, their sources and error propagation of a set of linear or non-linear functions
  • To establish an appropriate statistical hypothesis for a surveying-related problem and test it using the appropriate statistical distribution
  • To formulate simple observation equations, as might be needed to solve surveying applications
  • To apply non-linear least squares analysis techniques to problems in surveying practice
  • To use spherical trigonometry to be able to solve practical navigation problems
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