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Overview

An introduction to the survey methods and analyses that require an understanding of geodetic principles. Includes angle, EDM and GPS measurements.

About this paper

Paper title Surveying Methods 2
Subject Surveying
EFTS 0.1334
Points 18 points
Teaching period 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 February 2027) (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) and (SURV 202 or SURV 212)
Pre or Corequisite
SURV 302 or SURV 312
Restriction
SURV 311
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility

A required paper for students undertaking the BSurv and BSc (Survey Measurement).
Suitable for students with a good understanding of fundamental survey methods and survey mathematics.

Contact

yong.chienzheng@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Lecturer: Dr Yong Chien Zheng, Dr Paul Denys
Demonstrators: Craig Tidey, Mike Denham, Dr Judy Rodda
Software Support: Kelly Gragg

Paper Structure

The paper covers the following topics:

  • GNSS observables and errors
  • GNSS models and techniques
  • Control survey methods and analysis
  • Terrestrial observations (horizontal and vertical angles, gyrotheodolite)
  • Land deformation in New Zealand
Teaching Arrangements

Lectures:  Three 1-hour lectures 

Practicals: One 5-hour practical - Monday 

Textbooks

Required:

  • Denys, P. H., (2024) Geodesy and GPS - Survey Methods 2, School of Surveying, University of Otago.

Recommended:

  • Uren and Price, Surveying for Engineers. 5th Edition, Palgrave Macmillian.Hofmann-Wellenhof, GPS Theory and Practice.
  • Leick, GPS Surveying. Wiley, New York.
  • Anderson and Mikhail, Surveying Theory and Practice. 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Understand geodetic angle and distance observations and reductions
  • Understand the GPS observables and errors
  • Understand GPS techniques and models
  • Develop an appreciation of geodesy applications for GNSS
  • Combine and analyse terrestrial and GNSS survey data and precision estimates using least squares estimation

Overview

An introduction to the survey methods and analyses that require an understanding of geodetic principles. Includes angle, EDM and GPS measurements.

About this paper

Paper title Surveying Methods 2
Subject Surveying
EFTS 0.1334
Points 18 points
Teaching period 1st Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 17 February 2028) (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) and (SURV 202 or SURV 212)
Pre or Corequisite
SURV 302 or SURV 312
Restriction
SURV 311
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility

A required paper for students undertaking the BSurv and BSc (Survey Measurement).
Suitable for students with a good understanding of fundamental survey methods and survey mathematics.

Contact

Dr Yong Chien Zheng

Teaching staff

Lecturers: Dr Yong Chien Zheng and Dr Paul Denys
Demonstrators: Craig Tidey, Mike Denham and Dr Judy Rodda
Software Support: Kelly Gragg

Paper Structure

The paper covers the following topics:

  • GNSS observables and errors
  • GNSS models and techniques
  • Control survey methods and analysis
  • Terrestrial observations (horizontal and vertical angles, gyrotheodolite)
  • Land deformation in New Zealand
Teaching Arrangements

Lectures: three 1-hour lectures 

Practicals: one 5-hour practical (Monday)

Textbooks

Required:

  • Denys, P. H. (2024). Geodesy and GPS-Survey Methods 2. School of Surveying, University of Otago.

Recommended:

  • Uren J. & Price, B. (2010). Surveying for Engineers (5th ed.). Palgrave Macmillian.
  • Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., Lichenegger, H., & Collins, J. (1992). Global Positioning System: Theory and Practice.
  • Leick, A. Rapoport, L., & Tatarnikov, D. (2015). GPS Satellite Surveying (4th ed.).
  • Anderson, J., & Mikhail, E. (1997). Surveying: Theory and Practice (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Understand geodetic angle and distance observations and reductions.
  • Understand the GPS observables and errors.
  • Understand GPS techniques and models.
  • Develop an appreciation of geodesy applications for GNSS.
  • Combine and analyse terrestrial and GNSS survey data and precision estimates using least squares estimation.
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