Mathematics of Spatial Information

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

200 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

AIMS

In this subject students will learn about the range of computational techniques applicable to problems commonly arising in surveying and spatial information. This subject applies the mathematical and computational knowledge acquired in COMP20005 Engineering Computation; MAST10007 Linear Algebra (or its equivalent). The content of this subject is relevant to GEOM90033 Satellite Positioning Systems, and GEOM90039 Advanced Surveying and Mapping. The subject is of particular relevance to students wishing to establish a career in surveying engineering, mining, mapping, or spatial information in general, and is also relevant to a range of civil engineering disciplines where the capture and processing of spatial or survey measurements to meet a specific performance specification should be considered.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Least squares adjustment, survey measurement errors, survey network design and adjustment, coordinate systems, geodetic datum, datum transformations.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Define parameters of an ellipsoid as a mathematical representation of the Earth’s surface and use it for computations relevant to surveying, mapping, navigation and geodesy
2. Manipulate coordinates on the basis of understanding the concepts of datums, coordinate systems and map projections
3. Use vector theory to solve fundamental problems associated with practice in surveying and spatial information
4. Apply least square theory appropriately to solve simple adjustment and estimation problems in spatial science.

• 10 x written assignments (30%) each of approximately 100 words, completed weekly, approximately 40 hours of work. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 4 are addressed in these assignments
• Major Assignment (20%) approximately 1000 words, due end of semester, approximately 30 hours of work is required for this major assignment. ILOs 1 to 4 are addressed in this assignment
• 1-hour class test (10%) around mid-semester, approximately 500 words. ILOs 1 and 2 are addressed in this test
• 4 x in-class immediate feedback and assessment tests (40%), every three weeks. ILOs 1 to 4 are addressed in these tests

TBA

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
• Understanding of social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development
• Capacity for creativity and innovation
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
• Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The subject is based principally on presentations by experienced industry professionals who present case studies in their area of expertise. Computer laboratory exercises are used reinforce the theory as well as to showcase the practical application of this material.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

Lecture materials and notes will be provided via the LMS.

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

Presenters from the private land surveying industry will provide students with the material for this subject. Real world case studies will demonstrate the applicability of this material across the broader surveying and spatial industry.