Applied Geodesy

Specialized GmE Courses for Applied Geodesy

Geodesy

Geodesy or geodetic surveying is the theory and practice of determining the position of points on the earth’s surface and the dimensions of large areas so that the curvature of the earth must be taken into account. It is distinguished from plane surveying, the operations of which are executed without regard to the earth’s curvature. Geodesy uses spaceborne and airborne remotely sensed, and ground-based measurements to study the shape and size of the Earth, and their changes; to precisely determine position and velocity of points or objects at the surface or orbiting the planet, and to apply these knowledge to a variety of scientific and engineering applications, using mathematics, physics, astronomy, and computer science. In recent years, Geodesy has undergone technological and theoretical changes with the advent of artificial earth satellites and satellite-based global positioning systems that have come into wide use as geodetic instruments. The accuracy of satellite geodetic data has improved to sub-centimeter levels. This bodes well with the application of geodetic data to the solution of problems in solid earth, oceanic and atmospheric sciences.

Applied Geodesy as a Specialization

specially intended for those who will be involved in determining and registering the exact geographic positions, in studying processes and changes of areas and points on the earth’s surface. They are people whose organizations are concerned with the production and use of precision referencing and map making, large infrastructure designs, environmental science, and geosciences. Upon completing the degree requirements, their skills in doing research and development in the field of geodesy and associated disciplines will be improved. Specifically, these include:

Understanding of the underlying principles in accurately determining the positions of points on the earth’s surface through satellite-based positioning systems and ground-based techniques
Competence in designing survey methods and approaches in order to provide an efficient method for establishing geodetic control systems
Capability in designing and carrying out research and development projects in various aspects of geodesy
Confidence in communicating and transferring knowledge about geodesy to others

Specialized GmE Courses for Applied Geodesy

GmE 241: Mathematical Geodesy and Adjustments of Geodetic Observations

Review of Least Squares Adjustments; Network deformation and analysis; Theory of Elasticity; Least-squares Collocation; Non-linear Adjustments; Datum Transformation Techniques; Ring Theory and Polynomial Theory as applied to problems in Geodesy. Prereq: COI. 5 h (2 lec, 3 lab). 3 u.

GmE 242: Satellite Positioning, Signal Processing and Numerical Methods

Space-based positioning systems (such as GPS) are used in conjunction with sophisticated mathematical modelling to solve the problems of determining 3-D position on and near the surface of the earth. Static and kinematic positioning with the Global Positioning System (GPS). Inertial positioning; VLBI positioning; satellite laser ranging. Horizontal, vertical and three-dimensional networks; pre-analysis and post-analysis; theory of heights; gravimetry; global and local geoid determination; astrogeodetic, gravimetric and combined methods; leveling by GPS and the geoid. Introduction to signal processing, time series analysis and FFT techniques. Kalman filtering. Prereq: GmE 211, GmE 241. 5 h (2 lec, 3 lab). 3 u.

GmE 243: Satellite-Based Positioning Systems (SBPS) Technology Development

SBPS receiver-software interface development; GPS functional library; GPS data platform and processing core; Concept of precise kinematic positioning and flight-State monitoring; precision estimation and comparisons. Applications of GPS Theory and Algorithms. 7 h (1 lec, 6 lab). 3 u.

GE 152: Reference Systems and Reference Frames (back subject)

Different kinds of reference systems and reference frames; geometry of the reference ellipsoid; computation of geodetic positions; coordinate transformation and map projections; International Terrestrial Reference Frames (ITRF); the Philippine Reference System (PRS). Prereq: GE 122, GE 151. 6 h (3 lec, 3 lab). 4 u.

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