Course

V06G_25- The Role of Engineers and Surveyors in Geographic Information Systems

Self-paced
0.6 credits

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Full course description

This course should be of interest to those who practice surveying but also those who work in the civil engineering field, including county engineers, city engineers, public works officials, transportation engineers, DOT personnel, federal employees, contractors and consultants. The first part of this course looks at the terminology and definitions of a Geographic Information System (GIS). The process of how to design a system, and how to capture information from both existing records and new spatial data is covered. The course contains a short overview of the most popular software and hardware. The second part of this course deals with the planning, design, implementation and uses of a GIS. The map projection and coordinate systems used to design a system will be identified. Topics addressed include data capture for the base mapping, aerial mapping, digital orthophotos, remote sensing, and GPS equipment. All the latest photo capture equipment such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and digital aerial cameras will be described. The third part of the seminar will deal with the National Spatial Reference System/Readjustment of North American Datum (NAD) 83. You can stand on the sidelines or you can get involved in this technology, the choice is yours.

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Define key terminology and concepts related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS.
  2. Explain the process of designing a GIS, including the capture of information from existing records and new spatial data.
  3. Identify the most popular software and hardware used in GIS applications, and understand their roles in system design and data management.
  4. Analyze the planning, design, and implementation processes of a GIS, including the use of map projections, coordinate systems, and various data capture techniques such as aerial mapping, digital orthophotos, remote sensing, and GPS equipment.
  5. Evaluate the significance of the National Spatial Reference System and the Readjustment of North American Datum (NAD) 83, and discuss the latest advancements in photo capture technology, including Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and digital aerial cameras.