38/42:477/677 Seminar in Applied Geomatics Techniques

Instructor: Dr. Dion J. Wiseman
Office: Brodie Room 4-07
Office Hours: M-Th,  12-1 pm or by appointment
Phone: 727-9774
Email: wiseman@brandonu.ca

Course Description

This course is designed to familiarize students with practical applications of geomatics technologies. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global navigation surveys systems for proprietary data collection and the application of data processing and analysis techniques for building and managing geospatial databases and conducting relevant geospatial analysis. The course will include a series of practical, field-based assignments in the use of state of the art survey equipment (e.g. TS, GPS and RTK surveys) and planning, executing, and processing multispectral drone imagery for site mapping, land cover classification, and terrain modelling.

Students completing this course for graduate credit in the MELS program will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of autonomy and greater depth of understanding through the completion of a literature review, annotated bibliography, and/or technical report and by presenting and/or leading classroom discussions.

Grading Scheme 

Assignments 38/42:477 38/42:677 Letter Grade
Quiz 1 15% 10% > 90% A+ 70-72% B-
Quiz 2 20% 15% 85-89% A 67-69% C+
Practicals 50% 40% 80-84% A- 63-66% C
Quiz 3 15% 10% 77-79% B+ 60-62% C-
Anno. Bib./Tech Report – 25% 73-76% B 50-59% D
Total 100% 100% < 50% F

Tentative Course Outline

Lecture Topics 

    1. Introduction to Geomatics and IGIS
      • Definition of Geomatics Technologies
      • What is an IGIS
      • Models of Integration
    1. GNSS and GPS Survey Design
      • Components of GNSS
      • Survey Planning
      • Data Collection
      • Post Processing
    1. Total Station Survey Design
      • Theory and Principles
      • Station Setup and Data Collection
      • Post-processing

    Quiz 1 (Date TBD)

    1. Introduction to UAVs
      • Types, applications, platforms, sensors
    1. Transport Canada Regulations
    1. Ground School
      • Flight planning,
      • Modes of operation
      • Camera control
      • Failsafes
    1. Image Acquisition and Analysis
      • Flight control
      • Terrain Modelling
      • Orthorectification
      • Image Classification

    Quiz 2 (Date TBD)

    Practical Assignments

    Students will be required to complete five compulsory practical assignments and either a series of self-directed practicals or a project.

    Practical Assignments

    1. RTK GPS Survey Design and Mgmt.
    2. RTK PPP Base Station Correction
    3. Total Station Survey Design and Mgmt.
    4. UAV Ground School, Mission Planning
    5. UAV Flight School, Image Acquisition
    6. Terrain Modelling and Orthorectification

    Note: The above involve at least some outdoor activities so are weather dependent. Last-minute scheduling changes are to be expected.

    ESRI Virtual Campus Courses

    1. Introduction to Image Classification
    2. Unsupervised, Pixel-Based Classification
    3. Supervised, Pixel-Based Classification
    4. Supervised, Object-Based Classification

    Quiz 3 (Date TBD)

    No Final

    Acceptable Use of Online Resources

    The most useful resources to you for this course will be the handouts provided in class, the lecture notes provided to you, and your own notes taken during class. Online resources, including AI (e.g. ChatGPT), may be used to look up terms and definitions or acquire additional information about key concepts discussed throughout the course, but should not be used when completing quizzes, exams, or other assignments.  Online resources may be used as a resource for researching optional extra credit assignments, provided that any information obtained is properly referenced, and they are not used to generate content that is presented as your own.

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