BYPE2200 Surveying and Statistics Course description

Surveying includes the collection, processing, analysis, storage, distribution and presentation of spatial position data. The course provides theoretical and practically oriented knowledge of selected fields of surveying.

Together with the other natural science subjects, the course in statistics lays a foundation for the engineering subjects. This course gives students an understanding of concepts in statistics and probability theory, problems and solution methods, with the focus on application in their own field and in the engineering field in general. Builds on courses from the first year of study.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• is capable of explaining the geodetic basis for specifying the height and coordinates of markers in the terrain, as well as the main principles of the theory of errors
• knows the principles behind GNSS, total stations and other surveying equipment
• knows the theory behind practical calculations in surveying
• is capable of explaining key concepts of set theory, probability theory, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing theory and choice of model
• is capable of explaining normal, binomial, Poisson and exponential probability distributions, as well as typical problems to which they can be applied

Skills

The student is capable of:

• calculating the heights and coordinates of markers in the terrain, and of calculating the area of plots and closed traverses
• calculating the area of plots of land
• using a total station and level telescope
• drawing cross- and longitudinal sections and carrying out mass calculations
• applying statistical principles and concepts from his/her own professional field
• carrying out basic probability calculations and parameter estimation
• setting up confidence intervals and testing hypotheses for normally and binomially distributed data
• carrying out simple correlation/regression analyses

General competence

The student:

• understands and is capable of using geographic information for planning, execution and control of building activities using digital equipment such as a total station and GPS, and of using relevant software to interpret the results. The student is capable of using manual calculations to check the results.
• uses statistical approaches to engineering problems and communicates them orally and in writing
• is capable of solving problems in engineering by using probability calculations, statistical planning of trials, data collection and analysis

Lectures and weekly exercise sessions. In the exercise sessions, the students work on assignments, both individually and in groups, under the supervision of a lecturer and/or student assistant (a coursework requirement).

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

• 2 exercises in the field, including reports
• 5 assignments for submission, 10-20 pages

Individual written exam, 3 hours

The exam results can be appealed.

Aids enclosed with the exam question paper, printed and written aids and a handheld calculator that cannot be used for wireless communication or to perform symbolic calculations. If the calculator’s internal memory can store data, the memory must be deleted before the exam. Random checks may be carried out.

Grade scale A-F.

Two internal examiner that examine 50% each. External examiners are used regularly.

Christian Nordahl Rolfsen