Aims

The aims of this module are to introduce students to the coordinate systems used in surveying, GIS and remote sensing, present the main geodetic datums used worldwide and in the UK and illustrate how to represent the curved surface of the Earth onto a plane using various types of projections

Outline Of Syllabus

Coordinate systems (geographic, geodetic and Cartesian)
Computations on the sphere and the ellipsoid
Principles and classification of map projections
Scale factor and Tissot’s indicatrix
Cylindrical map projections
Azimuthal map projections
Conic and other map projections
Computations within map projections
Geodetic datums and coordinate transformations
Height systems and vertical datums
Datums and coordinate systems in the British Isles

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge is primarily imparted via lectures, augmented by practical sessions that help students develop the intended practical skills using appropriate software applications. Various examples and case studies are presented in lectures to illustrate theoretical concepts. Ample time is allocated to independent study, which includes background reading and the revision of lecture notes.



Should the public health situation require, all present-in-person sessions will be delivered as synchronous online sessions. If necessary, the end-of-semester summative examination will be converted to a 24-hour take home examination delivered via the Canvas learning management system.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The three practical write-ups demonstrate the ability of students to work with different map projections in common usage and to undertake various operations with coordinates. The off campus examination assesses the knowledge of lecture materials, as well as the ability to synthesise information and to apply theoretical concepts into practice.