Geomatics Technology A.A.S.

Geomatics Technology
Program Code: A40420

Geomatics Technology A.A.S.

The Geomatics Technology curriculum prepares students to use mathematical and scientific principles for the delineation, determination, and planning of land tracts, boundaries, contours, and features by applying principles of route and construction surveying, photogrammetry, mapping, global positioning systems, geographical information systems, and other kinds of property description and measurement to create related maps, charts, and reports.

Course work includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photo interpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.

Graduates should qualify for jobs as survey party chief, instrument person, surveying technician, highway surveyor, mapper, GPS technician, and CAD operator. Graduates will be prepared to pursue the requirements necessary to become a Professional Land Surveyor and will also be able to transfer and complete a four-year degree in the field.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of "C" or better: CEG, CIV, DFT, EGR, MAT, and SRV

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces the methods and techniques used in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) professions. Emphasis is placed on data collection and mapping using GIS software. Upon completion, students should be able to use GNSS technologies to collect field data and create GIS maps.

This course introduces basic skills, sustainability concepts and career fields for technicians. Topics include career options, technical vocabulary, dimensional analysis, measurement systems, engineering graphics, professional ethics, and related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify drawing elements and create sketches, perform basic engineering computations and identify measures of sustainable development.

This course introduces general topics relevant to engineering technology. Skills developed include goal setting and career assessment, professional ethics, critical thinking and problem solving, using college resources for study and research, and using tools for engineering computations. Upon completion, students should be able to choose a career option in engineering technology and utilize college resources to meet their educational goals.

This course introduces personal computer software and teaches students how to customize the software for technical applications. Emphasis is placed on the use of common office applications software such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics and Internet access. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in using applications software to solve technical problems and communicate the end results in text and graphical formats.

This course provides an integrated approach to technology and the skills required to manipulate, display, and interpret mathematical functions and formulas used in problem-solving. Topics include basic geometric and proportion applications; simplification, evaluation, and solving of algebraic and radical functions; complex numbers; right triangle trigonometry; and systems of equations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use mathematics and technology for problem-solving, analyzing and communicating results.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces CAD software as a drawing tool. Topics include drawing, editing, file management, and plotting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a CAD drawing.

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course extends the concepts covered in MAT-121 to include additional topics in algebra, function analysis, and trigonometry. Topics include exponential and logarithmic functions, transformations of functions, Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, vectors, and statistics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use mathematics and technology for problem-solving, analyzing and communicating results.

This course introduces the theory and practice of plane surveying. Topics include the precise measurement of distances, angles, and elevations; bearing, azimuth and traverse computations; topography and mapping. Upon completion, students should be able to use/care for surveying equipment, collect field survey data, perform traverse computations and create a contour map.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces basic engineering principles and characteristics of hydrology, erosion and sediment control. Topics include stormwater runoff, gravity pipe flow, open channel flow, low impact development (LID), erosion control devices and practices. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and design gravitational drainage structures, identify LID and erosion control elements, and prepare a stormwater drainage plan.

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course introduces route surveying and roadway planning and layout. Topics include simple, compound, reverse, spiral, and vertical curves; geometric design and layout; planning of cross-section and grade line; drainage; earthwork calculations; and mass diagrams. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate and layout highway curves; prepare roadway plans, profiles, and sections; and perform slope staking.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces civil/surveying computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Topics include drawing, editing, and dimensioning commands; plotting; and other related civil/surveying topics. Upon completion, students should be able to produce civil/surveying drawings using CAD software.

This course introduces the essential elements of roadway components and design. Topics include subgrade and pavement construction, roadway drawings and details, drainage, superelevation, and N.C. Department of Transportation Standards. Upon completion, students should be able to use roadway drawings and specifications to develop superelevation, drainage, and general highway construction details.

This course introduces boundary surveying, land partitioning, and calculations of areas. Topics include advanced traverses and adjustments, preparation of survey documents, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to research, survey, and map a boundary.

This course covers topographic, site, and construction surveying. Topics include topographic mapping, earthwork, site planning, construction staking, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare topographic maps and site plans and locate and stake out construction projects.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the planning and design concepts related to subdivisions including analysis of development standards, engineering, and the creation of CAD drawings. Topics include applicable codes, lot creation, roadway system layout, stormwater drainage, low impact development (LID) concepts, and related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a set of subdivision plans.

This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Students entering this course should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a technical field and should anticipate interdepartmental evaluation of course projects.

This course introduces the law as related to the practice of surveying. Topics include surveyors’ responsibilities, deed descriptions, title searches, eminent domain, easements, the weight of evidence, riparian rights, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and apply the basic legal aspects associated with the practice of land surveying.

This course covers advanced topics in surveying. Topics include photogrammetry, astronomical observations, coordinate systems, error theory, GPS, GIS, Public Land System, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply advanced techniques to the solution of complex surveying problems.

Total Credit Hours Required:
66

See advisor for General Education substitutes.

Curriculum is based on the 2022-23 catalog.

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