Geomatics Technology A.A.S.

Geomatics Technology (Surveying) Hero

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.

Coursework includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photointerpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.

Graduates should qualify for jobs as a survey party chief, an instrument person, a surveying technician, a highway surveyor, a mapper, a GPS technician, and a 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.

For More Information:

Contact Chris Milan by email at christophermilan@abtech.edu or by phone at
(828) 398-7370.

 

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 computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include the identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. Microsoft Office will be used in this course; this includes Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

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 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 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 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 coordinate systems, fundamentals of surveying, and cartography. Topics include the theory, acquisition, and use of locational data using both continuous and discrete georeferencing methods. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate coordinate systems for a situation and translate data into the correct map form.

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 covers interpreting and understanding of a variety of data formats available in GIS. Topics include the similarities and differences between data models as well as how data is treated differently within each format, to include the conversion of data between different environments. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of GIS data storage and interoperability.

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

The curriculum is based on the 2025-2026 catalog.

Good to Know

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours is required in the following categories:

  • Six hours from Communication
  • Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
  • Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

CommunicationHumanities & Fine ArtsSocial & Behavioral ScienceNatural Science & Mathematics
COM-110ART-111ECO-251BIO-161
COM-120ART-114ECO-252BIO-163
COM-231ART-115HIS-111BIO-168
ENG-110HUM-110HIS-112MAT-110
ENG-111HUM-115HIS-131MAT-121
ENG-112MUS-110HIS-132MAT-143
ENG-114MUS-112POL-120MAT-152
 PHI-215PSY-150MAT-171
 PHI-240SOC-210PHY-110/110A
  SOC-225PHY-121

 

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to eight hours in Mathematics
  • Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
  • 11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • 12 hours in Mathematics
  • 12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to four hours in Mathematics
  • Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

  • Students will demonstrate information literacy.
  • Students will critique works of human expression.
  • Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

  • Students will identify processes.
  • Students will analyze problems.
  • Students will interpret the results.
  • Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate:

  • Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
  • Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
  • Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.

  • Geomatics Technology Land Surveying Fundamentals Certificate

For more information, please visit: Geomatics Technology (Surveying)

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