Geodesy
Geodesi

VGMF10, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2025-04-10
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective mandatory for: L3
Elective for: IBYI3, IBYV3, L4-gi, V4-at, V4-tv
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of concepts and methods used in satellite geodesy (GPS) and geodetic surveying with applications to real problems. Furthermore, it aims to equip students with essential skills in geo-data collection and mapping techniques, including the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones), laser scanning (Lidar), and InSAR.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Have a clear understanding and knowledge of the relationship between satellite positioning and terrestrial surveying.
• Be able to formulate different types of mathematical models for solving geodetic problems using ordinary least squares (OLS).
• Be able to understand and develop solutions for various practical problems with positioning according to the rules and norms.
• Be able to explain methods of geo-data collection and mapping using drones, Lidar and InSAR

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to analyze and interpret the results obtained from calculations of different types of errors and adjustment theory.
• Be able to assess the reliability of ordinary least-squares calculations.

Contents

The course covers the fundamental principles of geodesy, including reference systems, map projections, control point surveying, transformations, plane and leveling measurements, and the theory of errors and adjustment. It also includes network analysis using GIS and 3D city models. Students will explore positioning methods, data collection, and mapping with terrestrial surveying, as well as advanced techniques involving mobile GPS, airborne methods (Lidar, drones), and satellite-based methods (GNSS, InSAR).

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Written exam, satisfactory assignments, and participation in fieldwork. For grade 3, it is needed to get approved on all assignments and fieldwork. The written examination at the end of the course is not required for grade 3. For extra grades (4 and 5), however, the final written examination is needed.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0111. Name: Geodesy.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).

Admission

Admission requirements:

• EXTA50 Surveying or VGMA05 Geodetic Surveying or VGMF15 Geodetic Surveying

Reading list

• Charles D. Ghilani: Elementary surveying: an introduction to geomatics. Pearson, 2017, ISBN: 978-0134604657. 15 th ed.
• Handouts and scientific articles and reports.
• Geodetisk och fotogrammetrisk mätnings- och beräkningsteknik, https://www.lantmateriet.se/globalassets/om-lantmateriet/var-samverkan-med-andra/hmk/kurskompendium/formelsamling_20211004.pdf.

Contact

Course coordinator: Sadegh Jamali, sadegh.jamali@tft.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tft.lth.se

Further information

The course will be held in Lund.