Course Descriptions

University list of Surveying Engineering Courses

SU 1500 - Data Collection Systems
Familiarization to modern data collectors used in conjunction with total stations and GPS receivers. Digital levels with onboard data collectors will also be introduced. Transferring, processing and displaying survey data within various systems using real data will be demonstrated.
Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Surveying Engineering

SU 2000 - Introduction to Surveying and GIS
Surveying topics will include distance measurements, leveling, angles, directions, traversing, horizontal and vertical curves, percent grade, and coordinate geometry. GIS topics will include sources of GIS data, spatial data models, GIS data structures, GIS topology, as well as query and feature selection in GIS.
Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer


SU 2150 - Fundamentals of Surveying
Introduction to surveying principles as applied to the measurement of distances, directions, and elevations. Topics include taping, leveling, traversing, topographic surveys, construction surveys, U.S. public land surveys, the use of modern instrumentation, and computer applications.
Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall


SU 2220 - Route and Construction Surveying
Study of the geometry and field stake-out techniques of circular curves, spiral curves, compound curves, reverse curves, equal-tangent vertical curves, and unequal-tangent vertical curves. Other topics include horizontal and vertical alignment design, earthwork quantities and mass diagrams.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 2150 or SU 2000


SU 2260 - Survey Computations and Regulations
Introduction to the PLSS system, legal descriptions, and basic statutes governing the practice of surveying. Introduction to and practice reducing field notes, making survey computations, and preparing various types of survey maps.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 2150


SU 3110 - Surveying Field Practice
Students enrolled in this course perform several survey projects from field to finish using conventional surveying equipment and software.
Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 2260 and SU 2220


SU 3150 - Principles of Geodesy
Concepts of astronomy and geodesy that are relevant to the practice of surveying. Covers theory, field techniques, and computations involved in the determination of true north, an introduction to the figure of the earth and its geometric and physical characteristics, geodetic datums, and coordinate systems.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1140 or MA 1160 or MA 1161) and SU 3110(C)


SU 3180 - Boundary Surveying Principles
Interpretation of property descriptions used to establish land boundaries. Resolving conflicts in boundary descriptions as well as conflicts in evidence. Review doctrines pertaining to transferring title, the role of the surveyor in issuing opinions on boundary location in boundary disputes.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 2260


SU 3250 - Survey Measurements and Adjustments
Presents errors in surveying measurements and their effect on computed values. Discusses analysis of measurements and errors based on statistical principles and presents adjustment techniques based on least squares principle.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 2320 or MA 2321 or MA 2330) and (MA 2720 or MA 2710 or MA 3710) and SU 3110


SU 4100 - Geodetic Positioning
Introduces the instruments and procedures used in surveying projects that require a high order of accuracy. Discusses some conventional instruments and techniques but the greater emphasis is on GPS techniques.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 3150 and SU 3250


SU 4140 - Photogrammetry
Basic principles of photogrammetry and its role as a technology for spatial data collection. Use of photogrammetry in the fields of surveying, engineering, and geographic information management will be discussed.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 3110


SU 4180 - Land Subdivision Design
Introduces the physical, economic, and social aspects of optimum land use within the framework of state and local regulations of land divisions, condominiums, mobile home parks, and residential subdivisions.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-1)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 3180 or CMG 3200


SU 4900 - Capstone Project
An individual or small group project which integrates multiple aspects of previous surveying coursework while working with an industry partner. Includes project description, project planning, field work, office analysis, computer-aided drafting and/or design, final project completion and oral presentation skills.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Surveying Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior

SU 4999 - Professional Practice Seminar
A review of all elements of the NCEES Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination, which leads to licensure as a professional land surveyor.
Credits: 1.0; Graded Pass/Fail Only
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior




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