B6332 - Offshore Surveys

Learning outcomes

Through this course the students acquire basic knowledge of surveying technologies offered by geomatics for offshore engineering. They learn the basic on geodetic reference frame, reference systems, mapping projections and the use of space-geodetic techniques, with a focus on GNSS suitable for positioning, monitoring and navigation in offshore environment. Some elements on pipeline positioning and underwater positioning will be provided.

Course contents

The course provides the basic elements of Geomatics, treating in a modern way the main techniques employed in offshore engineering surveying.

The course deals with the following topics:

GEODESY

Shape of the Earth - Gravitational Field - Geoid - Heights Definition – Global and Local datum definition and geodetic network positioning - Reference Systems and Reference Frames – Approximate reference surfaces and coordinate systems - Geoidal Undulation.

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS

Leveling, Distance measurement, angle observations: theory, methods and instruments. Topographic laser ranging and scanning, Classification, technique of survey, example fields of application in offshore platforms. Use of digital computers in surveying calculations.

POSITIONING

Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) – Pseudorange and carrier phase observables – Single Point Positioning – Differenced and undifferenced Precise Positioning techniques and introduction to Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS).

UNCREWED SURVEYS

Uncrewed platforms for geomatic surveys: UAV, UUV/AUV/ROV and related payloads. GNSS-based UAV positioning, principles of photogrammetry for optical survey planning: FOV, GSD, overlap. Underwater acoustic positioning. MBES sensors for seabed mapping.

APPLIED MAPPING

GIS-based integration of coastal and offshore datasets from UAV, UUV and open data sources. Management of coordinate and vertical reference systems, height and depth information, raster/vector layers and thematic maps. Practical QGIS exercises address data quality, scale and coastal mapping.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliographic references for home study and further reading materials:

- Slides and notes from the lectures, scientific literature provided in digital format.

- Charles D. Ghilani (2018). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics. Pearson, ISBN-13: 9780134604657.

- Alfred Leick, Lev Rapoport , Dmitry Tatarnikov, (2015). GPS Satellite Surveying. Wiley, DOI:10.1002/9781119018612

- Schofield W., Breach, 2007. Engineering Surveying, 6th edition, Elsevier, ISBN-13: 978-0750669498, ISBN-10: 0750669497

- Shan J, Toth C.K., 2018. Topographic Laser Ranging and Scanning: Principles and Processing, CRC Press.

- John P. Snyder (1987), Map Projection – A working manual, U.S. Geological Survey Paper 1395.

- Zhu X.: "Geographical Information Systems, A practical approach." Routledge Taylor and Francis Group Publisher, 2025.

Teaching methods

The lectures will be supplemented with practical exercises in Laboratory or on personal computer using both commercial and open-source software.

These activities are structured so that during each session students will be able to produce practical solutions to the theoretical problems outlined during lectures.

In consideration of the type of activity and the adopted teaching methods, the attendance of this course requires the prior participation of all students in the Modules 1 and 2 on safety and health in the study places, in e-learning mode.

See link: https://corsi.unibo.it/1cycle/Building/health-and-safety-mandatory-training

Assessment methods

The examination at the end of the course is in written form concerning the topics of the course.

The written test consists of two open questions and four closed questions (multiple choice, True/False, ...).

The test must be carried out within the indicated time range (60 minutes).

The student must answer the questions by writing with a pen or marker on white sheets. Each sheet must be numbered and must have the candidate's name, surname and registration number.

At the time of the test, students must have an identification document (Identity Card or Driving License or Passport) and the university badge, and show them to the examiners.

Passing the exam will be guaranteed to students who demonstrate mastery and operational ability in relation to the key concepts illustrated in the course.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are registered for the correct exam session before registration closes. No late registrations will be accepted.

Teaching tools

The course includes a significant practical component, with laboratory activities based on the use of commercial, scientific, and open-source software, together with the discussion of real-world case studies.

Office hours

See the website of Valentina Alena Girelli

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