99643 - Geomatics Engineering

Learning outcomes

Through this course the student learns the basic elements of Geomatics: Geodesy, modern surveying techniques, numerical cartography and Geographic Information Systems. At the end of the class, the student has acquired the skills in collecting, visualizing, managing and analyzing geospatial data relating to objects, buildings, infrastructures, cities, land. He/she is able to use topographic and satellite instruments and to project and manage 3D surveys by laser scanners and photogrammetric techniques. Furthermore, the student is able to handle cartographic representations and to use GIS software tools for the management and processing of georeferenced databases.

Course contents

Module 1 (6 CFU; VALENTINA ALENA GIRELLI)

Theoretical bases of Mapping and Geodesy: fundamentals of cartography: definition, classification and use of maps; map scale, level of detail and graphic accuracy. Geodetic reference surfaces and height systems: geoid, ellipsoid, orthometric and ellipsoidal heights. Terrestrial reference systems, reference frames and geodetic datums: WGS84, ED50, Roma40. Map projections and coordinate systems: projection deformations, Mercator, Sanson-Flamsteed, UPS, Gauss-Krüger, UTM and Gauss-Boaga systems.

Reading and interpretation of topographic maps; use of IGM map sheets and coordinate reading exercises.

Geospatial data digital structures: Raster spatial data: structure, acquisition, resolution, image formats, georeferencing, resampling and digital terrain/surface models. Vector spatial data: CAD and GIS formats, shapefiles, KML, digitising, vectorisation, topology and topological editing.

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems: GIS components, data organisation, spatial queries, scale in GIS, and differences between CAD and GIS.

Geospatial data infrastructures and open geodata: INSPIRE Directive, Italian National Geoportal, Emilia-Romagna Regional Geoportal, WMS and WFS services.

Practical use of QGIS: georeferencing scanned maps, managing raster and vector layers, clipping, interpolation, DTM generation, contour lines, labelling and print layout.

Introduction to photogrammetry: historical development, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, acquisition schemes and photogrammetric products. Basic photogrammetric geometry: image scale, image deformations, collinearity equations, interior and exterior orientation, and ground control points.

Module 2 (6 CFU; ALESSANDRO LAMBERTINI)

Fundamentals of Geomatics Engineering for the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of georeferenced spatial data in engineering applications.

Reference surfaces and systems in classical and satellite geodesy; geoid, ellipsoid, orthometric and ellipsoidal heights; geodetic datums and their physical realization through geodetic networks and GNSS permanent stations. Coordinate systems, coordinate reference systems, datum transformations, transformations between geographic, geocentric and local/cartographic coordinates, and integration of surveying data in consistent reference frames.

Elementary surveying schemes and topographic measurement methods. Geometric and trigonometric leveling; benchmarks, height differences, leveling lines and networks, misclosure checks and tolerance criteria. Modern topographic instruments and surveying procedures using total stations, digital levels and GNSS receivers, including static and kinematic GNSS techniques, RTK/NRTK/PPK workflows, and their use in control-point acquisition and UAV-related surveying applications.

Statistical analysis of surveying measurements; precision, accuracy, random, systematic and gross errors; variance, covariance, weights and propagation of measurement errors. Principles of least-squares adjustment for redundant surveying observations using the indirect observations method; adjustment of leveling and topographic networks, analysis of residuals, precision indicators, reliability and quality-control tests.

Readings/Bibliography

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

- C. D. Ghilani, P. R. Wolf: "Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics", Pearson, 2015

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

- Burrough P.A., McDonnell R.A., LLoyd C.D.: "Principles of Geographical Information Systems", Oxford University Press, 2015

- Konecny G.: "Geoinformation: Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems", 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2014

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

 

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises in the Laboratory or on your own PC, also using open-source software.

Discussion of real case studies.

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 final exam is unique for the entire course and verifies the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills by carrying out a written test, without the help of notes or books.

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

The writing consists of various types of questions (multiple choice, true-false, short open questions or basic exercises) that cover the entire program of the course. Each question is associated, and declared immediately before the exam, with a score whose total amount exceeds the maximum of 2 units (32/30). Incorrect answers do not result in score penalty. The test must be performed within the indicated time range and generally not exceeding one hour.

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

A significant part of the course is designed to practical activities on the field and in the laboratory, by means of commercial, scientific and open source programs.

Office hours

See the website of Valentina Alena Girelli

See the website of