GEM 1100 - Computer-Aided Drafting I (2)
This course gives students basic skills using computer-aided drafting software in fundamental two dimensional drafting and design, and advanced techniques in three-dimensional geometric modeling.
GEM 1101 - Computer-Aided Drafting II (2)
This course gives students skills in surveying drafting, map components, and fundamental skills in drafting basic surveying features using computer aided software. Prerequisite: GEM 1100.
GEM 2220 - Basics of Surveying (3)
This course provides each student an introduction to measurement theory, instrumentation, measurement systems, measurement computations, data accuracy and precision. The structure of the field of geomatics is explored. Major components of the course are survey statistics, traverse computations, coordinate systems and datums, elevations, and mapping. The use of computer-aided drawing software to produce maps and plats is required. Prerequisites: MTH 1114.
GEM L220 - Basics of Surveying Lab (1)
This field laboratory provides the opportunity to use instrumentation to make the necessary measurements to produce computed products. Focuses on the use of a field book to record measurements, the analysis of field measurements, and the use of survey instrumentation. Prerequisite: MTH 1114
GEM 3309 - Land Survey Principles (3)
The course includes the basic principles of land tenure and the cadaster with the major component being the study and application of survey statute and related case law. The concepts underlying the hierarchy of evidence, sequential versus simultaneous conveyances, adverse possession, riparian rights, land descriptions, and the U.S. Public Land Survey System are explored. Prerequisite: GEM 2220.
GEM L309 - Land Survey Principles Lab (1)
This laboratory explores the impact of land survey law on the practice of surveying and mapping in the state of Alabama. Focuses on the practice of writing legal descriptions, the structure of the U.S. Public Land Survey System, and courthouse research. Prerequisite: GEM 2220
GEM 3310 - Land Survey Practice (3)
The issues of boundary location and retracement are central to this course. Focuses on Alabama survey history, the practice of surveying in Alabama, professional ethics, and the Standards of Practice for Surveying in Alabama. Prerequisite: GEM 3309. Co-requisite GEM L310
GEM L310 - Land Survey Practice Lab (1)
Students will participate in surveys of sectionalized land in Pike County. Section corners, quarter corners and other evidence will be located using GPS and traditional surveying methods. Students will also be assigned a township research project and will present the research results to the class. Co-requisite: GEM 3310.
GEM 3330 - Advanced Measurement Analysis (3)
Survey equipment calibration, instrumentation error, topographic mapping, control leveling, instrumentation error, and the propagation of error through survey calculations. This course is the second course of a one-year study of survey fundamentals. Prerequisite: GEM 2220. Co-requisite: GEM L330.
GEM L330 - Advanced Measurement Analysis Lab (1)
Field laboratory experience using EDMI calibration baselines, conducting topographic mapping projects and control level loops, and testing for instrument errors. The student is introduced to the field use of data collectors. Co-requisite: GEM 3330.
GEM 3366 - Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (3)
Introduction to metrical photogrammetry, interpretative photogrammetry, and remote sensing. Focuses on the theory, instrumentation, and practical application of photogrammetry to the problem of mapping the earth’s surface. Remote sensing concepts, principles, sensors, and specific satellite platforms are covered in the course. Hands-on exercises are given that makes use of software to create stereo models, ortho photos, and perform image processing.
GEM 3379 - Introduction to Least Squares Adjustment (3)
The theoretical principle of error propagation and least squares adjustment theory to compute optimized solutions to geomatics problems involving redundant data. The use of mathematical scripts and least squares software to solve spatial data adjustment problems in land surveying and geomatics applications. Prerequisites: MTH 1125, STAT 2210, MTH 2230, GEM 3330 or instructor approval.
GEM 3395 - Cooperative Work Experience I (1)
The course provides students with experience working with an employer approved for the Cooperative Work Experience component of the Surveying and Geomatics Sciences Program. The student is expected to submit a written and oral report to the faculty member directing the project, detailing the work experience. Prerequisites: GEM 2220, 2.0 overall grade point average, and approval of the Geomatics Program Director.
GEM 4405 - Route and Construction Surveying (3)
Explores the theoretical foundations of route and construction surveying. Course topics are coordinate geometry (COGO), horizontal and vertical curve models, spirals, alignments, stationing, cross sections, areas, volumes, and route design elements. Prerequisites: GEM 3330. Co-requisite: GEM L405.
GEM L405 - Route and Construction Surveying Lab (1)
This field laboratory applies the principles of route and construction surveying, the use of civil design software, and the use of data collectors for practical design and field layout. Co-requisite: GEM 4405.
GEM 4407 - Land Development (3)
Explores the concepts and problems associated with the design and construction of subdivisions and related infrastructure. Prerequisites: GEM 4409. Co-requisite: GEM L407.
GEM L407 - Land Development Lab (1)
This computer laboratory provides the student the opportunity to design and create those drawings necessary for local government approval of the typical subdivision. Co-requisite: GEM 4407.
GEM 4408 - Geodesy and Geodetics (3)
Focuses on mathematical models of the earth, survey astronomy, the earth’s gravity field, and coordinate systems, and geodetic reference framework. Important skills developed in this course include coordinate and datums transformations, map projections, astronomic observation, geodetic computations, surveying network design, and geodetic control survey. Prerequisites: MTH 1125 or instructor approval.
GEM 4409 - Hydrology (3)
Explores several models used to compute runoff estimates based on particular rainfall events. Course topics are the hydrologic cycle, rainfall intensity, runoff models, hydrographs, storm sewer design, culvert design, open channel flows, watershed delineation, water detention and retention structures, and onsite sewage disposal systems.
GEM L409 - Hydrology Lab (1)
Compute peak runoff estimates, and open channel designs. Computer models are explored with respect to solving and presenting peak runoff solutions. A design project involving the use of large-scale topographic maps will be assigned.
GEM 4410 - Introduction to Global Positions (GPS) (3)
Introduction to history and development of GPS and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS); GPS signals and observables; basic principles of GPS operations; GPS error analysis, GPS survey methods and procedures; and GPS data collection, processing; and GPS applications to Geomatics. Prerequisite: GIS 3390.
GEM 4490 - Geomatics Capstone (1)
This course prepares students for the national Fundamentals of Surveying exam to cover all aspects of the exam. Prerequisite GEM 4409
GEM 4493 - Guided Independent Study (1-3)
Supervised study through creative field and laboratory projects in the Surveying and Geomatics field. A written request is to be submitted to the guiding professor and Program Director at least two weeks in advance of the term in which the study is to be undertaken. This study is NOT to be used to repeat a course for which a grade of ‘D’ or below has been earned. Application forms are available in the office of University Records. For more information see index for “Independent Study and Research”. Prerequisites: GPA of 3.0, permission of guiding professor, approval of Geomatics Program Director, Department Chair, and Dean.
GEM 4494 - Guided Independent Study (1-3)
Supervised study through guided readings, creative endeavors in the Surveying and Geomatics field. A written request is to be submitted to the guiding professor and Program Director at least two weeks in advance of the term in which the study is to be undertaken. This study is NOT to be used to repeat a course for which a grade of ‘D’ or below has been earned. Application forms are available in the office of University Records. For more information see index for “Independent Study and Research”. Prerequisites: GPA of 3.0, permission of guiding professor, approval of Geomatics Program Director, Department Chair, and Dean.
GEM 4496 - Cooperative Work Experience II (1)
The student must be in residence at for a minimum of one semester after completion of GEM 3395 before leaving for cooperative work experience under GEM 4496. The student is expected to submit a written and oral report to the faculty member directing the project, detailing the work experience. Prerequisites: GEM 3395 and approval of the Geomatics Program Director.
GEM 4499 - Geomatics/GIS Projects (2)
This course offers the Geomatics/GIS student the opportunity to apply the fundamental principles and concepts learned in the study of Geomatics/GIS to a particular problem or project. The student will state the problem, design an experiment to test a hypothesis concerning the problem statement, take the measurements, array the data, analyze the data, state conclusions, and write a final report based on the analysis and conclusions. Prerequisite: GEM 4409.