Analysis of Observations unit (KGG370)

Hobart

Introduction

Observations of many different types are central to the determination of information across the geospatial sciences. In this unit, you will gain knowledge in the theory and practical application of least squares adjustment techniques including the reduction of raw measurements, weighted adjustment of terrestrial and satellite-based observations, detection of outliers, parameter uncertainty and network design to achieve a required job specification. The unit focuses on providing you with an appreciation of uncertainty and how it is treated and communicated within the land surveying profession. You are introduced to a range of advanced adjustment concepts and their application in different applications. Case studies are used to provide practical application of the material presented in the interactive seminars. Tutorial exercises provide learning opportunities that include the use of different computational and adjustment packages used across industry.

Summary

Unit name	Analysis of Observations
Unit code	KGG370
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Associate Professor Christopher Watson
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Perform a least squares adjustment by first principles and using matrix notation.
• Apply different software packages to adjust spatial data.
• Interpret adjustment requirements and outputs in relation to relevant industry specifications.
• Explain all components of the workflow for an adjustment of spatial data.

Fee Information

Unit fee information for 2027 will be available in September.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KMA152 - Mathematics 1A AND KMA154 - Mathematics 1B AND KGG255 - Surveying 1

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 x 1 hour online lectures/seminars per week (online, synchronous) 1 x 1 hour on-campus lecture/workshop per week (on-campus, in-person) 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week (on-campus, in-person)
Assessment	Practical Test (20%)|Report 1: Basic Least Squares Adjustments (20%)|Report 2: Least Squares output and interpretation (20%)|Invigilated Written Exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	All required readings will be provided in PDF format in MyLo.
Recommended	Harvey, B. (2016) Practical Least Squares and Statistics for Surveyors, Monograph 13, Third Edition reprinted 2016, UNSW. 332 pp.  ISBN 0-7334-2339-6. Available from https://www.bookshop.unsw.edu.au/details.cgi?ITEMNO=9780733423390

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