Knowledge Areas

Engineering Surveyor (Professional)

Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, differential equations, partial derivatives, Taylor\nseries, mean value theorem, solving systems of linear and non-linear equations, trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, conic sections, complex numbers, vector geometry, matrix algebra, linear transformations, space curves and surfaces, intersection of lines/planes, distance from points to lines/planes, differential geometry. series and polynomials. Basic statistics, including sets, probability, permutations and combinationsmean, standard deviation and normal distribution. To be added to allow for changes in matriculation syllabus: Euclidean and analytical geometry, trigonometric identities, laws of sines and cosines, proportion, co-ordinate systems, areas and volumes.

Total Credits: 60

Physics

Kinematics, Newton'€™s laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electric charge and field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, electromagnetic induction, magnetic field, electromagnetic spectrum.

Total Credits: 24

Surveying

Measurement science, distance measurement (optical, mechanical and electro-optical), angular measurement, measuring equipment (distance and angular, including sources and management of instrument errors, calibration and expected precision), spatial reference systems, distance and direction from coordinates, position determination using observed angles/directions, distances, or combinations of these, and Satellite Navigation Systems, setting out of pre-determined positions, heighting, areas, volumes, interpretation of maps/plans, design and setting out of horizontal and vertical curves, cross and longitudinal sections, cut and fill calculations, preparation of maps/plans, 2\nD coordinate transformations, control surveys, topographic surveys. Inertial navigation systems.

Total Credits: 60

Information Technology

Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, data communications (local and wide area cover networks), word processing, spreadsheets, internet, software development (scientific/engineering) in a current programming language, systems development (including systems analysis and design), databases and database management systems, use of information technology in surveying, 2-D CAD, security of systems and information.

Total Credits: 30

Geo-spatial Information Science

Nature of geo-spatial information, geo-spatial information in planning and decision-making, components of a GIS, data acquisition and manipulation, feature classification, data structures (vector, raster, hybrid), data modelling, geo-spatial databases and DBMS, applications of geo-spatial data using spatial analysis, spatial modelling and spatial statistics, visualisation, representation of geo-spatial information (including digital cartography).

Total Credits: 24

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Earth radiation model and electro-magnetic spectrum, satellite orbits, geometry of sensors and sensor systems\n(airborne, spaceborne and terrestrial), camera calibration , acquisition of images (including flight planning), image media and formats incl. image compression, principles of analogue and digital photography, photogrammetric measuremnet and data processsing including geometry of images, relative and absolute orientation, 3D resection, 3D intersection, bundle adjustment and aeriel triangulation, ortho-rectification, mosaicing and georeferencing, digital elevation models . Determination of 3-D coordinates in close-range photogrammetry. Accuracy and reliability assessment of photogrammetrically derived data, image (photo) interpretation , image processing (including image enhancement, image feature extraction, classification). creation of 3D computer model of landscapes settlements and buildings. Virtual globes.

Total Credits: 36

Coordinate Systems and Map Projections

Two- and three-dimensional coordinate systems, grid reference systems, shape of the Earth, mathematical representations of the Earth, (including reference ellipsoids) geographical coordinates, different types of map projections, Including mathematical modles and projection properties) projection–to-projection transformations, reference datums and common ellipsoids, SA Survey co-ordinate system and UTM system.

Total Credits: 18

Adjustments and Error Theory

The nature of observations and data acquisition, types of errors, means, norms ,accuracy, precision, reliability, probability, confidence intervals, distribution and probability density functions, estimation, auto- and cross- correlation, hypothesis testing, least squares theory, simple and multiple regression, distribution functions, law of error propagation, least squares adjustments of survey observations( paramatric and condition equation case), network adjustment (including free networks), adjustment of coordinate transformations, design of survey networks, statistical analysis of results and interpretation of data, data filtering (incl. Kalman filter). General Combined case, combined case, parametric case with conditions, adjsutment of best fiiring geometry and 3D rigid body transformation, goodness of fit test, errors of type I and II.Deformation analysis models.

Total Credits: 36

Earth and Environmental Studies

Geomorphology, structural geology, engineering geology, interpretation of geological maps, integrated environmental management, environmental impact assessment.

Total Credits: 24

Business and Project Management

Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial management and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project planning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law.

Total Credits: 12

Professional Practice and Ethics

Professionalism, professional ethics, different types of professional practices, partnerships and partnership law, structuring a practice, client relationships, SA survey profession and SA Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors (including legislation and rules), social responsibility.

Total Credits: 12

Category Specific Project/Research

The research project must have a design and or analysis component and include reporting and presentation of final results

Total Credits: 36

Cadastral Studies and Land Tenure

Total Credits: 12

Satellite Surveying and Geodesy

Earth gravity field, earth rotation dynamics and reference systems, geocentric coordinate systems, gravity observations, geoidal studies, tidal effects, datum and datum shifts, geodetic surveying, global positioning satellite systems, satellite orbits and orbital parameters, time systems, 3-D positioning.

Total Credits: 24

Land Management and Planning

Total Credits: 12

Precise Engineering Surveying

Specialised instrumentation (including sources of errors, calibration and expected precision), precise engineering surveying methods, precise heighting methods, design and optimisation of networks, precision surveys for construction and industrial applications (including precision alignment), deformation surveys and monitoring, analysis and interpretation of results, presentation of results. Setting out of tunnels , bridges, dams, tall buildings and industrial structures, including supervision and monitoring.

Total Credits: 48

3D modeling/Cartography / Visualisation

Visual perception, graphicacy, cartographic communication (including information sense-making, information use and information-knowledge transformation), graphic space, symbology (point, line, area, pictorial, 3-D), colour, cartographic design, typonomy, generalisation, map use, multimedia mapping, 2-D and 3-D visualisation, interactive maps, Web maps, general purpose maps, relief representation, thematic maps (including statistical mapping), image maps, intellectual property rights and copyright, privacy rights, information economics, computer- assisted cartographic systems, map printing.

Total Credits: 12