SET 301 Route Surveying

1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 301 Route Surveying, Credit 4. Horizontal and

vertical curves computation and layout with regard to
highway design. Special emphasis on complex curves.
Considerations including control, positioning, error
analysis, highway design problems, and layout. Also
included is a review of the concepts of right of way
surveys. Prerequisite: 2 courses in surveying from a
junior college.

Textbook:

A. Route Surveying and Design, by C.F. Meyer and D.

W. Gibson 5th Ed., McGraw Hill
B. Surveying: Theory and Practice, by Anderson et. al
7th Ed. McGraw Hill

Reference:

The Surveying Handbook, by Brinker and Minnick Van

Nostrand Reinhold, 1989
Surveying, 2nd Ed. by B. Kavanagh, Prentice Hall, 1989.

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:
- To demonstrate the computational skills necessary in Highway Design with calculators
and computers.
- To understand Highway Design considerations and techniques.
- To understand the relative importance of positioning with regard to the route layout.
- To understand the legal concepts of rights of ways.
Prerequisites by topics:
Basic skills and knowledge about surveying
Topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Introduction to Course and review of simple curves (3 class hours)

Compound Curves. Computation and layout. (6 class hours)
Complex Curves (3, 4, 5 Centered) (6 class hours)
Complex Vertical Curves (3 class hours)
Route Survey Traverse Design (X,Y,Z Design) and Error Analysis of Control (3 class
hours)
Problems in Highway Design (3 class hours)
Earthwork (Mass Haul Diagram) (6 class hours)
DTM and its use in route surveying (3 class hours)
Right of Way Survey (6 class hours)
Tests (5.5 class hours)

Computer usage:

Each student will use surveying and CAD software to compute survey measurements and
earthwork. Profiles and cross sections will be plotted using Softdesk civil/surveying package.
Laboratory Projects:
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Baseline Calibration (2 weeks)

Reconnaissance of a route surveyed area. (1 week)
Perform surveys. (3 weeks)
3.1 Establish control
3.2 Planimetric surveys
3.3 Altimetric surveys
Computation of field notes (all digital) and Evaluation of results with respect to
specifications.. (2 weeks)
Compute stakeout data following the road design (1 week)
Perform stations and curve stakeout. (2 weeks)
Profile and cross section surveys (2 weeks)
Plot map with a COGO and CADD software. (2 weeks)
SET 302 Geodetic Control Surveying, 4 credits

1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 302 Geodetic Control Surveying, 4 credits. A study

of the higher order methods and techniques of surveying
with observations of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Orders of Accuracy
along with the requisite computations to reduce these
observations to measurements and the applications of
these measurements to the State Plane Coordinate
systems and the geoid.

Textbook:

A. Surveying: Theory and Practice by Anderson et. al

6th Ed. McGraw Hill
B. GPS Theory and Practice, by Hofmann et. Al. 4th Ed.
Springer1997, 1990.

Reference:

Various WWW resources.

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:

- To understand the methods, techniques, and instrumentation appropriate for

positioning with respect to the reference ellipsoid, geoid and coordinate systems
such as the New Jersey State Plane Coordinate System.
- To demonstrate the computational skills necessary in high order measurement
reduction and the application of those reductions with calculators and
computers.
- To understand the computations required to convert from one positioning system to
another.

Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

High Order Control Surveys (Horizontal and Vertical) Network Design and
Specifications For 1,2, or 3 Dimensional Networks (3 class hours)
Astronomic Observations of Sun and Stars (9 class hours)
Satellite Positioning (3 class hours)
Global Positioning Systems (12 class hours)
Practical Surveying with GPS (3 class hours)
Map Projections (3 class hours)
State Plane Coordinate Computations in N.A.D. 1927 and N.A.D. 1983 (3 class
hours)10.
Conversions Between Coordinate Systems (6 class hours)
Tests (5.5 class hours)

Computer usage:
Each student uses surveying and CAD software to compute survey measurements and
astronomic Azimuths.
GPS software (SKI) used to plan a GPS mission and to process the observed data.
Laboratory Projects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Precise leveling. (2 week)

Azimuth determination using sun observations. (2 weeks)
Azimuth determination using Polaris observations. (2 weeks)
Computation of astronomical observations. (1 week)
GPS mission planning. (2 week)
GPS observations. (3 weeks)
GPS data processing. (3 weeks)
SET 401 Fundamentals of geodesy

1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 401 Fundamentals of geodesy, 3 credits. A course in

geodesy and its relation to surveying and other
disciplines. Concepts such as geometric, physical and
satellite geodesy will be covered. Also included the
concept of map projection. Prerequisite: SET 302.

Textbook:

Geodesy, by Torge Walter de Gruyter Publishing

Company, 2nd Edition, 1991

Reference:

Various WWW resources.

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:

- To understand the interrelationship of geodesy and engineering and land surveying.

- To demonstrate the effect of the shape of the earth and gravity on geodetic
surveying and computations.
- To understand the concept of map projections and their intent.

Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:
1.
The nature and problems of geodesy and their practical impact on engineering and land
surveys. (3.5 class hours)
2.
Ellipsoids and Geoids. (3 class hours)
3.
Geometric Geodesy. (12 class hours)
4.
Gravity and deflection of the vertical as applies to height systems. (9 class hours)
5.
Geodetic Leveling(3 class hours)
6.
Map projections and their mathematical models. (9 class hours)
7.
Tests (5.5 class hours)
Computer usage:
Computation of distances and directions on ellipsoids.
Laboratory Projects:
No Labs
SET 303 Photogrammetry and Aerial Photo Interpretation
1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 303 Photogrammetry and Aerial Photo

Interpretation 4 credits. This course will review the
principles of photography, including the physical science
of optics, as related to the use of aerial photos, to
engineering and land surveys. It will include the
necessary mathematics of photogrammetry and the
process of designing and establishing the required data
for proper acquisition of photogrammetric information.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Textbook:

P. Wolf, Elements of Photogrammetry McGraw-Hill,

Current Edition

Reference:
Coordinator:
Goals:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

- To understand the present uses of aerial photographs for topographic mapping, land
use planning, wetlands determination and boundary line evidence
- To give the student knowledge of the methods and procedures necessary for the
photogrammetric operations.
- To stress its advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional surveying.
- To give the student practical experience with a stereoscope in conjunction with
aerial photograph interpretation.

Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:

None

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Introduction Photogrammetric Principles and Optics

Basic Mathematics of Photogrammetry Elements of Photographic Systems
Geometry and Properties of Vertical and Tilted Photographs
Photographic Measurements and Refinement
Parallax, Orthophoto and Flight Planning
Stereoscopic Viewing & Fundamentals of Aerial Photo Interpretation
Mid-term Examination
Elementary Methods of Planimetric Mapping
Stereoscopic Plotting Instruments
Photogrammetry for Land Information Systems
Photogrammetry for Engineering Survey Projects
Airphoto interpretation for Terrain Evaluation
Tests (5.5 class hours)

Computer usage:
No computer usage
Laboratory Projects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Optics and photographs. (1 weeks)

Mathematics of Photogrammetry. (2 weeks)
Use of stereoscopes. (1 weeks)
Vertical photograph problem solving. (2 weeks)
Photogrammetric project design. (2 weeks)
air-photo interpretation. (2 weeks)
Photogrammetric mapping with DVP. (4 weeks)
SET 304 Adjustment Computations I

1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 304 Adjustment Computations I, 4 credits. This

course is designed to give the student the necessary
knowledge to perform reduction of survey observations
to measurements and the analysis thereof to determine
the relationship of the adjusted measurements to the
observations and to verify that the mathematical
constraints have been met. Prerequisite: Calculus I.

Textbook:

Wolf, Ghilani, Adjustment Computation Wiley

International, 1997, 2nd Edition

Reference:
Coordinator:
Goals:

None.
Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

- To understand the proper methods of observation reduction.

- To understand the use of matrix algebra in the solution of adjustments.
- To introduce the student to the theory of least squares and its application.
- To give the student a knowledge of statistics and its value to the surveyor.

Prerequisites by topics:

Topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Mathematical methods for adjustment computations. (4 class hours)

Review of Matrices and Matrix operations (4 class hours)
Inverse Methods for symmetrical matrices (4 class hours)
Linear Equation systems (4 class hours)
Introduction to spreadsheets and using spreadsheets for matrix operations. (4 class
hours)
Linearization of equations (4 class hours)
Review of elementary concepts in Probability (4 class hours)
The Distribution of Measurement Errors (4 class hours)
Error Propagation by Linearization (4 class hours)
Propagation of Errors in Surveying Measurement (4 class hours)
Survey Measurements and Errors (4 class hours)
Elements of Coordinate Transformations (2 class hours)
The Concept of Adjustment (4 class hours)
Tests (5.5 class hours)

Computer usage:
Each student will use a spreadsheet program to solve adjustment problems and to perform
matrix computations.
Laboratory Projects:
No labs
SET 404 Adjustment Computations II
1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 404 Adjustment Computations II 4 credits. This

course will introduce the student to the concepts of
observations and models as well as providing a
continuation of the theory of least squares and the
mathematical weighting of observations. Also included is
the statistical evaluation of the least squares results.
Prerequisite: SET 304

Textbook:

Wolf, Ghilani, Adjustment Computation Wiley

International, 1997, 2nd Edition

Reference:

None.

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:

- To understand the concepts of statistical sampling as it relates to survey

observations.
- To understand the weighting of observations and the resultant statistical
computations.
- To introduce the student to the error ellipse.
- To give the student a knowledge on variance, covariance, and cofactors and their
proper application.

Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:
1.
Introduction to the course, The Least Squares Method (4 class hours)
2.
The concept of Observation equations (4 class hours)
3.
Examples of adjustments using Observation equations (8 class hours)
4.
Using STAR*NET Software (2 class hours)
5.
The Concept of Condition equations (4 class hours)
6.
Examples of adjustment using Condition equations (4 class hours)
7.
The concept of combined adjustment (4 class hours)
8.
Examples of adjustment using the combined method. (4 class hours)
9.
Introduction to Statistical Analysis (2 class hours)
10.
Normal Chi-squares and "t" Distributions (4 class hours)
11.
Confidence Intervals and statistical tests (4 class hours)
12.
Error Ellipses (4 class hours)
13.
Tests (5.5 class hours)
Computer usage:
-

Each student use a spreadsheet program to solve adjustment problems and to perform
matrix computations.

Students use STAR*NET program to adjust a small network.

Laboratory Projects:
A small network will be adjusted and analyzed. The computations will be done using the
STAR*NET program. Following the computations, students will have to use statistical test to
evaluate the results.
SET 307 Boundaries and Adjacent Properties
1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 307 Boundaries and Adjacent Properties, 4 credits.

A course on legal principles regarding boundaries and the
constructive solutions of the problems of boundary
surveying by a consideration of deed descriptions and
examples of their application to surveying. Prerequisite:
Junior Standing.

Textbook:

Ray Hamilton Skelton, Boundaries and Adjacent

Properties, Michie Publishing Comp., Current Edition

Reference:

NJ law library

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:

- To understand deed descriptions and their application to the control of the

boundaries.

- To give the student the requisite knowledge on how to write proper deed
descriptions.
- To understand the relative importance of conflicting elements in deed descriptions
and survey evidence.
- To understand the hierarchy of rules and the decision making process stated by
court case decision.
Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:
1.
Introduction, Boundary Control. (6 class hours)
2.
Relative Importance of Conflicting elements. (9 class hours)
3.
Excess and Deficiency. (3 class hours)
4.
Highway and street as Boundaries. (6 class hours)
5.
Riparian Boundaries. (3 class hours)
6.
Establishment. (3 class hours)
7.
Adverse Possession. (6 class hours)
8.
Dedication, Adjoining Land Owners (3 class hours)
9.
Tests (5.5 class hours)
Computer usage:
Students will have to use word processing software to prepare reports.
Laboratory Projects: studies of actual court cases will be performed on the following topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Boundary Control. (1 week)

Conflicting elements. (4 weeks)
Excess and Deficiency. (2 weeks)
Highway and street. (2 weeks)
Riparian Boundaries. (2 weeks)
Adverse Possession. (1 weeks)
Adjoining Land Owners (2 weeks)
SET 407 Boundary Line Analysis

1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 407 Boundary Line Analysis, 4 credits. The purpose

is to develop the analytical synthesis of real property law,
Land Surveying procedures, and scenario development
compatible with current case law decisions for the
development of most probable scenarios of boundary
location for the court's consideration. Prerequisite: SET
307.

Textbook:

Notes supplied by Instructor

Reference:

NJ law library

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:

- To understand the prioritization of record evidence in performing boundary line

analysis.
- To understand the comparison of both record and field evidence and the clarification
of discrepancies.
- To understand the development of multiple scenarios and the determination of the
values of those scenarios based on case and statutory law.
- To develop a presentation of the "findings" of a Land Survey.
Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:
1.
Analysis of Records. (3 class hours)
2.
Verify the Integrity of the Records, Hierarchy Within Record Evidence. (3 class hours)
3.
Prioritizing Evidence Search Criteria, Mensuration Design and Analysis. (3 class hours)
4.
Categorizing and Weighing Field Evidence. (3 class hours)
5.
Criteria for Developing Scenarios. (3 class hours)
6.
Records Only Scenario. (3 class hours)
7.
Senior Rights Scenario, Junior Rights Scenario. (3 class hours)
8.
Extrinsic Evidence Scenario, Best Fit Scenario. (3 class hours)
9.
Prescriptive or Possessory Scenario. (3 class hours)
10.
Synthesis of Scenarios. (6 class hours)
11.
Most Probable Scenario. (3 class hours)
12.
The Report of Survey. (3 class hours)
13.
Tests (5.5 class hours)
Computer usage:
Students will have to use word processing software to prepare reports.
Laboratory Projects: studies of actual court cases will be performed on the following topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Large tracts rural survey for subdivisions. (2 weeks)

Small tracts rural survey. (2 weeks)
Large tracts urban survey. (2 weeks)
Small tracts urban survey. (2 weeks)
Suburban block analysis. (2 weeks)
Urban block analysis. (2 weeks)
Riparian boundary analysis. (2 weeks)
SET 435 Land Surveying Field Exercise
Fall 1999

Title and course number

SET 435 Land surveying field exercise 3 credits.

Contact and credits hours (lecture/Laboratory): 0-8-3

Course description:

A "real world" surveying project in the context of land

development will be discussed. The student will be
presented with a descriptive request for a survey, similar
to a common work order from a client. The student will
have to: prepare a survey (work) plan, carry out the

survey, data processing and submit a final map. The map

will have two forms, a hardcopy surveying plate and a
database in an LIS format.
Prerequisite and Co-Requisite:

Law and surveying courses.

Textbook:

Land Development Handbook, Dewberry & Davis,

McGraw Hill, 1996

Reference:

NJ law library

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals/Objectives:

To expose the student to the "real world" framework of a

survey project.
To develop an understanding of the role of other related
professionals to land development.
To demonstrate the various steps and decisions involved
in developing land.
To exercise the preparation of a final surveying document
(analog and digital).
To develop communication skills relevant to a
professional land surveyor.

Course topics and lecture hours devoted to each topic:

-

Review land surveying principles including: law, control, topographic surveys,

photogrammetry and boundary surveys (2 weeks).
Estimates, feasibility studies and proposals (1 week)
Plan submittal and approval process (1 week)
Municipal land use law and zoning ordinance (2 week)
Site analysis and concept design (1 week)
Environmental considerations (2 week)
Mapping requirements (2 week)
Street and storm design (2 week)
Review (1 week)

Computer usage:
Each student will use surveying and CAD software to compute survey measurements and plot
a final map using Softdesk civil/surveying package.
Laboratory Projects: (Equipment required are: total stations and surveying computer lab)
Prepare written reports, cost estimates and mapping
1. Prepare cost estimate and proposal for a boundary survey
2. Prepare the boundary survey from information such as deeds, filed maps and other
information as needed.
3. Prepare a map in compliance with the "map filing law"
4. Prepare a legal description

5. Prepare an environmental constraints maps

6. Prepare a subdivision map including building setback lines, wetland buffers, conservation
easements, etc.
7. Prepare at least 3 different legal descriptions for roads, lots and easements.
Oral and written communication requirements
This entire course is on written communication and oral presentation of surveys
Calculus usage
No specific calculus usage.
Library usage
Extensive use of law and court libraries
SET 420 Land Information Systems
1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 420 Land Information Systems, 3 credits. The

function and design of multipurpose cadastre systems.
The components of a digital Geographical/Land
Information System (GIS/LIS). Overview on design,
implementation and evaluation problems of LIS.
Prerequisite: Course in CADD, SET 407 Or permission
by instructor.

Textbook:

Getting Started with GIS, By Clarke Prentice Hall, 1998.

Reference:

Various WWW references/resources

Coordinator:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

Goals:

- To understand the importance GIS/LIS.

- To understand the nature, manipulation and analysis techniques of spatial
information.
- To demonstrate the complexity of establishing a LIS.
- To expose the student to GIS/LIS software.

Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:
1.
Introduction History of GIS Definitions (2 class hours)
2.
Spatial databases and relationships among objects and SDTS (2 class hours)
3.
Data structure - Raster GIS - Vector GIS (2 class hours)
4.
Coordinate systems and Geocoding. (2 class hours)
5.
Data acquisition (in house) (2 class hours)
6.
Data acquisition (outside sources: TIGER DLG, etc.) (2 class hours)
7.
Data quality and errors (2 class hours)

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

GIS analysis functions (2 class hours)

Elements of Database Management Systems (DBMS) (2 class hours)
Survey of GIS hardware/software (2 class hours)
Applications of GIS (2 class hours)
GIS Design, Implementation and Evaluation (2 class hours)
Tests (4.5 class hours)

Computer usage:
-

Each student will use the ARC/INFO GIS software to perform a small GIS project

Use of ARC/INFO AML language to write macros.

Laboratory Projects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Exploring GIS capabilities. (2 weeks)

Data input by digitizing a small map. (3 weeks)
Data editing. (2 weeks)
Building topology. (3 weeks)
GIS Query and Analysis. (4 weeks)
SET 490 Senior Project in Surveying

1997-1999 Catalog Data:

SET 490 Senior Project in Surveying, 2 credits. The

student works on an individual surveying project guided
by the department staff. The project should concentrate
on a specific aspect of surveying not necessarily on field
measurements. It must include library research, written
report and oral presentation of findings. Prerequisite:
Senior standing.

Textbook:

None

Reference:

None

Coordinator:
Goals:

Joshua S. Greenfeld, Associate Professor CEE/ET

- To experience an in-depth study of a specific professional aspect

- To familiarize the student with report writing
- To exercise the communication skills needed for preparing and delivering an oral
presentation.

Prerequisites by topics:
Topics:
Each student select his/her own topic.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Introduction. (1 week)
Topic selection. (1 week)
Proposal. (1 week)
Proposal evaluation. (1 week)

5.
6.
7.
8.

Preliminary report. (2 weeks)

Intermediate report. (3 weeks)
Final report. (3 weeks)
Presentations. (2 weeks)

Computer usage:
Word processing to write a report. Other computer usages depend on the particular project.
Laboratory Projects:
Proposal: A detailed report regarding your project. This report should answer the following
questions:
1. What exactly is your project
2. Why is it important or what is its significance
3. What knowledge and resources are needed to do it.
4. How will it be done
5. Prepare a timetable chart
Preliminary and intermediate:
Progress report on what has been accomplished from the
proposal and whether it is consistent with your proposed timetable. Explain any deviation from
the original proposal.
Final: A detailed report on your projects. It should have some variation of the following
chapters:
1. Introduction (overview on topic and project)
2. (Project development)
3. Experiments (field observation, procedures etc)
4. Results
5. Conclusion
6. References
Some reference to books and/or articles dealing with your topic must be part of the report.