Why Choose Surveying and Mapping Minor?
The objective of the minor program in surveying and mapping is to give the completers a general understanding of how surveying measurements are performed and to gain familiarity of knowing how to use the field surveying instruments. The students completing this program should be able to:
Perform basic differential leveling in the field
Reduce differential leveling observations
Understand the concept of field data collection using conventional and modern electronic data collection instruments such as an electronic total station
Understand the concept of field data collection using global positioning system (GPS) instruments
Understand the basic concept of how to prepare a topographic map from actual survey data
Perform traverse computations and simple traverse adjustment
Develop an appreciation for establishing horizontal and vertical control for a small to medium size surveying project
Have a basic understanding of State Plane Coordinates, Lambert conic projection in particular
Depending on the student's selection of the optional courses, the student completing this minor will demonstrate:
Performing simple circular curve calculations
Performing the field layout of a basic circular curve
An appreciation for the basic photogrammetric concepts such as photo scale, flying height, overlap, side lap
An understanding of the public land surveying systems
An appreciation for the basic concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Career Opportunities
The knowledge gained through this minor will enable the student who completes the program to function as a surveying technician within an organization.
Admission Requirements
The minor is open to all students enrolled and pursuing a baccalaureate or higher degree in majors other than Surveying Engineering. Students are expected to meet prerequisites for all courses.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours with a 2.0 or higher GPA. Students are also required to meet with their Surveying Engineering faculty advisor to plan and track their progress throughout the minor degree.
More Information
Surveying Engineering Program
College of Engineering Technology
Ferris State University
915 Campus Drive, SWN 312
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2291
Phone: 231-591-2633
email: surveying@ferris.edu