Skip navigation.
New Mexico State University
Undergraduate Catalog
2012-2013

SUR-SURVEYING ENGINEERING

SUR 101. Introduction to Surveying Engineering - 1 cr.
Review and discussion of career paths open to surveying engineers. Restricted to: Main campus only.
SUR 201. GPS and Spatial Data Applications - 3 cr.
Overview of spatial data applications based on GPS observations. Emphasis on positioning and navigation using code-phase techniques with handheld receivers. Use of coordinate systems. Students encouraged to have their own GPS handheld unit.
SUR 222. Plane Surveying - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Surveying theory and practice as applied to plane surveying, in these areas: error propagation, linear measurements, angle measurements, area determination, differential and trigonometric leveling, and topographic mapping. Prerequisite(s): MATH 190G.
SUR 264. Introduction to LIS - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Introduction to land information systems. Land tenure systems, coordinate systems, computer methods. Pre/Corequisite(s): DRFT 109.
SUR 285. Photogrammetry - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Introduction to the techniques and uses of photogrammetry in surveying and mapping. The geometry of stereo models. Flight planning. Prerequisite(s): MATH 190.
SUR 292. Public Land Survey System Boundaries - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Detailed study of the U.S. Public Land Survey System Instructions with special emphasis on New Mexico. Sectionalized land subdivision, corner restoration, and field surveys. Field trips required. Prerequisite: SUR 222.
SUR 312. Legal Principles of Boundary Surveying - 3 cr.
Legal principles of property boundary retracement, land descriptions, and rights-of-way. Systems of law and legal research. Requires a legal research paper. Prerequisite: SUR 292.
SUR 322. Spatial Data Concepts and Models - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Spatial data concepts, models and computational methods as applied to surveying. Topics include coordinate geometry, state plane coordinates, spherical trigonometry, and data adjustments to models. Limitations of data models will be explored. Prerequisite : SUR 222.
SUR 328. Principles and Practices of Construction Surveying - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Surveying principles and practice as they are applied to construction surveys. Horizontal, vertical and spiral curves, slope staking, area and volume computations. Prerequisites: SUR 222 and either MATH 191G or MATH 235.
SUR 330. Computer Applications of Surveying - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Advanced application of concepts and tools used in the manipulation of geospatial data in a computer environment. Topics include the use of surveying-specific software applications for problem solving, analysis and generation of spatial data products. Advanced programming skills in a high level language are presented and applied. Prerequisite(s): DRFT 109 AND SUR 222, and ( MATH 191 or MATH 235) and (C S 187 or E T 262 or E E 161).
SUR 351. Introductory Survey Measurements, Analysis, and Adjustments - 3 cr.
Applications of mathematics in surveying. Conventional topics of error ellipses and theory of observations. Emphasis on computer applications for adjustments and analysis. Prerequisite(s): SUR 222 and (MATH 192 or MATH 236).
SUR 361. Introduction to Geodesy - 3 cr. (2+3P)
The ellipsoid of revolution, computations on the ellipsoid, coordinate systems, gravity, and leveling. Prerequisites: SUR 222 and either MATH 191G or MATH 235.
SUR 370. Control Surveying - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Design and use of survey control networks. Includes Horizontal, Vertical and 3D networks. Use of standards in control surveying. Prerequisite(s): SUR 222. Pre/Corequisite(s): MATH 192G.
SUR 384. Surveying Practicum - 1-3 cr.
Surveying practice under the direction of a licensed, professional land surveyor requiring 45 hours per credit as per a plan worked out between the student and the surveyor and approved by the Surveying Engineering faculty. Work must be certified by the licensed, professional land surveyor. Requires a written report by the student. Prerequisites: SUR 222 and junior standing.
SUR 401. Ethics and Professionalism in Surveying and Mapping - 3 cr.
Ethics as applied to the surveying profession. Includes case studies and problems. Prerequisites: SUR 312, SUR 328, and senior standing.
SUR 410. Advanced Topics in Mapping Sciences - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Development of map projections as the basis for state plane and other coordinate systems. Organization, management, and use of digital spatial data in terms of conventional and evolving three-dimensional models. Spatial data accuracy. Pre/Corequisite(s): SUR 330, SUR 361.
SUR 412. Advanced Topics in Boundary Surveying - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Advanced land boundary topics including water boundaries, mineral claims, Spanish and Mexican land grants, state and national boundaries. Prerequisite: SUR 312.
SUR 450. Senior Project - 1 cr.
Research project prepared by student. Includes class presentation. Students will learn how to research after the end of their formal education. Prerequisite(s): Senior Standing.
SUR 451. Advanced Survey Measurements, Analysis, and Adjustments - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Rigorous analysis of theory of observations as applied to surveying. Conventional topics of error ellipses, least squares, and survey pre-analysis, etc., to be addressed. Emphasis on computer applications for adjustments and analysis. Prerequisite(s): SUR 330, SUR 351, (MATH 280 or MATH 480). Pre/Corequisite(s): STAT 371.
SUR 452. Land Development Design - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Covers different phases of land development process. Study of New Mexico subdivision and condominium laws. Site evaluation includes boundary, control topographic surveys, and environmental and cultural considerations. Students design lot and building arrangements and streets. Prerequisite(s): SUR 312, SUR 328. Pre/Corequisite(s): DRFT 153.
SUR 461. Introduction to Satellite Geodesy - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Overview of astronomy concepts, summary of celestial mechanics, history of satellite positioning, modern positioning techniques, impact of gravity, review of geodetic standards and specifications, logistics of GPS data collection. GPS data processing, network adjustments, and evaluation of spatial data accuracy. Prerequisite(s): SUR 361 and (MATH 280 or MATH 480).
SUR 464. Land Information Systems Applications - 3 cr. (2+3P)
Concepts of real property, land tenure and ethics, and land registration systems; the function and design of multipurpose cadastre and land information systems. Prerequisite(s): SUR 264, SUR 312, and SUR 330.
SUR 498. Special Topics - 1-3 cr.
Directed studies into current topics. Subject to be agreed upon between student and instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor