Field Geodesy Learning

Fieldwork has long been considered an essential part of the geosciences. UNAVCO supports the inclusion of geodetic field methods and data analysis into undergraduate and graduate courses with field components. Resources available allow field education programs to update technical knowledge on integrating geodetic methods such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry, and static and kinematic GPS into courses.

Topics

• Description
  
  
  Important links
  

• Field Geodesy Education Support

  Field education is an excellent opportunity to increase knowledge of geodesy and geodetic technologies for future members of the geoscience workforce. UNAVCO has experience integrating terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), structure from motion (SfM), and GPS into undergraduate and graduate field courses. UNAVCO staff can work with instructors to implement teaching resources, estimate financial support needed for UNAVCO-supplied TLS, SfM, and GPS equipment and trained staff to assist with using these tools in a teaching environment.

  

  For field education support, please complete both of these forms:

  • UNAVCO Request Support
  • Field Education Support Request Form

• Educational Curricula

  As part of the GEodesy Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI) project, UNAVCO and community partners have developed curricular resources to aid in teaching field geodetic methods. Resources are appropriate for undergraduate and some graduate field courses.

  
  • Analyzing High Resolution Topography with TLS and SfM
  • High Precision Positioning with Static and Kinematic GPS/GNSS

• Learning Manuals

  Learning manuals for field geodetic techniques have been developed to support teaching of these methods to undergraduates. These manuals can also be useful for investigators and graduate students interested to learn more about these methods for research.

  
  • TLS Field Methods Manual [docx] [pdf]
  • TLS Data Processing and Exploration Manual [docx] [pdf]
  • SfM Guide for Instructors and Investigators [docx] [pdf]
  • SfM Field Methods Manual for Students [docx] [pdf]
  • SfM Data Processing and Exploration Manual [docx] [pdf]
  • Kinematic GNSS Survey Methods Manual [docx] [pdf]
  • Static GNSS Survey Methods Manual [docx] [pdf]
  • Static GPS/GNSS Data Processing with OPUS Manual [docx] [pdf]

• Previous Field Education Short Courses

  Information and presentations from previous field education short courses to equip instructors of field components in geoscience courses with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate geodetic methods and applications into their courses. Some of the topics discussed included terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry, GPS, and other instruments; plus best practices on optimizing the student experience.

  
  • 2018: Using kinematic and static GPS in undergraduate field courses Course Overview
  • 2017: Using high resolution topography, UAVs, and GPS in undergraduate field education Course Overview
  • 2016: Using TLS and Structure from Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry in Undergraduate Field Education Course Overview
  • 2014: Field Education and Support by the UNAVCO GAGE Facility Course Overview,
    Agenda & Presentations

• Reports contributing to Field Education Efforts

  These reports led to the development of Field Education Support at UNAVCO.

  
  • 2015 Final Workshop Report: The Role of UNAVCO in Geodesy and Field Education [pdf]
  • 2012 Final Project Report: Community Workshop: Charting the Future of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in the Earth Sciences and Related Fields, NSF Award 1138279 [pdf]
  • 2009: Collaborative Research MRI: Acquisition of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Systems for Earth Science Research, NSF Award 0923548 [pdf]

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• Full References:

  Charlevoix, D., (2014), Workshop to Assess Field Education Support by the GAGE Facility. Accessed 24 August 2016, http://www.unavco.org/highlights/2015/fieldedworkshop.html.

  Douglas, B., N. Niemi, G. Wang, D. Charlevoix, C. Crosby, B, Pratt-Sitaula, (2015), Final Workshop Report (pdf): The Role of UNAVCO in Geodesy and Field Education, UNAVCO. Accessed 24 August 2016, http://www.unavco.org/education/professional-development/short-courses/2014/field-education/field-education.html.
  Direct Link: http://www.unavco.org/education/professional-development/short-courses/2014/field-education/14-field-educ-report-final.pdf.

  Miller, M. M., C. Meertens, D. A. Phillips, C. Rubin, L. Ely, B. Pratt-Sitaula, (2009), Collaborative Research MRI: Acquisition of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Systems for Earth Science Research, Final Project Report, NSF Award 0923548. Accessed 24 August 2016, http://www.unavco.org/community/publications_and_reports/proposals/proposals.html.
  Direct Link: http://www.unavco.org/community/publications_and_reports/proposals/2009/MRI_TLS_EAR2009_UNAVCO-CWU.pdf

  Phillips, D. A., J. S. Oldow and J. D. Walker, (2012a), Outlining a strategic vision for terrestrial geodetic imaging, Eos Trans. AGU, 93(11), 121. Accessed 24 August 2016, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2012EO110005/full.
  Direct Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2012EO110005/epdf

  Phillips, D. A., J. S. Oldow, J. D. Walker, J. R. Arrowsmith and C. M. Meertens, (2012b), Community Workshop: Charting the Future of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in the Earth Sciences and Related Fields, Final Project Report, NSF Award 1138279. Accessed 24 August 2016, http://www.unavco.org/community/meetings-events/2011/tls/tls.html.
  Direct Link: http://www.unavco.org/community/publications_and_reports/reports/past-grants/final-reports/TLS_Workshop_NSF_Final_Report_1138279.pdf.

  Pratt-Sitaula, B., B. Crosby, C. Crosby, (2017), Integrating Topographic Imaging into Geoscience Field Courses: Using TLS and Structure from Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry in Undergraduate Field Education; Cardwell, Montana, 16–19 August 2016, Eos, 98, https://doi.org/10.1029/2017EO067411. Published on 07 February 2017.