Apply Now Request Information Schedule a Visit

Surveying Minor

Program Codes: SRV
Minor

Land Surveying involves a combination of engineering oriented mathematics, history and the law. Students in the minor will be applying mathematical calculations to determine locations and to assess the precision and accuracy of their measurements. As boundary laws and regulations are intrinsic to a surveyor’s scope of work throughout the US, students will also learn about specific law cases and how they apply to local, state and federal property regulations. When determining boundary and property issues, the surveyor is often required to determine past owners of the property and associated properties, which requires knowledge of the local history and how to research it.

For the last several years the field of land surveying has been experiencing an increase in labor demand of +11% (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveyors.htm).  A student who adds the Surveying Technology Minor will have the opportunity to pursue an additional career path than just the one associated with their degree. When the student graduates with this minor, they will have the knowledge and skills to enter the Land Surveying workforce as a contributing member and pursue a career in the Land Surveying field.

Contact the Department Chairperson

Introductory Courses

Choose one pair of introductory courses:

  • SRV 100  AND  SRV 101
  • SRV 201  AND  SRV  240
Surveying I: Fundamentals of Surveying
Course Code:
SRV 100
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, ENST: Practitioner Skills Cluster, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options, Lab Courses, NRCM: Practitioner Skills Cluster, Quantitative Problem Solving - Reinforcing
Course Description:
Introduces the student to the field of surveying and how it fits into forestry and other professions. Surveying I gives the students the opportunity to be introduced to surveying using traditional methodologies. The course provides a foundation for then translating these skills and knowledge into computer applications in Surveying II. Prequisite: Accuplacer placement into Algebra. Co-Requisite: MAT 125 Algebra Completes General Education Requirement:QP-R.
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: (MAT 125 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or Accuplacer Math Placement 200.0000 Or MAT 180 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or MAT 241 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 4.00 Or MAT 125 Lecture Min Grade: TR Min Credits: 3.00)
Corequisites:
Coreq: SRV 100 Lecture, SRV 100 Lab
x
SRV 100
Surveying I: Fundamentals of Surveying
3

AND

Surveying II: Surveying Automation
Course Code:
SRV 101
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, ENST: Practitioner Skills Cluster, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options, Lab Courses, NRCM: Practitioner Skills Cluster, Quantitative Problem Solving - Reinforcing, Social & Cultural Engagement - Reinforcing
Course Description:
Building on the traditional skills and knowledge gained in Surveying I, Surveying II gives the student the opportunity to translate those skills to computer based applications. Through project based activities and research opportunities, students will discover their role in present and future trends in the surveying profession. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab). Prerequisite: SRV 100 Fundamentals of Surveying. Co-requisite: MAT 145 Trigonometry. Completes General Education Requirements:QP-R, SC-R.
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: SRV 100 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 And MAT 145 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or Accuplacer Math Placement 200.0000
Corequisites:
Coreq: SRV 101 Lecture, SRV 101 Lab
x
SRV 101
Surveying II: Surveying Automation
3
Field Surveying I
Course Code:
SRV 201
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, Integrative Studies: FOR Program Options
Course Description:
Field Surveying I is an intensive introductory course in plane surveying field techniques and plane surveying mathematical computations. Students are introduced to linear distance measurements (taping, electronic distance measurement), vertical measurements using an engineer?s level and field traversing using a theodolite and EDM unit. (Two (2) 40 hour weeks). Prerequisite: MAT 125 Algebra.
Credit:
2
Prerequisites:
Prereq: (MAT 125 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or Accuplacer Math Placement 200.0000 Or MAT 145 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or MAT 180 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or MAT 125 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: TR Min Credits: 3.00 Or MAT 180 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: TR Min Credits: 3.00)
x
SRV 201
Field Surveying I
2

AND

Field Surveying II
Course Code:
SRV 240
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: FOR Program Options, Lab Courses, Quantitative Problem Solving - Reinforcing
Course Description:
This course is the second in a series for non-surveying majors which focuses on practical techniques for a variety of surveying problems, including elements of route, construction, boundary, planimetric and topographic surveys. Field and lecture problems include contour mapping, grade lines, horizontal and vertical highway curves, horizontal and vertical control, stadia, short base triangulation, boundary survey, building location and batter boards, area and volume determinations, and a detailed topographic map. (24 per week, 5 weeks). Prerequisite: SRV 201 Introduction to Field Surveying I. Completes General Education Requirement:QP-R.
Credit:
4
Prerequisites:
Prereq: (SRV 201 Laboratory (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 2.00 Or SRV 201 Lecture Lab combined Min Grade: D Min Credits: 2.00)
x
SRV 240
Field Surveying II
4

Required Course

Law and Land Surveying
Course Code:
SRV 270
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, Social & Cultural Engagement - Reinforcing
Course Description:

Th course considers the legal aspects of boundary location. Emphasis is on deed research and interpretation, evidence procedures, professional ethics and case law. Through this experience students will obtain a foundation in legal standards for preparing and researching land records. (3 hours lecture). Prerequisite: ENG 101 Effective College Writing I. Co-requisite: SRV 290 Problem Solving in Surveying Completes General Education Requirement:SC-R.

Credit:
3
Prerequisites:

Prereq: ENG 101 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or ENG 101 Lecture Min Grade: TR Min Credits: 3.00

Corequisites:

Coreq: SRV 290 Lecture

x
SRV 270
Law and Land Surveying
3

Computer Mapping Course

Introduction To GIS
Course Code:
GIS 201
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, ENST: Practitioner Skills Cluster, FORT: Forest Technology Cluster, Integrative Studies: ENVS Program Options, Integrative Studies: FOR Program Options, Integrative Studies: FW Program Options, Integrative Studies: NRCM Program Options, Lab Courses, Liberal Arts and Science Elective, NRCM: Practitioner Skills Cluster
Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the most widely used Geographic Information System software called ArcView. Students will learn what GIS is and how it works. High-quality maps will be created through projects that require students to analyze and organize information tailored to various situations. Students will also learn how professionals in a wide range of fields are using GIS and how it can be a useful tool in their future careers. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab). Completes General Education Requirement:LAS.
Credit:
3
Corequisites:
Coreq: GIS 201 Lecture, GIS 201 Lab
x
GIS 201
Introduction To GIS
3

OR

Geospatial Information Tech for Forestry
Course Code:
GIS 230
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, ENST: Practitioner Skills Cluster, Integrative Studies: NRCM Program Options, Lab Courses, NRCM: Practitioner Skills Cluster, Quantitative Problem Solving - Reinforcing
Course Description:
This course introduces general uses of geospatial information technologies (GIT) - geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS) - with applications to natural resource management and forestry. Skills in basic mapmaking with GIS software, aerial photos and handheld GPS units are developed. Quantitative skills (such as measuring areas, distances, bearings, heights of objects and elevations of the ground) from aerial photos as well as calculations utilizing computer spreadsheets are emphasized. Forest stand mapping, inventory plot locations using GPS, and stereo aerial photo measurements are applications presented. Prerequisite: MAT 125 Algebra or taken concurrently Completes General Education Requirement:QP-R.
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: MAT 125 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or Accuplacer Math Placement 200.0000 Or MAT 180 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or MAT 241 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 4.00 Or MAT 125 Lecture Min Grade: TR Min Credits: 3.00
Corequisites:
Coreq: GIS 230 Lecture, GIS 230 Lab
x
GIS 230
Geospatial Information Tech for Forestry
3

OR

CAD I: Fundamentals of CAD
Course Code:
SRV 220
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer aided design and drafting, including software, hardware, and peripherals. Emphasis will be on 2-D applications of CAD. (3 hours lecture).
Credit:
3
x
SRV 220
CAD I: Fundamentals of CAD
3

Imagery Course

Introduction to Remote Sensing
Course Code:
GIS 350
Course Group(s):
Analytical Reasoning & Scientific Inquiry - Integrated, Degree Applicable, DMRS: Response Practioner Track, ENST: Practitioner Skills Cluster, ENVS: Policy, Planning, and Analysis Cluster, ENVS: Upper Division Science Electives, FWSW - Wildlife Concentration: Physical Science Elective, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: ENVS Program Options, Integrative Studies: NRCM Program Options, Lab Courses, NRCM: Practitioner Skills Cluster, Quantitative Problem Solving - Integrated
Course Description:

This course will introduce fundamental principles and concepts of remote sensing, and explore its applications specific to the environment and natural resource management. The course provides students with the basic theory to understand how and why remote sensing works, followed by a survey of remotely sensed data such as point clouds and imagery obtained from various platforms and portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.  We will explore and obtain hands-on experience with how remotely sensed information can be used for applications such as land cover classification and wildfire mapping. Students will learn how to identify, obtain, process and interpret the appropriate remotely sensed data for various applications.

(2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)  Completes General Education Requirements:QP-l, AR-l.

Credit:
3
Prerequisites:

GIS 201

MAT 210

Corequisites:

GIS 350 Lab

x
GIS 350
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3

OR

Photogrammetry
Course Code:
SRV 210
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options, Lab Courses, Quantitative Problem Solving - Reinforcing
Course Description:
This course introduces the student to the surveying applications associated with aerial photography. The students develop traditional skills at measuring areas, distances, bearings, heights of objects and elevations of the ground. Basic photogrammetric concepts will be introduced and softcopy photogrammetric software will be used. Surveying requirements for aerial photogrammetry will be discussed. Prerequisites: MAT 145 Trigonometry (can be taken as a co-requisite), SRV 100 Surveying I: Fundamentals of Surveying. Completes General Education Requirement:QP-R.
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: (SRV 100 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 And (MAT 145 Lecture (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00 Or Accuplacer Math Placement 200.0000 Or MAT 180 Lecture Min Grade: TR Min Credits: 3.00 Or MAT 180 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00))
Corequisites:
Coreq: SRV 210 Lecture, SRV 210 Lab
x
SRV 210
Photogrammetry
3

Restricted Elective Course

Geodesy, GPS & GIS
Course Code:
GIS 261
Course Group(s):
Analytical Reasoning & Scientific Inquiry - Reinforcing, Degree Applicable, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options, Lab Courses
Course Description:

A mixture of concept and hands on application exploring Geodesy, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with an emphasis on determining the validity, accuracy and reliability of collected GPS data. Students will apply these concepts and technologies they are exposed to in lecture and lab to several group and individual projects. Various types of GPS hardware and software, as well as GIS software, will be used extensively in the class.  Completes General Education Requirement: AR-R.

Credit:
3
Prerequisites:

MAT 210 Statistics (can be taken concurrently)

Corequisites:

Coreq: GIS 261 Lecture, GIS 261 Lab

Semesters Offered:

Fall

x
GIS 261
Geodesy, GPS & GIS
3

OR

Topographic Surveying
Course Code:
SRV 251
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, GIS: Minor Electives, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options, Lab Courses
Course Description:
The hands-on experience they get in this course emphasizes field work, calculations and computer applications required to map and report topographic data. By this point in the curriculum students will have gained on-the-job experience through their externship. This course gives the students the opportunity to reflect on that experience in order to identify their own strengths and weaknesses as a surveying professional. Prerequisite: Surveying III: Field Experience. Co-requisite: SRV 261 Route Surveying
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: SRV 235 Lecture Lab combined (May be taken concurrently) Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00
Corequisites:
Coreq: SRV 261 Lecture
x
SRV 251
Topographic Surveying
3

OR

Route Surveying
Course Code:
SRV 261
Course Group(s):
Degree Applicable, Integrative Studies: SURV Program Options, Lab Courses
Course Description:
This advanced surveying course focuses on route surveying and design. The student will study a variety of techniques to design and lay out roads from preliminary to final survey. The final project is a complete plan and profile with basic road specifications for a two-lane road. Prerequisite: Surveying III: Field Experience, Co-requisite: (SRV 251) Topographic Surveying.
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: SRV 235 Lecture Lab combined Min Grade: D Min Credits: 3.00
Corequisites:
Coreq: SRV 251 Lecture
x
SRV 261
Route Surveying
3

OR

Problem Solving in Surveying
Course Code:
SRV 290
Course Group(s):
Analytical Reasoning & Scientific Inquiry - Reinforcing, Degree Applicable, GIS: Minor Electives, Lab Courses, Quantitative Problem Solving - Reinforcing
Course Description:
Using problem solving techniques students will develop solutions for typical surveying dilemmas encountered in the profession. This course also serves as a culminating experience in the surveying program; as such students will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the ACSM Certified Surveying Techinican Exam Level I. Prerequisites: SRV 260 Route Surveying, Co-requisite: SRV 270 Law and Land Surveying. Completes General Education Requirements:QP-R, AR-R.
Credit:
3
Prerequisites:
Prereq: Lecture: SRV 260 Lecture Min Grade: D Min Credits: 4.00
Corequisites:
Coreq: SRV 270 Lecture, SRV 290 Lab, SRV 290 Lecture
x
SRV 290
Problem Solving in Surveying
3
Total Credits 18

Contact Information

Forestry

Dr. Brett McLeod

Pickett Hall 107

518-327-6990

bmcleod@paulsmiths.edu

 


Degree Apply Now Apply Now Request Information M C C Request Information Schedule a Visit M C C Schedule a Visit
Menu
Degrees & Certificates
A-Z By Category By Department By Area of Interest
Course Descriptions
By Course Code (A-Z) By Department
Profile of Paul Smith's College
Mission, Vision & Values Accreditation College Communication Policy Faculty and Students Graduation Rate Graduate Employment and Further Education Rates Articulation/Transfer Agreements
Admission to Paul Smith's College
Application Process Transfer Students International Students University of Cambridge Exams International Baccalaureate Courses and Diploma Translation and Evaluation for International Transcript Non-Discrimination Policy Visiting the Paul Smith’s College Campus Orientation and Placement Testing Program Admission Standards
Expenses and Refund Policy
Tuition and Fees Expense Explanatory Notes External Study Programs Other Charges Payment of Expenses Payment Plan Payment Deadlines Refund Policy Financial Obligations and Collection
Financial Aid: Financing Your College Education
Financial Aid Application Procedures & Priority Deadline Date Student Eligibility for Federal Student Aid Programs Verification Federal Grants and Loans New York State Grants Paul Smith’s College Grants and Scholarships Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy Complete Withdrawal and Non-Attendance Policies VA Educational Benefits Consumer Information
Student Affairs & Campus Life
Community Guide Student Activities Student Health Services Intercollegiate and Intramural Sports Student Development Center Residence Hall Living The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Advising Academic Integrity Policy Attendance Auditing Behavioral Standards Certification of Enrollment Classification of Students Commencement Participation Complaints Dean’s List/Adirondack Scholar’s List Degree Completion Drop/Adds Dual Degree Guidelines Enrollment Status Externship Verification Process Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Final Assessment Policy Grade Change Procedure Grading System Graduation Guarantee Graduation Requirements Independent Study Institutional Credits Minor Guidelines Mobile Computing Requirement Overloads Program Changes Re-Admission Registration Rescheduled Classes Standards of Academic Progress Transcripts Transfer Credit Policy Transitional Program Veterans Withdrawal
Academic Program Information
Integrated General Education
Graduate Student Supplement
Academic Standing Campus Computing Credit from Previous Enrollment at PSC Credits from Other Institutions Demonstration of Online Attendance and Administrative Withdrawals Enrollment Status Financial Aid Grading System Graduation Requirements Registration Procedures Transcripts Tuition and Fees Undergraduates Taking Graduate Courses
Educational Resources
Academic Success Center Career Services Center for Accommodative Services (CAS) The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) TRiO - Student Support Services
Instructional and Administrative Facilities
Facilities Building Forestry Club Cabin J.R. Freer Science Hall- Renovated in 1998 and 2004/2005, 2017 Phelps Smith Administration Building- Renovated 2000 Howell G. Pickett Hall- Renovated 2007 Sporck Admissions Center Cantwell Hall- Renovated in 1998, 2003, 2005, 2012 Countess Alicia Spaulding Paolozzi Environmental Science and Education Center Joan Weill Student Center- Constructed 2005 Joan Weill Adirondack Library Campus Safety Building- Renovated 2011/2012 Saunders Sports Complex- Renovated in 2007, 2008, 2009 Buxton Gymnasium- Renovated 2010
Personnel Directory
Office Directory Board of Trustees Administrative Staff Faculty Emeriti Faculty Academic Support Staff
Notes
A Note to Prospective Students Possible Changes in Catalog Material Clery Act Statement Equal Opportunity Policy & Non-discrimination Statement Publishing