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Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology

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BS Degree - Code #1046

Richard Carlson, Program Coordinator
Email address: carlsorw@alfredstate.edu

Governmental agencies, private industries, and individuals all benefit from the surveying and mapping of our natural resources and planning of transportation systems, recreational facilities, new cities, and land subdivisions. Using advanced surveying equipment such as the electronic total stations to measure angles and distances, the modern surveyor has learned to increase his/her productivity and measurement accuracy. Particularly exciting about the future of the surveying profession are the emerging technologies of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Land Information Systems (LIS).

This program will provide you with a thorough understanding of the basic sciences of mathematics and physics, as well as applied subjects such as graphics and computer-aided drafting and design. The knowledge obtained from these basic courses is applied to a well-rounded study of modern surveying theory and practice.

Advantages

  • The student constantly applies theoretical knowledge in meaningful and comprehensive laboratory sessions. Graduates are educated in a two-fold sense, both theoretically and practically.
  • Both the surveying engineering technology (AAS) and the surveying and geomatics engineering technology (BS) programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
  • An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
  • An ability to function effectively as a member and a leader on technical teams.

Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives were established with the assistance of the Industrial Advisory Committee and are reviewed periodically. The surveying and geomatics engineering technology program produces graduates who:

  • Write, read, and orally present technical reports, letters, and projects that meet the standards of the profession.
  • Recognize the need for, and an ability to engage in, continued formal education as well as lifelong learning.
  • Will be capable of sitting successfully for the Land Surveyor Examination.
  • Have the skills to perform a land title survey in all its complexity.
  • Will be capable of employing state-of-the-art surveying techniques in leading a survey crew to the accomplishment of its goal.

Occupational Opportunities

  • Land surveyor (after successfully meeting state requirements)
  • Surveying engineering technician
  • Project surveyor
  • Party chief
  • Mapping technologist
  • GPS surveyor

Employment Statistics

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent – 86 percent are employed; 14 percent continued their education.

Enrollment And Graduation Data

   Enrollment (based on Fall census)
2020 26
2021 29
2022 29
   Degrees Awarded
2019-2020 2
2020-2021 5
2021-2022 7

Related Programs

Certification Or Licensure

Both the surveying engineering technology (AAS) and the surveying and geomatics engineering technology (BS) are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. Accreditation means that the graduates from the AAS program will receive two years of credit toward the total statutory time requirement for licensure as a land surveyor in New York State.

Graduates of the BS program will receive four years of credit toward the total statutory time requirement for licensure as a land surveyor in New York State. The BS graduates are eligible to take the first part of the NCEES licensing exam for land surveying in their senior year, eighth semester, if within 20 semester credit hours of graduation.

Additionally, graduates of the BS program will receive six years of credit toward the statutory time for licensure as a professional engineer in New York State. The BS graduates are eligible to take the first part of the NCEES licensing exam for professional engineer in the fall following their graduation.

Articulation Agreements

Alfred State accepts students from other two-year institutions as juniors into the BS surveying and geomatics engineering technology program with appropriate course work and grade point averages.

Entrance Requirements/Recommendations

Required: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2

Recommended: Physics

Required Course Prerequisites

If students do not place into MATH 1033 College Algebra, MATH 1084 Calculus I, MATH 1323 Quantitative Reasoning, 1034 College Algebra of Functions, 1054 Precalculus, or 2124 Statistical Methods & Analysis, then MATH 1014 Algebra Concepts is a required prerequisite for completion of the major.

If students do not place into PHYS 1024 General Physics I or PHYS 1044 College Physics I, then PHYS 1014 Introductory Physics is a required prerequisite for completion of this major.

Technical Standards

Students in the surveying and geomatics program must meet the following:

  • Students must have the ability to complete field work over natural terrain. 
  • Students must have the ability to use standard software of the profession.

Hands-On Learning

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

2.0 cumulative grade point average and department requirement of 2.0 grade point average in major courses (CIVL).

Required Equipment

A tier 2 laptop computer is required for students entering the surveying engineering technology programs. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology - BS Degree

TYPICAL EIGHT-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First

COMP 1503 Writing Studies 3
CIVL 1021 Civl Eng Tech 1st Yr Exp 1
CIVL 1204 Surveying I 4
CIVL 1182 Civil Tech Graphics 2
MATH 1033 College Algebra 3
      13

Second

CIVL 2204 Surveying II 4
PHYS 1024 General Physics I 4
MATH 2043 College Trigonometry 3
GLST 2113 Global & Diverse Perspectives 3
      14

Third

CIVL 3204 Legal Asp & Prac of Land Surv 4
CIVL 3214 Geodesy 4
PHYS 2023 General Physics II 3
MATH 1063 Technical Calculus I 3
LITR xxx3 Literature Elective 3
      17

Fourth

CIVL 4204 Subdivision Theory & Appli 4
CIVL 4214 Surveying Practicum 4
CIVL 4243 Surveying Computer Appli 3
CIVL 4273 Photogrammetry & Image Interpr 3
SPCH 1083 Public Speaking 3
    OR  
XXXX xxx3 Approved Gen Ed Equivalent 3
      17

Fifth

XXXX xxx3 Upper Level Natural Science 3
MATH 2074 Technical Calculus II 4
CIVL 5114 Land Surveying 4
    OR  
CIVL 7114 Geographic Information Systems 4
XXXX xxx3 Gen Ed Elective 3
BUAD 3043 Business Law I 3
      17

Sixth

XXXX xxx3 Gen Ed Elective 3
CIVL 6104 Anlys & Adjmnts of Surv Mrmnts 4
CISY 1113 Computer Programming I 3
    OR  
CISY xxx3 Programming Elective 3
XXXX xxx4 Gen Ed (Upper) (MATH 6114 recommended) 4
XXXX xxx3 Technical or Business Elective  3
      17

Seventh

MATH 7123 Statistics for Engr Tech & Sci 3
MATH 7113 Economic Analy for Engr Tech 3
CIVL 8104 Global Positioning Systems 4
CIVL 7114 Geographic Information Systems 4
    OR  
CIVL 5114 Land Surveying 4
CIVL 7001 Sr Seminar & Project Design I 1
COMP 5703 Technical Writing II 3
      18

Eighth

XXXX xxx3 Upper Level Gen Ed Elective 3
CIVL 8003 Sr Seminar & Project Design 2 3
XXXX xxx3 Technical Elective (Upper) 3
XXXX xxx3 Gen Ed Elective 3
      12

Must meet seven of the 10 General Education areas.

Be advised that a prior felony conviction may impede a student's ability to receive licensure.

SUGGESTED TECHNICAL OR BUSINESS ELECTIVES

  • CIVL 6113
  • CIVL 7103
  • BUAD 5000+
  • TMGT 5000+
  • ACCT 5000+