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Great Basin College Profile

James A. Elithorp, PhD, P.L.S.
Land Surveying/Geomatics Instructor

 

Contact Information

Office Location: GTA 110, Elko Campus
Phone:775.753.2240
Email:JamesE(a)gwmail.gbcnv.edu
NOTE: Substitute @ for (a) when sending a message.
Personal Website:http://cot.gbcnv.edu/~elithorp

Office Hours

  • Tuesday: 2:30-4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 3:00-4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 2:30-4:30 PM



 



Classes

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SUR 280
Title:Fundamentals of Geomatics I
Catalog Description: A comprehensive study of angle measurement systems, taping, the traverse, differential leveling, profile leveling, plan and profile sheet, the circular curve, the vertical curve, the USGS 7.5 minute map, and elementary topographic mapping. The application of statistics to surveying, the assumptions underlying surveying on the plane, and reference surfaces are stressed in this course. In the laboratory portion of the course, students will make survey measurements, maintain a field book, and adjust survey data as appropriate. Weekly laboratory reports using the measured data to compute a survey product are required. Lecture+Lab: 3+3. Four semester hours.
SUR 281
Title:Fundamentals of Geomatics II
Catalog Description: A comprehensive study of the construction and calibration of the modern total station, instrument errors, face positions, survey astronomy, control leveling, calibration of the EDMI, large-scale topographic mapping, and the use of the data collector. In the laboratory portion of this course, students will apply the fundamental principles underlying total station instrument errors, EDMI calibration, astronomic observations for azimuth and large-scale topographic mapping. Weekly laboratory reports using measured data to compute a survey product are required. Lecture+Lab: 3+3. Four semester hours.
SUR 290
Title:Introduction to Urban Development
Catalog Description: An introduction to the process of land development and construction layout. An emphasis is placed on those Nevada State Statutes that define the duties of the Professional Land Surveyor in the subdivision of land. The laboratory portion of the course provides practical exercises involving Topographic Mapping, ALTA/ACSM Title Surveys, Standards of Practice, Elevation Certificates, and Subdivision Design. Lecture+Lab: 3+3. Four semester hours.
SUR 320
Title:GIS for Surveyors
Catalog Description: Reviews the basic concepts in the development and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course focuses on the application of GIS for land parcel management or the Land Information System (LIS). Applies measurement science to the collection of land information data and the development of the base map. Develops the legal issues associated with the development of land information systems. Introduces the concept of the cadastre and the history associated with land parcel management in the United States.
SUR 330
Title:Introduction to Least Squares Adjustment
Catalog Description: This course provides an introductory study of the concepts and mathematics involved in performing least squares adjustment of survey data. The student is introduced to the use of matrices to handle data, systems of linear equations, the use of the Taylor series to linearize equations, the principles of error propagation, and several methods used to fit survey data to mathematical and survey models.
SUR 340
Title:Photogrammetry
Catalog Description: Principals of photogrammetry and remote sensing as applied to surveying and mapping. Includes the mapping camera, the photograph, the stereo model, the strip and the block, and flight planning principles. The impact of the digital revolution on photogrammetry, image processing, and remote sensing principles are important topics covered in this course.
SUR 360
Title:Public Land Survey System
Catalog Description: The U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS) as described in Official Government Survey Manuals (1851-1973) with emphasis on evidence, both federal and state rules, resurveys, and subdivision of sections. A field project to recover original evidence of the GLO Surveys is required.
SUR 365
Title:Legal Descriptions
Catalog Description: Analysis, interpretation, and writing of legal descriptions, proper form, controlling elements, metes-and-bounds, sectionalized land descriptions, easements, and right-of-way. Considerations of the parent title, interpretation of expressions, bounds calls, different types of descriptions, junior-senior rights in descriptions, title considerations, and research of public and private records.
SUR 440
Title:Geodetic and GPS Surveying
Catalog Description: Introduces geometric reference to ellipsoids, ellipsoidal and local coordinate systems, coordinate transformation in 2D and 3D, datums and datum transformations, orthometric heights, the reduction of field observations, effects of the earth's gravitational field, state plane coordinate systems, and GPS network design. The student is expected to design a GPS network, collect the data, and process the data to extend control to unknown project control stations.
SUR 450
Title:Construction Surveying
Catalog Description: Prepares students for organizing, planning, and cost estimating for construction and civil engineering projects. Topics include intersections, horizontal curve, spiral curves, vertical curve fitting, route design elements, cross sections, volumes, and other pertinent topics.
SUR 460
Title:Advanced Boundary Analysis
Catalog Description: Study of boundary resolution where occupation and possession are not consistent with the record location. Study of unwritten property rights and the presentation of defensible evidence. Review of principles of land tenure and the cadastre, the Statute of Frauds, constructive notice, recording laws, and water boundaries.
SUR 495
Title:Land Surveying/Geomatics Capstone
Catalog Description: Final student project requiring the application of knowledge and skills acquired in previous field experience and coursework. Project may include field/office evidence research, urban subdivision layout, descriptions, map/plat construction, and/or a directed undergraduate research project. Includes the creation of a student portfolio or project report.
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Great Basin College - 1500 College Parkway - Elko, Nevada 89801 - 775.738.8493
A member institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

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