Course Structure Overview
The curriculum for the Surveying program at Government Polytechnic Tanakpur is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of surveying. The program spans three years, divided into six semesters, with each semester comprising a mix of core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUR-101 | Surveying Fundamentals | 3-0-2-5 | - |
| 1 | MAT-101 | Applied Mathematics I | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | PHY-101 | Physics for Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BAS-101 | Basic Electronics | 3-0-2-5 | - |
| 1 | LAB-101 | Surveying Lab I | 0-0-4-2 | SUR-101 |
| 2 | SUR-201 | Plane Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-101 |
| 2 | MAT-201 | Applied Mathematics II | 4-0-0-4 | MAT-101 |
| 2 | TRI-201 | Trigonometry and Geometry | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | LAB-201 | Surveying Lab II | 0-0-4-2 | SUR-201 |
| 3 | SUR-301 | Geodetic Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-201 |
| 3 | TOP-301 | Topographic Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-201 |
| 3 | SUR-302 | Surveying Instruments | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-201 |
| 3 | LAB-301 | Surveying Lab III | 0-0-4-2 | SUR-301 |
| 4 | SUR-401 | Construction Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-301 |
| 4 | HDR-401 | Hydrographic Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-301 |
| 4 | LAB-401 | Surveying Lab IV | 0-0-4-2 | SUR-401 |
| 5 | GPS-501 | GPS and GNSS Applications | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-401 |
| 5 | PHT-501 | Photogrammetry | 3-0-2-5 | SUR-401 |
| 5 | LAB-501 | Surveying Lab V | 0-0-4-2 | GPS-501 |
| 6 | URB-601 | Urban Planning Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | GPS-501 |
| 6 | MNG-601 | Project Management in Surveying | 3-0-2-5 | URB-601 |
| 6 | LAB-601 | Final Year Project Lab | 0-0-8-4 | - |
The program includes a variety of advanced departmental elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest:
- Advanced GIS Applications: This course delves into complex geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, and visualization techniques using modern GIS platforms. Students learn how to integrate satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and field data to create comprehensive maps and models.
- Spatial Data Analysis: This elective focuses on statistical methods for analyzing spatial data, including clustering algorithms, interpolation techniques, and spatial autocorrelation. It prepares students for careers in environmental monitoring, urban planning, and resource management.
- Web Mapping Technologies: Students explore web-based mapping platforms like Google Maps API, OpenLayers, and Leaflet.js to develop interactive maps and geospatial applications accessible via browsers.
- Drone-Based Surveying: This course covers the principles of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations for surveying purposes. Topics include flight planning, data collection, image processing, and generating orthomosaics and digital elevation models (DEM).
- Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring: Designed for students interested in environmental science, this course teaches how to interpret satellite imagery and use remote sensing tools to monitor land cover changes, deforestation, and climate impacts.
- Geodetic Surveying Techniques: This elective provides in-depth knowledge of precise surveying methods used in national geodetic networks. It includes topics such as triangulation, trilateration, and geocentric coordinate systems.
- Construction Layout Surveying: Students learn how to apply surveying techniques during the construction phase, including layout of buildings, roads, and utilities. The course emphasizes accuracy, safety, and compliance with engineering standards.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: This course teaches students how to conduct assessments for proposed development projects to determine their potential environmental consequences. It includes data collection, risk evaluation, and mitigation strategies.
- Water Resources Management: Focused on hydrological surveys and water resource planning, this elective covers topics such as watershed analysis, flood modeling, and groundwater assessment using surveying data.
- BIM for Surveyors: This course introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts relevant to surveyors, enabling them to integrate survey data into BIM models for collaborative design and construction.
The department's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes experiential education where students engage in real-world projects from day one. Mini-projects are assigned every semester, focusing on different aspects of surveying such as land surveying, topographic mapping, or GPS data collection. These projects are evaluated based on technical accuracy, presentation quality, and team collaboration.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a significant component of the curriculum. Students select projects from industry partners or research labs, working under the guidance of faculty mentors. The selection process involves a proposal submission, mentor assignment, and regular progress reviews. Projects are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, technical execution, and impact.