Course Structure Overview
The Surveying program at Shivalik College of Engineering is structured over eight semesters, with a carefully balanced mix of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions. The curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the field.
Semester-wise Course Listing
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | MATH101 | Mathematics I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| I | PHYS101 | Physics I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| I | CHEM101 | Chemistry I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| I | ENG101 | Engineering Drawing | 2-0-2-3 | None |
| I | ECE101 | Basic Electrical Engineering | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| I | CS101 | Introduction to Programming | 2-0-2-3 | None |
| I | SUR101 | Introduction to Surveying | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| I | SUR102 | Surveying Lab I | 0-0-3-1 | SUR101 |
| II | MATH201 | Mathematics II | 3-1-0-4 | MATH101 |
| II | PHYS201 | Physics II | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS101 |
| II | MATH202 | Probability & Statistics | 3-1-0-4 | MATH101 |
| II | ECE201 | Circuit Analysis | 3-1-0-4 | ECE101 |
| II | CS201 | Data Structures & Algorithms | 3-1-0-4 | CS101 |
| II | SUR201 | Plane Surveying | 3-1-0-4 | SUR101 |
| II | SUR202 | Plane Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR102 |
| III | MATH301 | Mathematics III | 3-1-0-4 | MATH201 |
| III | PHYS301 | Optics & Modern Physics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS201 |
| III | ECE301 | Signals & Systems | 3-1-0-4 | ECE201 |
| III | CS301 | Database Management Systems | 3-1-0-4 | CS201 |
| III | SUR301 | Geodetic Surveying | 3-1-0-4 | SUR201 |
| III | SUR302 | Geodetic Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR202 |
| IV | MATH401 | Mathematics IV | 3-1-0-4 | MATH301 |
| IV | ECE401 | Control Systems | 3-1-0-4 | ECE301 |
| IV | CS401 | Computer Networks | 3-1-0-4 | CS301 |
| IV | SUR401 | Topographic Mapping | 3-1-0-4 | SUR301 |
| IV | SUR402 | Topographic Mapping Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR302 |
| V | MATH501 | Advanced Mathematics | 3-1-0-4 | MATH401 |
| V | SUR501 | Photogrammetry | 3-1-0-4 | SUR401 |
| V | SUR502 | Photogrammetry Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR402 |
| V | SUR503 | GIS & Remote Sensing | 3-1-0-4 | SUR401 |
| V | SUR504 | GIS & Remote Sensing Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR503 |
| V | SUR505 | GNSS Applications | 3-1-0-4 | SUR301 |
| V | SUR506 | GNSS Applications Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR505 |
| V | SUR507 | Hydrographic Surveying | 3-1-0-4 | SUR301 |
| V | SUR508 | Hydrographic Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR507 |
| V | DEPT_ELECTIVE_1 | Departmental Elective I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| V | DEPT_ELECTIVE_2 | Departmental Elective II | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| V | DEPT_ELECTIVE_3 | Departmental Elective III | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| V | DEPT_ELECTIVE_4 | Departmental Elective IV | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| V | DEPT_ELECTIVE_5 | Departmental Elective V | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| V | SCIENCE_ELECTIVE_1 | Science Elective I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| V | SCIENCE_ELECTIVE_2 | Science Elective II | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VI | SUR601 | Urban Mapping & Smart Cities | 3-1-0-4 | SUR501 |
| VI | SUR602 | Urban Mapping Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR502 |
| VI | SUR603 | Geodetic Surveying & Tectonics | 3-1-0-4 | SUR301 |
| VI | SUR604 | Geodetic Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR302 |
| VI | SUR605 | Cadastral Surveying | 3-1-0-4 | SUR201 |
| VI | SUR606 | Cadastral Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR202 |
| VI | SUR607 | Environmental Surveying | 3-1-0-4 | SUR401 |
| VI | SUR608 | Environmental Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR402 |
| VI | MINI_PROJECT_1 | Mini Project I | 0-0-6-3 | None |
| VII | SUR701 | Advanced Surveying Techniques | 3-1-0-4 | SUR601 |
| VII | SUR702 | Advanced Surveying Lab | 0-0-3-1 | SUR602 |
| VII | SUR703 | Specialized Elective I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR704 | Specialized Elective II | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR705 | Specialized Elective III | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR706 | Specialized Elective IV | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR707 | Specialized Elective V | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR708 | Specialized Elective VI | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR709 | Specialized Elective VII | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | SUR710 | Specialized Elective VIII | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| VII | MINI_PROJECT_2 | Mini Project II | 0-0-6-3 | SUR701 |
| VIII | FINAL_YEAR_PROJECT | Final Year Project / Thesis | 0-0-9-6 | SUR701 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives offer students the opportunity to explore specialized areas within surveying and related fields. These courses are designed to deepen understanding and enhance career prospects in specific domains.
Photogrammetry
This course delves into the principles and applications of photogrammetry, focusing on image interpretation, stereo modeling, and 3D reconstruction from aerial or satellite imagery. Students learn to utilize software tools like Agisoft Metashape, Pix4D, and ERDAS IMAGINE for processing large-scale datasets. The curriculum covers topics such as geometric correction, ortho-rectification, digital elevation model (DEM) generation, and integration with GIS platforms.
GIS & Remote Sensing
The course introduces students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies used in environmental monitoring, urban planning, and resource management. It includes hands-on sessions using QGIS, ArcGIS, and Google Earth Engine for spatial data analysis and visualization. Students also learn about satellite sensors, image classification techniques, and thematic mapping methods.
GNSS Applications
This elective explores the application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in surveying and positioning tasks. Topics include differential GNSS (D-GNSS), real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning, geodetic reference frames, and integration with other surveying tools. Students gain experience using receivers from Trimble, Leica, and u-blox for precise point positioning.
Hydrographic Surveying
The course focuses on underwater surveying techniques, including sonar systems, bathymetric mapping, and marine navigation principles. Students learn to operate hydrographic equipment, process sonar data, and generate nautical charts using industry-standard software like CARIS HIPS and SIPS.
Urban Mapping & Smart Cities
This course integrates surveying with urban planning and smart city technologies. It covers 3D city modeling, IoT integration, building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable development practices. Students work on projects involving digital twin creation for urban environments.
Geodetic Surveying & Tectonics
This elective provides an in-depth look at geodetic surveying techniques used to determine the Earth's shape, orientation, and gravitational field. It covers deformation monitoring, GPS-based crustal motion analysis, and seismic data interpretation. Students engage in research projects involving tectonic activity in the Himalayas.
Cadastral Surveying
This course addresses land ownership and boundary determination, including legal aspects of surveying, cadastre management systems, and property rights frameworks. Students learn to conduct boundary surveys, prepare legal documents, and resolve disputes using modern surveying tools and GIS.
Environmental Surveying
The course focuses on environmental impact assessment and monitoring using surveying techniques. It covers land degradation studies, climate change monitoring, biodiversity mapping, and resource extraction planning. Students gain experience in conducting field surveys and analyzing spatial data for policy-making.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
Our department strongly believes in project-based learning as a core pedagogical approach. Projects are designed to simulate real-world scenarios and foster creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among students.
Mini-Projects Structure
Mini-projects are undertaken in the third and sixth semesters, lasting approximately 3 months each. Each project is assigned a faculty mentor who guides students through planning, execution, and documentation phases. Projects are evaluated based on technical correctness, innovation, presentation quality, and peer feedback.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis is a comprehensive research project that spans the entire eighth semester. Students choose a topic aligned with their specialization or interest, work closely with a faculty advisor, and submit a detailed report along with a presentation. The project must demonstrate originality, depth of understanding, and relevance to industry or societal challenges.
Project Selection Process
Students are encouraged to propose their own ideas or select from a list of pre-approved projects provided by faculty members. The selection process involves discussions with mentors, proposal submissions, and final approvals from the department head. Projects may also be inspired by industry challenges or collaborative initiatives.