Program Overview

Unit Overview

The Analysis of Observations unit (KGG370) is a 12.5 credit point course offered by the University of Tasmania, specifically within the College/School of Sciences and Engineering, and more precisely in the School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences. This unit is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of least squares adjustment techniques, which are central to the determination of information across the geospatial sciences.

Introduction

Observations of various types are fundamental to the geospatial sciences. This unit focuses on imparting knowledge on the theory and practical application of least squares adjustment techniques. This includes the reduction of raw measurements, weighted adjustment of terrestrial and satellite-based observations, detection of outliers, parameter uncertainty, and network design to achieve a required job specification. The unit aims to provide an appreciation of uncertainty and how it is treated and communicated within the land surveying profession.

Summary

• Unit Name: Analysis of Observations
• Unit Code: KGG370
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• Discipline: Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
• Coordinator: Associate Professor Christopher Watson
• Available as an Elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with specific UN Sustainable Development Goals, though the exact goals are not specified in the provided context.

Availability

• Location: Hobart
• Study Period: Semester 1
• Attendance Options: On-campus
• Available to: Domestic and international students, though specific availability might depend on the student's background and the university's policies.

Key Dates

• Start Date: 23/2/2026
• Census Date: 17/3/2026
• WW Date (Withdrawal without penalty): 20/4/2026
• End Date: 14/6/2026

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Perform a least squares adjustment by first principles and using matrix notation.
• Apply different software packages to adjust spatial data.
• Interpret adjustment requirements and outputs in relation to relevant industry specifications.
• Explain all components of the workflow for an adjustment of spatial data.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $3,401.00
• HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP: Available depending on eligibility.

Requisites

Prerequisites

• KMA152 - Mathematics 1A
• KMA154 - Mathematics 1B
• KGG255 - Surveying 1

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern:
  • 2 x 1 hour online lectures/seminars per week (online, synchronous)
  • 1 x 1 hour on-campus lecture/workshop per week (on-campus, in-person)
  • 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week (on-campus, in-person)
• Assessment:
  • Practical Test (20%)
  • Report 1: Basic Least Squares Adjustments (20%)
  • Report 2: Least Squares output and interpretation (20%)
  • Invigilated Written Exam (40%)

Textbooks

• Required: All required readings will be provided in PDF format in MyLo.
• Recommended: Harvey, B. (2016) Practical Least Squares and Statistics for Surveyors, Monograph 13, Third Edition reprinted 2016, UNSW.

The University of Tasmania reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities as appropriate.