Module Specification 2019/20

Module Code: 19CIVL04H Title: Geoinformatics

Level: H Modular weight: 10 Faculty/Dept: Engineering/Civil
Pre-requisite modules:
Reassessment: Summer Assessment Period
Module Leader: Dr. Mahmoud Farag
Semester taught: Two
Date of latest revision: March 2019

Aims
The aim of this module is to provide an identification of reference frames used in presenting geospatial data,
and also to introduce the students to advanced techniques for determination of position, acquisition of
thematic information and least squares techniques in data management.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
1. identify different principles used in satellite navigation technologies especially GPS, and the difference in
reference frames adopted in comparison with those of traditional surveys;
2. describe modern techniques available for the acquisition and management of geospatial and thematic
data together with reference frames used in the presentation of data;

Subject Specific Cognitive Skills

3. compare the different satellite receiving equipment available to the user together with its application in
surveying;
4. specifying data processing and management techniques for mapping with ability of determining the
limitations of the methods;

Subject Specific Practical Skills

5. use of specialist software for data processing and management with an integrated approach to
presentation;

Transferable Skills
6. Integration and interpretation of data acquired by GPS through GIS applications.

Employability
This module will provide opportunities for students to:
• Gain and develop further experience in design and problem solving, planning, team work, enterprise
skills, reflection, numeracy skills, IT skills, and leadership skills.

Indicative Content
• the use of GPS in mapping and in survey control;
• plane and geodetic coordinate systems and transformations;
• least squares adjustment;
• Geographic information systems (GIS).

Methods of Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Total student effort for the module: 100 hours on average over one semester.
The BUE attendance policy applies, refer to current GAR and Student Handbook for further details.
 Typical Student Effort
Type of session Typical number in the Typical hours per week Total hours
semester/s
Lecture 12 2 24
Tutorial 6 1 6
Laboratory 6 1 6
Private study 12 5.3 64

Assessment
Exam/
ILOs Exam Written
Assessment Type Weight %
Assessed Semester Coursework
Length
5000 words
Individual assignment, (one piece),
40% 5, 6 S2 and
report*
discussion
Unseen Written
60% 1, 2, 3, 4 S2 120 min
Exam
* Includes mathematical manipulation of lab work applying geodetic datum transformation, analyses of data
acquired in practical group field activities, such as summaries, analyses and plots of surveys.

Methods of Feedback
In response to assessed work:
• Individual written feedback on coursework;
• Feedback discussed as part of a tutorial;
• Generic feedback about unseen exams on e-learning web page;

Developmental feedback generated through teaching activities:

• Individual developmental feedback provided during field work activities (weekly).
• Feedback on drafts / work plans;
• Dialogue between students and staff in tutorials
• Individual feedback provided in tutorials

Indicative Reading List

• Barry F. Kavanagh, "Geomatics", Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-130-322890 (2002)

• Charles D Ghilani and Paul R Wolf, "Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics", Prentice Hall,
ISBN: 0-136-154310 (2008)
• Jan Van Sickle, “GPS for Land Surveyors” CRC Press, ISBN: 0-575-040751 (2001)
 Form for audit trail of exam
paper
Academic Year:
2019/2020
Department / Programme / Study Year: Semester:
Civil Engineering / CIVL / Year 4 S2
Module Code / Title:
19CIVL04H / Geoinformatics

This is to confirm:
 That this examination paper assesses the ILOs defined in the module specifications.
 That this examination paper covers the syllabus satisfactory.
 That exam questions set at appropriate level, and that no question have been seen
previously in coursework or set text books by the student being examined.
 That sufficient time is allowed.
 That exam questions are clearly set out and are understandable.
 That spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct.
 That diagrams/figures/tables are well presented.
 That marks allocation is made clear.
 That appropriate model answers were provided with this examination paper.
 That this examination paper follows the approved University template.

Module Leader: Signature/Date:

Dr. Mohamed Embaby

Proof Reader: Signature/Date:

Associate Prof. Amr Helmy

Programme Director/Coordinator: Signature/Date:

Dr. Mohamed Eizeldin

Department’s exam officer: Signature/Date:

Dr. Amr Helmy

Subject Advisor Comments Signature/Date:

Department’s exam officer: Signature/Date:

Response to SA comments
 Module Code 19CIVL04H
Final Examination
2019/2020
Module Title
Geoinformatics
Module Leader Semester
Dr. Mohamed Embaby S2
Equipment allowed
Non-programmable calculator

Instructions to Students

• The exam is in two sections.

• Answer all questions in Section A and any two questions from Section B.
• Answers to only two questions from Section B will be graded. If answers to
more than two questions are found, the first two answers will be graded and the
other answers will be ignored.
• The exam paper is 3 pages long, not including this page, with the following
content:
3 pages for questions only,
• The allocation of marks is shown in brackets next to each question.
• Write your answers in the answer book provided, not on the exam paper.
• Assume any missing information and state your assumptions clearly.
• Submit exam paper with the answer book.

This examination is TWO hours long.

[Turn Over only when instructed to do so]

19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020

Section A: Answer all questions

QA1 Geomatics constituting of many disciplines and techniques, Explain the
following in details:
A. Data and Information [4 marks]
B. Geodesy and Cartography [4 marks]
C. Laser Scanning [4 marks]
D. Photogrammetry [4 marks]
E. Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems [4 marks]

Total [20 marks]

QA2 (i). Explain the types of Remote Sensing Platforms? [4 marks]

(ii). Why use GIS? [4 marks]
(iii). Explain in details the Galileo Global Positioning System? [4 marks]
(iv).Stat and draw the GIS component. [4 marks]
(v). Describe, with the help of a sketch, the three main segments of the Global [4 marks]
Positioning System (GPS)?

Total [20 marks]

QA3 (i). Use the least-squares solution to adjust the three equally weighted distance [10 marks]
observations taken (in feet) between points A, B, and C of Figure QA3.

Figure QA3
(ii). Define:
a. Geomatics. [2 marks]
b. Spatial and Spectral Resolution. [2 marks]
c. Buffer Zone. [2 marks]
d. Remote Sensing. [2 marks]
e. Spatial analysis [2 marks]

Total [20 marks]

[Total 60 Section A]

Section B: Answer only two questions

QB1 (i). Given the coordinates of three metrological stations, PM1 (615370.56 E,
819173.755 N, 50.754), PM2 (618709.452 E, 809834.032 N, 59.563), and PM3
(617549.411 E, 820121.659 N, 75.673). the data of PM1 is (Temp.=20 Co, Wind
=60 km/hr, Rain = 10 mm, humidity =36 %, type = automatic), PM2 is (Temp.=25
Co, Wind =40 km/hr, Rain = 0 mm, humidity =50 %, type = automatic), PM3 is
(Temp.=23 Co, Wind =70 km/hr, Rain = 30 mm, humidity =42 %, type = manual).

[6 marks]
Page 1 of 3
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020

a) Describe the procedure and mention final format for handling the above
features in GIS software. [6 marks]
b) Design and fill in the attribute table for the three metrological stations. [4 marks]
[4 marks]
c) Outline the procedure to select the sites with rain less than 20 mm.
d) What are the type of the field data (Temp, Wind, Rain, humidity and type )

Total [20 marks]

QB2 (i). Circle the right answer.

1. The shapefile format is a digital vector format for storing geometric locations and
associated attribute information. While it can consist of several files with different file [2marks]
name extensions, three file names are needed to be properly identified as a shapefile.
These are………
A. shp, sbn, prj
B. shp, shx, dbf
C. shp, sbn, dbf
D. shp, sbn, sbx)
2. When converting Degrees/Minutes/Seconds of latitude in the Northern [2 marks]
Hemisphere to decimal degrees
E. Add the three values together and divide the sum by 3600, i.e.,
(Deg+Min+Sec)/3600
F. Subtract the seconds from the minutes, then the minutes from the degrees i.e. (Deg-
(Min-Sec))
G. Multiply the Minutes by 60, multiply the seconds by 3600 and then add all to the
degrees, i.e., (Deg+(Min*60)+(Sec*3600))
H. Divide the Seconds by 3600, divide the Minutes by 60, then add those values to the
degrees, i.e. (Deg+(Min/60)+(Sec/3600))
3. What are the types of geographic data stored
A. Vector only [2 marks]
B. Raster only
C. Both Vector and raster
4. ………………. can occurs when the edges of two polygon areas don’t meet
properly. [2 marks]
A. Slivers
B. Overshoots
C. Undershoots
5. …………….…occur when digitized vector lines that should connect to each
other don’t quite touch. [2 marks]
A. Slivers
B. Overshoots
C. Undershoots
6. ………………. happen if a line ends beyond the line it should connect to it.
[2 marks]
A. Slivers
B. Overshoots
C. Undershoots
(ii). What are Types of remote sensing in terms of energy sources? And Mention [8 marks]
the main elements of remote sensing system?

Total [20 marks]

Page 2 of 3
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020

QB3 (i). Compute the GPS coordinates (X, Y, Z) of point A whose geodetic latitude
equals 30⁰, geodetic longitude equals 31⁰ 30', and geodetic height equals 150 m. Use
the WGS 1984 ellipsoid whose parameters are: semi-major axis (a) = 6378137 m, [10 marks]
and semi-minor axis (b) = 6356752 m.
(ii). What are the methods of monitoring by GPS? [5 marks]

(iii). Stat the main three Sources of raster data? [5 marks]

Total [20 marks]

[Total 40 Section B]

Page 3 of 3
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer

Section A: Answer all questions

QA1 Geomatics constituting of many disciplines and techniques, Explain the
following in details:
A. Data and Information [4 marks]
B. Geodesy and Cartography [4 marks]
C. Laser Scanning [4 marks]
D. Photogrammetry [4 marks]
E. Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems [4 marks]

A. Data and Information

• The two terms Data and Information are often used synonymously, while their
individual meaning is in reality deeply different. [4 marks]
• Data are the basis of information, in general represent the measure of the external
world. Only an expert system (whether human or not) is able to convert data into
information, by reading it according to established rules.
• The acquisition of information goes via a cognitive process based on data.
• In regard to geomatics, the following are a few possible examples:
o Satellite Image represents the data and any finalized elaboration of it
generates information (thematic images, topographical maps)
o Global Positioning System (GPS) data are a measure of time, the derived
information is a position in space.
B. Geodesy and Cartography
[4 marks]
Geodesy
• Geodesy is the science which defines the shape and dimensions of the Earth [4 marks]
through its two branches. (gravimetry, positioning astronomy)
• Representing the Earth in a synthetic and exhaustive way and as accurately as
possible has been a great challenge for researchers since ancient times.

Cartography
• Cartography can be defined as the representation of the Earth’s surface based on
specific rules.
• Map is a symbolised image of geographic reality, representing selected features or
characteristics, resulting from the creative effort of its author’s choices, and it is
designed for use when spatial relationships are of primary relevance.
C. Laser Scanning
• Laser scanning technique is particularly significant, as it is characterized by
the ability to produce complete information and achieve high precision, and
[4 marks]
by a considerable level of automation and productivity.
[4 marks]
• Technology and computer science aspects characterize this technique, which
offers multiple applications in ground and aerial surveys. Its weakness is
represented by the complex and at present ill-defined filtering operations
necessary to reduce and to select the enormous amount of data collected by
the laser system and necessary to recreate the Digital Surface Models
(DSMs).

Page 1 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer
D. Photogrammetry

 Photogrammetry is defined as the process of deriving metric information

about an object through measurements of the object made on photographs,
leaving to photointerpretation (by human visual analysis) the task to obtain
qualitative information (human experience remains a determinant factor).
 With the introduction of technologies for image data acquisition from
space in a wider region of the electromagnetic spectrum, the meaning of
photogrammetry and photo-interpretation has been extended to comprise
remote sensing, moving from classical photo-interpretation to the use of
digital image processing in addition to human interpretation, and applying
computer analysis techniques to imagery besides photography.

E. Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems

 A Decision Support System (DSS) is a powerful set of tools for collecting,

storing, retrieving at will, processing, transforming and displaying
georeferenced spatial data in adequate scenarios of the real world so as to
supply the decision makers with objective elements of evaluation of
environmental problems.
 By using DSS one must be in a position to prevent and foresee territorial
and environmental phenomena and to explore several scenarios to obtain
an overview of their possible consequences. For example, the ability to
foresee when a volcanic eruption or a flood event may happen, its intensity
and the extension of the area involved, may be useful in the definition of a
plan for evacuating the population.

•
QA2 (i). Explain the types of Remote Sensing Platforms? [4 marks]
(ii). Why use GIS? [4 marks]
(iii). Explain in details the Galileo Global Positioning System? [4 marks]
(iv).Stat and draw the GIS component. [4 marks]
(v). Describe, with the help of a sketch, the three main segments of the Global [4 marks]
Positioning System (GPS)?

Page 2 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer
 Explain the types of Remote Sensing Platforms?
[4 marks]
 Ground level remote sensing

 Ground level remote sensors are very close to the ground.

 They are basically used to develop and calibrate sensors for

different features on the Earth’s surface.

 Aerial remote sensing

 Low altitude aerial remote sensing

[4 marks]
 High altitude aerial remote sensing
[4 marks]
 Space borne remote sensing
[4 marks]
 Space shuttles

 Polar orbiting satellites

 Geo-stationary satellites
[4 marks]
Why use GIS?
 GIS uses the analytical power of computer to complete complex tasks.
 Digital storage power to manage large data sets.
 Integration of many different types of data from Many different sources.
 Easily updated and edited.

Explain in details the Galileo Global Positioning System?

 The purpose of Galileo is to create a worldwide navigation system to reduce, for
strategic and economic reasons, the dependence of the European Union from the
GPS USA system.
 Galileo is the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that went live in 2016.
 The system is scheduled to reach full operation in 2020 with the following
specifications:
 30 in-orbit spacecraft (24 in full service and 6 spares)
 Orbital altitude: 23,222 km (MEO)
 3 orbital planes, 56° inclination, ascending nodes separated by 120°
longitude (8 operational satellites and 2 active spares per orbital plane)
 Satellite lifetime: >12 years
 Satellite mass: 675 kg
 Satellite body dimensions: 2.7 m × 1.2 m × 1.1 m
 Span of solar arrays: 18.7 m
 Power of solar arrays: 1.5 kW (end of life)

Stat and draw the GIS component.

Page 3 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer

Describe, with the help of a sketch, the three main segments of the Global
Positioning System (GPS)?
 The system of GPS consists of three modules, or segments:
 Space Segment.
 Control Segment.
 User Segment.

QA3 (i). Use the least-squares solution to adjust the three equally weighted distance [10 marks]
observations taken (in feet) between points A, B, and C of Figure QA3.

Figure QA3
(ii). Define:
Page 4 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer
a. Geomatics. [2 marks]
b. Spatial and Spectral Resolution. [2 marks]
c. Buffer Zone. [2 marks]
d. Remote Sensing. [2 marks]
e. Spatial analysis [2 marks]

(i). Solution

[10 marks]

(ii). Define:
a. Geomatics. [2 marks]
Geomatics is defined as a systemic, multidisciplinary, integrated approach to selecting
the instruments and the appropriate techniques for collecting, storing, integrating,
modelling, analyzing, retrieving at will, transforming, displaying and distributing
spatially georeferenced data from different sources with well-defined accuracy
characteristics, continuity and in a digital format.
b. Spatial and Spectral Resolution.
The size of pixels in a raster determines its spatial resolution. [2 marks]
The number of bands in a raster image is referred to as its spectral resolution.

c. Buffer Zone.
A buffer zone is any area that serves the purpose of keeping real world features [2 marks]
distant from one another.

d. Remote Sensing. [2 marks]

The art and science of obtaining information about an object or feature without
physically coming in contact with that object or feature

e. Spatial analysis
using spatial information to extract new and additional meaning from GIS data. [2 marks]

[Total 60 Section A]

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19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer
Section B: Answer only two questions
QB1 Given the coordinates of three metrological stations, PM1 (615370.56 E,
819173.755 N, 50.754), PM2 (618709.452 E, 809834.032 N, 59.563), and PM3
(617549.411 E, 820121.659 N, 75.673). the data of PM1 is (Temp.=20 Co, Wind
=60 km/hr, Rain = 10 mm, humidity =36 %, type = automatic), PM2 is (Temp.=25
Co, Wind =40 km/hr, Rain = 0 mm, humidity =50 %, type = automatic), PM3 is
(Temp.=23 Co, Wind =70 km/hr, Rain = 30 mm, humidity =42 %, type = manual).

a) Describe the procedure and mention final format for handling the above [6 marks]
features in GIS software.
b) Design and fill in the attribute table for the three metrological stations. [6 marks]
[4 marks]
c) Outline the procedure to select the sites with rain less than 20 mm.
[4 marks]
d) What are the type of the field data (Temp, Wind, Rain, humidity and type )

a) Describe the procedure and mention final format for handling the above
features in GIS software. [6 marks]
• The Shapefile will be Point Layer
• Each location is defined by one point.
• UTM Projection will use.
• Data file is prepared as the following:

[6 marks]
b) Design and fill in the attribute table for the three metrological stations.

[4 marks]
c) Outline the procedure to select the sites with rain less than 20 mm.

Using selection by attribute: select field rain > “20” In this case the software highlights
the selected (PM1, PM2).
d) What are the type of the field data (Temp, Wind, Rain, humidity and type)? [4 marks]

Temp, Wind, Rain, humidity field will be (number)

Type field will be (TEXT)

QB2 (i). Circle the right answer.

1. The shapefile format is a digital vector format for storing geometric locations
and associated attribute information. While it can consist of several files with [2marks]
different file name extensions, three file names are needed to be properly
identified as a shapefile. These are………
A. shp, sbn, prj
B. shp, shx, dbf
C. shp, sbn, dbf
Page 6 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer
D. shp, sbn, sbx)
2. When converting Degrees/Minutes/Seconds of latitude in the Northern [2 marks]
Hemisphere to decimal degrees
A. Add the three values together and divide the sum by 3600, i.e.,
(Deg+Min+Sec)/3600
B. Subtract the seconds from the minutes, then the minutes from the degrees i.e. (Deg-
(Min-Sec))
C. Multiply the Minutes by 60, multiply the seconds by 3600 and then add all to the
degrees, i.e., (Deg+(Min*60)+(Sec*3600))
D. Divide the Seconds by 3600, divide the Minutes by 60, then add those values to the
degrees, i.e. (Deg+(Min/60)+(Sec/3600))
3. What are the types of geographic data stored [2 marks]
A. Vector only
B. Raster only
C. Both Vector and raster
4. ………………. can occurs when the edges of two polygon areas don’t meet
properly. [2 marks]
A. Slivers
B. Overshoots
C. Undershoots
5. …………….…occur when digitized vector lines that should connect to each
[2 marks]
other don’t quite touch.
A. Slivers
B. Overshoots
C. Undershoots
6. ………………. happen if a line ends beyond the line it should connect to it. [2 marks]
A. Slivers
B. Overshoots
C. Undershoots
(ii). What are Types of remote sensing in terms of energy sources? And Mention [8 marks]
the main elements of remote sensing system?

(i). Circle the right answer.

1. B [2marks]
2. D [2 marks]
3. C [2 marks]
4. A [2 marks]
[2 marks]
5. C [2 marks]
6. B
(ii). What are Types of remote sensing in terms of energy sources? And Mention
the main elements of remote sensing system?
Passive remote sensing is similar to taking a picture [8 marks]
with an ordinary camera
 Passive remote sensing: Source of energy is that
naturally available
– Solar energy
– Energy emitted by the Earth etc.
 Most of the remote sensing systems work in passive
mode using solar energy
– Solar energy reflected by the targets at
specific bands are recorded using sensors
Page 7 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer
– For example signal strength received at the sensor, wavelengths capable
of traversing through the atmosphere without significant loss, are
generally used
 The Earth will also emit some radiation since its ambient temperature is about
300o K.
– Passive sensors can also be used to measure the Earth’s radiance
– Not very popular as the energy content is very low

Active remote sensing is analogous to taking a picture with camera having built-in
flash
 Active remote sensing: Energy is generated and emitted from a sensing
platform towards the targets
 Energy reflected back by the targets are recorded
 Longer wavelength bands are used
 Example: Active microwave remote sensing (radar)
– Pulses of microwave signals are sent towards the target from the
radar antenna located on the air / space-borne platform
– The energy reflected back (echoes) are recorded at the sensor

QB3 (i). Compute the GPS coordinates (X, Y, Z) of point A whose geodetic latitude
equals 30⁰, geodetic longitude equals 31⁰ 30', and geodetic height equals 150 m.
Use the WGS 1984 ellipsoid whose parameters are: semi-major axis (a) = 6378137 [10 marks]
m, and semi-minor axis (b) = 6356752 m.
(ii). What are the methods of monitoring by GPS? [5 marks]

(iii). Stat the main three Sources of raster data? [5 marks]

(i). The GPS coordinates (X, Y, Z) of point A

(ii). What are the methods of monitoring by GPS?

Page 8 of 9
19CIVL04H Geoinformatics Final Exam - May 2020
Model Answer

(iii). Stat the main three Sources of raster data?

1. aerial photography an aeroplane flies over an area with a camera mounted
underneath it.
2. Satellite Imagery is created when satellites orbiting the earth point special
digital cameras towards the earth and then take an image of the area on earth
they are passing over.
3. raster data can be computed by GIS applications. For example, Meteorologists
(people who study weather patterns) might generate a province level raster
showing average temperature, rainfall and wind direction using data collected
from weather stations.

[Total 40 Section B]

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