Geomatics Technology A.A.S.

The Geomatics Technology curriculum prepares students to use mathematical and scientific principles for the delineation, determination, and planning of land tracts, boundaries, contours, and features by applying principles of route and construction surveying, photogrammetry, mapping, global positioning systems, geographical information systems, and other kinds of property description and measurement to create related maps, charts, and reports.

Course work includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photo interpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.

Graduates should qualify for jobs as survey party chief, instrument person, surveying technician, highway surveyor, mapper, GPS technician, and CAD operator. Graduates will be prepared to pursue the requirements necessary to become a Professional Land Surveyor and will also be able to transfer and complete a four-year degree in the field.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of "C" or better: CEG, CIV, DFT, EGR, MAT, and SRV

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CEG-111		4
This course introduces the methods and techniques used in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) professions. Emphasis is placed on data collection and mapping using GIS software. Upon completion, students should be able to use GNSS technologies to collect field data and create GIS maps. View course details for Intro to GIS and GNSS ‌‌
CEG-115		3
This course introduces basic skills, sustainability concepts and career fields for technicians. Topics include career options, technical vocabulary, dimensional analysis, measurement systems, engineering graphics, professional ethics, and related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify drawing elements and create sketches, perform basic engineering computations and identify measures of sustainable development. View course details for Intro to Tech & Sustainability ‌‌
EGR-110		2
This course introduces general topics relevant to engineering technology. Skills developed include goal setting and career assessment, professional ethics, critical thinking and problem solving, using college resources for study and research, and using tools for engineering computations. Upon completion, students should be able to choose a career option in engineering technology and utilize college resources to meet their educational goals. View course details for Introduction to Engineering Tech ‌‌
EGR-125		2
This course introduces personal computer software and teaches students how to customize the software for technical applications. Emphasis is placed on the use of common office applications software such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics and Internet access. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in using applications software to solve technical problems and communicate the end results in text and graphical formats. View course details for Application Software for Technicians ‌‌
MAT-121		3
This course provides an integrated approach to technology and the skills required to manipulate, display, and interpret mathematical functions and formulas used in problem-solving. Topics include basic geometric and proportion applications; simplification, evaluation, and solving of algebraic and radical functions; complex numbers; right triangle trigonometry; and systems of equations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use mathematics and technology for problem-solving, analyzing and communicating results. View course details for Algebra/Trigonometry I ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
DFT-151		3
This course introduces CAD software as a drawing tool. Topics include drawing, editing, file management, and plotting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a CAD drawing. View course details for CAD I ‌‌
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌
MAT-122		3
This course extends the concepts covered in MAT-121 to include additional topics in algebra, function analysis, and trigonometry. Topics include exponential and logarithmic functions, transformations of functions, Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, vectors, and statistics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use mathematics and technology for problem-solving, analyzing and communicating results. View course details for Algebra/Trigonometry II ‌‌
SRV-110		4
This course introduces the theory and practice of plane surveying. Topics include the precise measurement of distances, angles, and elevations; bearing, azimuth and traverse computations; topography and mapping. Upon completion, students should be able to use/care for surveying equipment, collect field survey data, perform traverse computations and create a contour map. View course details for Surveying I ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CEG-211		3
This course introduces basic engineering principles and characteristics of hydrology, erosion and sediment control. Topics include stormwater runoff, gravity pipe flow, open channel flow, low impact development (LID), erosion control devices and practices. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and design gravitational drainage structures, identify LID and erosion control elements, and prepare a stormwater drainage plan. View course details for Hydrology & Erosion Control ‌‌
HUM-115		3
This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Critical Thinking ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌
SRV-111		4
This course introduces route surveying and roadway planning and layout. Topics include simple, compound, reverse, spiral, and vertical curves; geometric design and layout; planning of cross-section and grade line; drainage; earthwork calculations; and mass diagrams. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate and layout highway curves; prepare roadway plans, profiles, and sections; and perform slope staking. View course details for Surveying II ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CIV-125		3
This course introduces civil/surveying computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Topics include drawing, editing, and dimensioning commands; plotting; and other related civil/surveying topics. Upon completion, students should be able to produce civil/surveying drawings using CAD software. View course details for Civil/Surveying CAD ‌‌
CIV-215		2
This course introduces the essential elements of roadway components and design. Topics include subgrade and pavement construction, roadway drawings and details, drainage, superelevation, and N.C. Department of Transportation Standards. Upon completion, students should be able to use roadway drawings and specifications to develop superelevation, drainage, and general highway construction details. View course details for Highway Technology ‌‌
SRV-210		4
This course introduces boundary surveying, land partitioning, and calculations of areas. Topics include advanced traverses and adjustments, preparation of survey documents, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to research, survey, and map a boundary. View course details for Surveying III ‌‌
SRV-240		4
This course covers topographic, site, and construction surveying. Topics include topographic mapping, earthwork, site planning, construction staking, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare topographic maps and site plans and locate and stake out construction projects. View course details for Topographic/Site Surveying ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CEG-230		3
This course covers the planning and design concepts related to subdivisions including analysis of development standards, engineering, and the creation of CAD drawings. Topics include applicable codes, lot creation, roadway system layout, stormwater drainage, low impact development (LID) concepts, and related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a set of subdivision plans. View course details for Subdivision Planning & Design ‌‌
ENG-114		3
This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Students entering this course should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a technical field and should anticipate interdepartmental evaluation of course projects. View course details for Professional Research and Reporting ‌‌
SRV-220		3
This course introduces the law as related to the practice of surveying. Topics include surveyors’ responsibilities, deed descriptions, title searches, eminent domain, easements, the weight of evidence, riparian rights, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and apply the basic legal aspects associated with the practice of land surveying. View course details for Surveying Law ‌‌
SRV-250		4
This course covers advanced topics in surveying. Topics include photogrammetry, astronomical observations, coordinate systems, error theory, GPS, GIS, Public Land System, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply advanced techniques to the solution of complex surveying problems. View course details for Advanced Surveying ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

See advisor for General Education substitutes.

Curriculum is based on the 2023-24 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will
learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.