At Georgia Southern University, you can use the following pathways to accomplish your Surveying-Geomatics goals. For place-bound students, our Surveying-Geomatics Courses (materials and quizzes) are available online with an option for required labs being facilitated by a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS Option).
The Non-Traditional Path
(Required courses plus prerequisites)
This approach is best for the person who works during the day (preferably with a Surveying-Geomatics company). The non-traditional student may have some previous college coursework that may be considered for credit. Coursework under this path includes the necessary 18 semester credit hours currently required by the Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for the Land Surveyor Intern Certification (or Land Surveyor-in-Training).
Advising SheetEmbedded Certificates
The Following Programs Include Surveying-Geomatics Embedded Certificates
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) with Surveying-Geomatic
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering (BSConE) with Surveying-Geomatics
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCon) with Surveying-Geomatics
Traditional students typically obtain an embedded certificate through the above programs, all of which are offered in the Civil Engineering and Construction Department.
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) degree program is a path for advanced students. The course group under this path includes the necessary 18 semester credit hours currently required by the Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for the Land Surveyor Intern Certification (or Land Surveyor-in-Training).
The MSCE degree typically takes two years to complete.
MSCE Advising SheetAccelerated Degree Pathway
The accelerated degree pathway is a path for advanced students to obtain BSCE and MSCE degrees in five years.
ABM Pathway Advising SheetThe program prepares graduates to:
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of skills in mathematics, basic physical sciences, business, surveying, and geomatics sufficient to pass professional registration exams.
- Demonstrate proficiencies in surveying equipment, experimental and surveying data gathering, and analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to be in charge of surveying operations.
- Apply design skills sufficient to meet employer and client expectations in the areas of land development and survey operations planning.
- Conduct themselves ethically and professionally and exhibit personal integrity and responsibility in surveying practice.
- Be proficient in written, oral, and graphic communication in order to promote professional services, communicate, report to clients, interact with peers, and address client matters in public forums.
- Appreciate the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and their place among society and the profession.
- Take leadership roles in the community and profession.
- Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment, and lead when necessary to accomplish mission or project.
The Surveying-Geomatics program courses focus on the skills and education required for professional practice. In addition to basic courses in mathematics and the physical sciences, the students are exposed to:
- Traditional terrestrial surveying
- Data collection
- Global Positioning System
- Geographic Information System
- Photogrammetry
- LiDAR
- Elements of professional practice
Expected Student Outcomes
After completion of the Surveying-Geomatics coursework, students should be able to demonstrate the following capabilities:
- An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, and technology to solve broadly defined surveying-geomatics problems appropriate to the discipline.
- An ability to design solutions for well-defined surveying-geomatics problems, components, or processes appropriate to the discipline.
- An ability to apply written, oral, and graphic communication in well-defined technical and non-technical environments
- An ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
- An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments.
- An ability to function effectively as a member leader on a technical team.
For details about Georgia Board of Registration requirements for certification as a land surveyor intern visit: https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-land-surveyor or for the Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) application in Georgia, go to: https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/09 LSIT Application (Rev 20-28).pdf
Surveyors
- Combine history with technology, mathematics with law, and art with CAD.
- Work outside in nice weather and inside in bad weather (have a tan all Summer).
- Don’t sit behind a desk for long (have an exercise plan as part of surveying practice).
- Earn a good salary for doing work they enjoy.
Professional License Disclosure
Each state has multiple pathways for achieving licensure as a professional land surveyor (PLS). Generally, a student should have an engineering degree from an EAC-ABET accredited institution and 2-4 years of work experience. Some states, such as GA, and the border states of SC, TN, AL, and NC also allow related degrees (construction management, engineering technology, mathematics, etc) with coursework in geomatics to become licensed. The first step toward licensure is to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying Examination (FS) offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The embedded Surveying-Geomatics certificate at Georgia Southern, when coupled with a BS degree in Civil or Construction Engineering, or Construction Management or the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, meets the educational requirements to sit for the Fundamentals of Surveying Examination (FS) and become a Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) in all US states and territories. After passing the FS exam and completing the required years of experience, full licensure is granted after passing the Principles and Practices of Surveying Exam (PS).
Georgia Southern makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure or certification is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete state examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, residence requirements, jurisprudence exams, training, etc. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Georgia, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information regarding licensure or certification before beginning an academic program. For more information and a list of applicable state boards, visit the Georgia Southern State Authorization and Professional Licensure Webpage.
Surveyors in Action
More About Surveying Geomatics
Surveying-Geomatics Career Opportunities
Surveyors are not likely to run out of things to do. Surveying has existed for thousands of years as a means to facilitate the location, construction, and cataloging of data. From the time of the ancient Egyptians to the modern day, surveyors have been the first on the job and the last to leave to make sure that things are located and constructed correctly.
There are a number of services that only a licensed Professional Surveyor can provide.
The location of property boundaries, and land-related services such as:
- Location
- Topography
- Spatial position
- Land use planning
Anything related to land location and use generally requires the services of a Professional Surveyor. Surveyors also collaborate with many other professionals, including engineers, architects, attorneys, realtors, developers, and contractors, and they advise land owners.
Land surveyors may have slightly different processes, depending on their specific type of surveying.
Construction or Engineering: This type of surveyor studies changes in property lines and identifies the precise locations of buildings and roads. They may also survey road topography and grade or determine the appropriate depth for building foundations.
Geodetic: A surveyor who uses satellite and aerial imaging to measure very large portions of the earth is called a geodetic surveyor.
Boundary or Land: This type of surveyor fulfills the important duty of determining exactly where property lines are located.
Contact Links for Career Opportunities
CENG 2231: Surveying
Lecture Contact Hours: 0,2 Lab Contact Hours: 0,2
Principles of the level, theodolite, electronic distance measurement(EDM), total station and global positioning systems, taping, note keeping, coordinate geometry, control surveys, triangulation, trilateration, plane coordinate systems, azimuth and topographic mapping. Laboratory Includes use of level, theodolite, EDM, total station, GPS, traverse closure, level net closure, topographic mapping, measuring distances and heights using coordinate geometry calculations.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in MATH 1112 or MATH 1113 or MATH 1441 and CENG 1133 or ENGR 1133 or TCM 1232.
Cross Listing(s):TCM 2233.
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5137/G: Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics
CENG 5137 – Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics (3 Credit Hours)
Lecture Contact Hours: 0,2 Lab Contact Hours: 0,2
This course integrates concepts developed in Fluid Mechanics with fundamental hydrologic and hydraulic processes used in the analysis and design of urban drainage, flood control, and measurement structures. Hydrology topics include the hydrologic cycle, precipitation, hydrograph analysis, evapotranspiration, runoff, and flood routing. Hydraulics Topics Include open channel flow, hydraulic design, pump classification, pump and system curves, and water/wastewater pumping stations.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in CENG 2131 or permission of instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5137G.
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5431/G: Advanced Surveying
Lecture Contact Hours: 0,2 Lab Contact Hours: 0,2
Principles of field astronomy, GPS surveys, control surveys, State Plane Coordinate Systems, photogrammetry, volume determination, route surveying (horizontal and vertical curvature) and an introduction to Geographical Information Systems. Laboratory includes: GPS for control, coordinate system transformations, survey boundary development, topography survey, and roadway alignment.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in CENG 2231 or TCM 2233 or permission of instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5431G.
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5432/G: Introduction to GIS in Surveying-Geomatics and Transportation
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
An introduction to the knowledge and skill requirements of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as applied to surveying-geomatics and transportation. Students will learn and apply GIS and cartographic concepts to develop problem solutions in surveying mapping & thematic mapping and to manipulate geo-referenced spatial information as required in typical industry applications.
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of “C” in CENG 2231 or TCM 2233 or permission of instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5432G
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5433/G: Drainage and Erosion Control
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Principles and practices of drainage design including drainage structures, stormwater quality and erosion & sediment control measures, with particular emphasis on governmental publications and regulations.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in CENG 5137 or CENG 5137G or permission of instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5433G
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5434/G: Surveying History and Law
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Study of the legal aspects of surveying, including boundary law and the surveyor’s rights and responsibilities, with particular emphasis on surveying practice in Georgia.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in CENG 2231 or TCM 2233 or permission of instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5434G
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5435/G: Introduction to Terrestrial LiDAR
Lecture Contact Hours: 0,2 Lab Contact Hours: 0,2
This course presents a thorough introduction to terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) or laser scanning and its multiple applications. It Includes the use of selected state-of-the-art, ground-based, instruments and their corresponding data collection and processing software packages to generate 3D point-cloud models.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5435G.
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5436/G: Introduction to Close-Range Photogrammetry
Lecture Contact Hours: 0,2 Lab Contact Hours: 0,2
This course presents a thorough introduction to close-range photogrammetry and its multiple applications in Civil and Construction Engineering. It includes the use of selected, state-of-the-art, unmanned aerial vehicles and associated data collection and processing software packages to generate 3D spatial models.Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Instructor.
Cross Listing(s): CENG 5436G.
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
CENG 5438/G Surveying-Geomatics Professional Practice
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
This course prepares the student for professional practice as a Land Surveyor and includes subdivision design, site layout including associated drainage and sewer design, application of zoning and land use regulations, professional ethics, associated business practices, platting and CAD/computer methods.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in CENG 5431 and CENG 5434 or permission of instructor.
Cross Listing(s):CENG 5438G
Repeat Limit: Not Repeatable
Tentative Surveying-Geomatics Course Schedule
| Course | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENG 2231 Surveying (or TCM 2233 Construction Surveying) | X | X | X |
| CENG 5137/G Engineering Hydrology & Hydraulics | X | ||
| CENG 5431/G Advanced Surveying | X | ||
| CENG 5432/G Intro to GIS in Surveying-Geomatics & Transportation | X | ||
| CENG 5433/G Drainage & Erosion Control | X | ||
| CENG 5434/G Surveying History and Law | X | ||
| CENG 5435/G Intro to Terrestrial LiDAR | X | ||
| CENG 5436/G Intro to Close-Range Photogrammetry | X | ||
| CENG 5438/G Surveying-Geomatics Professional Practice | X | ||
| GEOG 3440 Intro to GIS and Cartography | X |
Where can I find employment? Graduates can find employment just about anywhere they want to live. Logically, there will be more opportunities in the Atlanta area than in southwest Georgia. We hope that our graduates get jobs all over the United States, from Atlanta to California.
Can I get licensed as a surveyor? The program at Georgia Southern University is set up to support graduated students in obtaining surveyor’s licenses in Georgia. Completing the necessary courses, obtaining the required experience (four to eight years depending on your education) and successfully passing two exams (Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Professional licensed Surveyor (PS) exams) leads to licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS). You can see the surveying exam applications and information at the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) website. https://ncees.org/surveying/
What types of jobs can I get after completing my surveying pathway at Georgia Southern University? Numerous jobs are available in the surveying-geomatics and geospatial fields depending on your education and background. The most common jobs are survey technician, survey party chief, survey project manager, computer aided design (CAD) technician, CAD manager, geographic information system (GIS) technician, GIS manager, photogrammetrist, geodesist, office manager and corporate officer. Jobs are available in the private sector and in the government sector at the local, state and federal agencies. If you are an entrepreneur at heart, setting up your surveying business is always an option after obtaining your surveying license.
What is the starting salary? Starting salaries depend on the position and the location of the employer. The Atlanta area probably has higher starting salaries. The starting salaries for licensed surveyors in Georgia can range from range from $45,000 to $90,000.
Where do graduates work? Graduates work across the United States. In Georgia, they work in small towns and large cities. Some work in small, family surveying companies. Others work in large multi-state surveying and mapping companies and civil engineering companies. Graduates can generally work where they desire, in any size firm they feel comfortable.
Is it difficult to get jobs? Like any profession, surveying employment depends on the location and the market or demand. There will be a demand for surveyors in Georgia in the future as the economy grows and the number of licensed surveyors declines due to retirement.
How difficult is it to find summer jobs? With a little effort, traditional students can obtain summer positions in the surveying or mapping fields. Career fairs at Georgia Southern University afford the student’s opportunities to seek out internships and summer employment. We would like for our students to establish a relationship with a Surveying Company as soon as possible after their first year of college.
How do I fit in at Georgia Southern University? Georgia Southern University has nearly 26,000 students and, for the traditional on-campus student, has comfortable dorms, a good research library, an event auditorium, numerous recreation opportunities, nationally recognized sports teams (e.g., NCAA football), tutoring for core classes, and a friendly atmosphere. The average class size in a surveying class size is 24 students or less. There are three faculty members with doctorates and one part-time faculty member that teach the Surveying-Geomatics courses.
Are the courses difficult? All engineering and Surveying-Geomatics courses can be difficult. Students who put sufficient effort into their studies generally pass. Students with learning disabilities are provided with help and faculty receive instruction on how to help students learn.
Can Surveying-Geomatics students get a Professional Engineering (PE) license along with a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license? Yes, civil engineering & construction engineering students can obtain a PE license. Additional education, experience and exams are required.
Can I take the required Surveying-Geomatics courses online? Yes, the Surveying-Geomatics courses are set up in an online platform. Four of the Surveying-Geomatics courses require labs that can be completed on campus or with the help of a Licensed Professional Surveyor (PLS option).
How much do the Surveying-Geomatics Courses Cost? The cost for a 3-hour undergraduate course (In-State) for Spring of 2021 is approximately $791.39 (additional fees may be required). To see a listing of Undergraduate Tuition and Fees, go to: https://finserv.georgiasouthern.edu/bursar/office-of-student-accounts/tuition-and-fees/
How often are the Surveying-Geomatics Courses offered? All of the Surveying-Geomatics Courses are offered at least once per year. Go to the following link to see the tentative course offering schedule: Tentative S-G Course Schedule
If you have other questions about the Surveying-Geomatics paths at Georgia Southern University, contact Dr. Roger Purcell.
Non-Traditional Surveying-Geomatics Students and Undergraduate Students with Embedded Surveying-Geomatics Certificate: BSCE, BSConE., and BSCon
Kathy Shepherd
Statesboro Campus: IT 1208
(912) 478-8039
kshepherd@georgiasouthern.edu
Graduate Civil Engineering (MSCE or Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program: Civil Engineering)
Erica Colbert
Statesboro Campus: IT 3004
(912) 478-3007
ercolbert@georgiasouthern.edu
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Graduate Degree Programs
(An Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree (ABM) 4+1 Degree option is available for the Civil Engineering MSCE. )
Faculty Listing
Roger Purcell
Gustavo Maldonado
Marcel Maghiar
Soonkie Nam
