Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Geospatial Field Methods: GPS and Drones (Face-to-Face)

GEOG 2900-01

Course: GEOG 2900-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: GEOS
CRN: 33133

Course Description

A hands-on experience with geospatial field methods. Topics will include Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS), Remote Sensing and Aerial photo interpretation, Crowd Sourcing, Map Reading and Navigation. Experience with Mobile Devices for collecting field location and associated attributes. Learn tools and methods for Collection, Processing, Error Evaluation, Map and Database Integration, Sharing, and Proper Standards for Documentation. Components of Geographic Information System, GPS, related skills and methods will be covered for successful field collection. Theories of Projections, Coordinate Systems, and several land referencing systems will be covered in relationship to map reading and map creation. Class, group, and individual projects are required throughout this course. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a Geosciences major, minor. certificate or as a prerequisite for any other course. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): GEOG 2800 - Prerequisite Min Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Required Texts

N/A (all material will be online)
See Canvas Pages for PDF files and Links for all reading assignments

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the theory behind how GPS works
Show an understanding the different components of the GNSS
Explain the mathematical concepts of using the formula d=vt
Create and use mission planning software for Satellite location prediction and health
Diagram all field interference's by azimuth and elevation (Create an obstacle curtain) 
Plan, create, manipulate and implement a data dictionary for field collection
Alter and correctly set all GPS critical setting for proper data collection
Collect field data using appropriate collection techniques and methods
Demonstrate a working knowledge of map projection and coordinate system 
Understand the errors at various levels that cause problems with GPS data collection 
Determine which errors are human errors and which are not
Demonstrate an ability to navigate to a given location with various GPS units
Correct for errors propagated into GPS data collected through post processing
Demonstrate proper use of differential correction and PPK
Integrate post processed GPS data into GIS with appropriate metadata 
Utilize mobile device to collect in real time field data and synchronize to live ArcGIS server
Utilize domains and ranges with ArcGIS data schema and publishing for mobile mapping
Demonstrate UAV usage as it applies to image collection, Processing,  and location accuracy
Demonstrate methods for UAV flight approval in project area and safety of participants
Plan and prepare documentation of field data collection accuracy and precision

Course Requirements


Prerequisite
GEOG 2800 Introduction to GIS & Cartography

Previous ArcGIS Pro software experience will be beneficial and will save time on the homework.  Student familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Esri ArcGIS Pro & ArcGIS Online.

iPhone vs Android phone: Student are responsible for learning and understanding their own phones and data storage and memory issues. Each phone potentially will slightly differ in their methods of interfacing with the field collection Apps.  Student will be required to learn the work-around methods if required for their phone.

General knowledge of computers, file storage, and data managing will be required throughout the course. If you are not comfortable with any of these technologies, please make sure you spend time with the instructor for review as needed and time outside of class. During UAV demonstrations student(s), under the oversight of the “Pilot in Charge” will have the opportunity to fly one the GIS Program UAVs.  If a student has acquired their FAA part 107 License, please let the instructor know.

Course Technology introduction:
Additional GIS software used during this course will include: Esri mobile Apps (ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey 123, ArcGIS Survey 123 Connect, ArcGIS QuickCapture)

Surveying collection software: Emlid Flow 360 as well as High accuracy use of Esri Field maps and Survey 123

UAV Processing software: Pix4D and Agisoft Metashape

Hardware/Equipment for course includes: Garmin 66ST, Emlid Reach RS3, Samsung Tablets, and Personal Smart Phone, DJI Phantom 4 RTk, Mavic Pro 2, DJI Matrice 300, Wingtra Gen II:  Sensor include: Sony Flight cameras, Mica Sense Red Edge Multispec, DJI L1 Lidar sensor

Course Information and student responsibilities: 
This course is designed to give students hands-on introduction to the theory and practical application of field collection methods utilizing GPS and UAV technologies. Throughout this course the student will be using Garmin, Emlid GPS field devices, survey grade units, as well as use mobile devices for collection. Each student is required to understand the basic principles of GIS and be familiar with the ArcGIS Pro environment to complete their assignments. The DNR GPS software will also be utilized for recreation grade GPS unit interface, some will choose to use the Garmin BaseCamp software for the Garmin interface. During the course the student will be introduced to the mission planning software for satellite orbit prediction and geometry configuration. The student will be required to use Microsoft Excel, Word, Notepad, Power Point, ArcGIS Pro, and interface with the SUU CANVAS system.  In addition, for the mobile device assignments, students will become familiar with the ArcGIS Online web mapping capabilities, which requires a login. Phones applications that are required are ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123, ArcGIS Quick Capture and possibly Qfield for QGIS. Several reading assignments, group discussions, and associated research papers will be required along with the weekly field collection assignments throughout the semester. 

Course Outline

             | Part 107 Study         | Tuesday                           | Thursday
Week 1 | Intro part 107             |                                          | Intro, setup, Apps
Week 2 | Regulations 97           | Mavic Pro 2                      | Garmin
Week 3 | Regulations 97           |                                         | Garmin
Week 4 | Regulations 97           | Phantom 4                       | Field Maps
Week 5 | Airspace 95                |                                         | Field Maps
Week 6 | Airspace 95                | Phantom 4 RTK               | Field Maps (group)
Week 7 | Airspace 95                |                                         | Survey 123
Week 8 | Performance 28          | Fall Break                        | Survey 123
Week 9 | Performance 28          | M300 - P1                        | Survey 123 Connect
Week 10 | Performance 28        | M300 - L1 - Lidar             | Survey 123 (Group)
Week 11 | Weather 67               | M300 - MultiSpec             | Quick Capture
Week 12 | Weather 67               |                                         | Quick Capture
Week 13 | Operations 71           | Wingtra Gen II                  | Project
Week 14 | Thanksgiving Break  | Thanksgiving Break          | Thanksgiving Break
Week 15 | Operations 71           |                                         | Project (group)
Week 16 | Schedule Exam         | Finals                              | Finals

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

 Missing class is not an excuse for turning in any late assignments. It is your responsibility to check what you missed. Late assignments cannot earn more than 75% of total possible points, after 24 hours only 50%, and after 48 hours 25%. Please communicate with your instructor so you have every chance to earn the full points. Rescheduled exams will usually be taken before the regularly scheduled time. An exam reschedule requires the instructor permission a week prior to the planned date, this prevents last minute notices.. Documentation for school approved activities is required when missing class or an exam. 

Attendance Policy

Attendance: Students can choose to take advantage of the attendance policy by attending class. 
A 100% attendance round up policy within .25, eg 92.76% A- round to 93% A.  Attendance is highly recommended for staying current with assignments and taking notes during class. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.