Unit Outline

Observations of many different types are central to the determination of information across the geospatial sciences. In this unit, you will gain knowledge in the theory and practical application of least squares adjustment techniques including 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 focuses on providing you with an appreciation of uncertainty and how it is treated and communicated within the land surveying profession. You are introduced to a range of advanced adjustment concepts and their application in different applications. Case studies are used to provide practical application of the material presented in the interactive seminars. Tutorial exercises provide learning opportunities that include the use of different computational and adjustment packages used across industry.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


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

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KMA152 - Mathematics 1A AND KMA154 - Mathematics 1B AND KGG255 - Surveying 1

Alterations as a result of student feedback

No significant changes to the unit were required in response to feedback from the previous student cohort. There have however been small changes to the unit given the shift to a 12 week semester. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s unit evaluation surveys following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Report 1: Basic Least Squares Adjustments	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Report 2: Least Squares output and interpretation	Week 9	20 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Practical Test	Week 13	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Invigilated Written Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Report 1: Basic Least Squares Adjustments

Task Description:

You must address a range of questions that span all aspects of basic Least Squares adjustments. To address the questions, you will complete quantitative data processing and analysis prior to communicating their results and interpretation using appropriate conventions. You will work on this assessment task during allocated tutorial sessions.

Task Length:

~10 pages

Due Date:

Week 4 (20/Mar/2026)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 1.1: Apply appropriate mathematical techniques when addressing a problem.	LO1
2	Criterion 1.2: Explain components of an adjustment problem.	LO1
3	Criterion 2.1: Adjust data appropriately using a specific software package.	LO2
4	Criterion 3.2: Communicate results and/or uncertainty using appropriate conventions.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Report 2: Least Squares output and interpretation

Task Description:

You must address a range of questions that span all aspects of basic Least Squares adjustments. To address the questions, you will complete quantitative data processing and analysis prior to communicating your results and interpretation using appropriate conventions. You will work on this assessment task during allocated tutorial sessions.

Task Length:

~10 pages

Due Date:

Week 9 (01/May/2026)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 2.1: Adjust data appropriately using a specific software package.	LO2
2	Criterion 2.2: Explain key functionalities in a specific software package.	LO2
3	Criterion 3.1: Interpret adjustment output relative to a specific problem.	LO3
4	Criterion 3.2: Communicate results and/or uncertainty using appropriate conventions.	LO3
5	Criterion 4.1: Identify strengths and weaknesses in a survey based on adjustment output.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Practical Test

Task Description:

In this assessment task, you are required to practically work through an adjustment problem using a specific adjustment package, in person, along side the unit coordinator. You will then need to address questions from the unit coordinator. The assessment is undertaken in the study break.

The assessment task must be completed in person, on campus. Students will be provided further details including an allocated time and room location in the week prior to the assessment.

Task Length:

30 minutes

Due Date:

Week 13 (27/May/2026)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 1.2: Explain components of an adjustment problem.	LO1
2	Criterion 2.1: Adjust data appropriately using a specific software package.	LO2
3	Criterion 3.1: Interpret adjustment output relative to a specific problem.	LO3
4	Criterion 3.2: Communicate results and/or uncertainty using appropriate conventions.	LO3
5	Criterion 4.1: Identify strengths and weaknesses in a survey based on adjustment output.	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Invigilated Written Exam

Task Description:

In person, invigilated, written exam involving short answer questions. This assessment contributes to the assurance of learning assessments in this unit.

The exact date for this assessment will be advised during semester by the Examinations Office.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Criterion 1.1: Apply appropriate mathematical techniques when addressing a problem.	LO1
2	Criterion 1.2: Explain components of an adjustment problem.	LO1
3	Criterion 2.2: Explain key functionalities in a specific software package.	LO2
4	Criterion 3.1: Interpret adjustment output relative to a specific problem.	LO3
5	Criterion 3.2: Communicate results and/or uncertainty using appropriate conventions.	LO3
6	Criterion 4.1: Identify strengths and weaknesses in a survey based on adjustment output.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks. Please note that this unit includes two 'assurance of learning' hurdle tasks (practical test and invigilated written exam) which must be completed in person and on campus.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

All required readings will be provided in PDF format in MyLo.