Distance and Continuing Education

Missouri University of 

Science and Technology

300 W 12th Street

216 Centennial Hall

Rolla, MO 65409-1560

Phone: 573-341-6222

Fax: 573-341-4992

dce@mst.edu

Professional Development - Online PDH Courses

One Hour PDH Courses  

Two Hour PDH Courses

One Hour PDH Courses

  • Area Calculations
    This course unveils the mystery covering area calculation. It is an essential course for the technician or professional who needs to understand the basic theory and computational techniques that are used to compute area using field measurements or a map. Topics include: basic principles and concepts of area calculation; field methods; coordinate and DMD method; and map (office) methods

  • Differential Leveling
    This course covers differential leveling methods and field processes. Topics include: reciprocal, three-wire and double-rodded leveling methods; instrument setup; turning points; note taking; loops; math checks and misclosure.

  • Errors in Surveying
    This course covers error sources and types; precision and accuracy; elementary concepts of data analysis; and differentiating between the impacts of systematic and random error.

  • Introduction to Leveling
    This course introduces concepts, definitions, applications and methods used when leveling or measuring vertical distances, including an introduction to differential leveling and more in-depth coverage of trigonometric leveling.

  • Leveling Instrumentation and Adjustment
    This course discusses various types of levels and instrumentation. Topics include: optical and digital automatic levels; hand and Abney levels; rod types; optical micrometers; testing and adjustment; parallax and level vials; and field demonstrations.

  • Line Intersections
    This course is ideal for individuals in surveying, engineering and related fields who encounter real-world problems, in the field or office, involving the intersection of features on the earth’s surface represented by lines and circular curves. Topics include: (COGO) concepts; introduction to equations for line, circle, law of cosines and sines; equations for computing oblique and right triangles; perpendicular offset, bearing-distance, bearing-bearing and distance-distance intersections are solved with illustrated examples. Knowledge of basic trigonometry is essential

  • Random Errors I
    This is the first of a two-part course sequence on understanding the nature of random errors, and how to evaluate them. Topics include: sources and types of errors; precision and accuracy; concepts of measuring dispersion and precision; calculating residuals; and plotting of a measurement histogram to understand the normal curve and standard deviation.

  • Random Errors II
    This continuation from Random Errors I is a more in-depth look at calculating standard deviation, interpretation and confidence levels. Topics include: calculation of standard deviation, interpretation and confidence levels; concept of strength of the mean and standard deviation of the mean; how random errors propagate; discussion of weighted means and application of random error concepts for design and analysis of surveys.

  • Systematic Errors I
    This course presents the first part of a more detailed look at systematic errors. Topics include: measurements, mistakes, sources and types of errors, accuracy and precision. The surveying system is discussed; and the concept of bias and modeling is presented. The course concludes with identifying areas in surveying where systematic errors may be found.

  • Systematic Errors II
    This continuation of Systematic Errors I begins with a discussion of the importance of evaluating the impact of known systematic errors. Equations where applicable are presented, together with systematic error concepts in common surveying procedures including taping, leveling, angle measurement, EDM measurement and GPS use.

  • Traverse Computations I
    The first of a two-course sequence on traverse computations. Topics include: why traverse computations are done; steps taken in computing a traverse; balancing angles; computing directions; latitudes and departures; closure and precision; detecting blunders in angle and distance measurement.

  • Traverse Computations II
    This course builds on material from Traverse Computations I, which is highly recommended in advance of this course. Topics include: errors in latitudes and departures; traverse adjustment methods; compass rule procedures; coordinate calculation; inversing from  balanced latitudes and departures; introduction to coordinate geometry concepts.

 

Two Hour PDH Courses