CEG3710 : Offshore and Subsea Positioning
CEG3710 : Offshore and Subsea Positioning
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Stuart Edwards
- Lecturer: Dr Christopher Pearson
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Code | Title |
---|---|
CEG2728 |
Pre Requisite Comment
CEG2728 is a replacement of the previous pre-requisite module CEG2703.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
-
Aims
The student will gain an understanding of the special methods used and problems encountered when applying the basic principles of surveying science in an offshore environment. It is emphasised that these basic principles, EM propagation, GPS, geodetic coordinate systems, standard least squares methods etc., are all treated elsewhere in the programmes of study. Here the previous theory and practices are reinforced but the emphasis is explicitly on their modification and application in the offshore environment. Tidal theory together with basic Kalman filtering are introduced. The student will also be introduced to the terminology, regulations and organisations current in the offshore industry and have the opportunity to practice team working and logistical planning as demanded by the industry during the Fieldwork Exercise (seabed mapping).
Outline Of Syllabus
Tidal theory: The need to account for tidal effects when navigating and surveying offshore. Sounding and sweeping for bathymetric survey: The design of a sounding survey; need for and equipment for sweeping.
Swathe bathymetry: The techniques, equipment and calibration
Sub-sea bottom seismic investigation: A brief overview
Position fixing: Including a review of visual positioning techniques; technical and practical considerations and their appropriateness; electromagnetic positioning by range measurement; EPF principles; Range-difference measuring systems and their calibration; GPS/GNSS for offshore surface positioning; Equipment and services for offshore positioning.
Positioning computation techniques including sequential and step by step Least Squares, Kalman filtering and its application.
Underwater acoustic positioning: Principles of underwater measurement of range: techniques, equipment and calibration; acoustic networks, acoustic range and bearing.
Integration of survey techniques: Vessel requirements; integration of sensors; integration of software. Calibration of whole systems.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students will understand how the many principles and practices studied which relate to surveying on shore can be adapted and applied in an offshore environment.
A knowledge of all the participant organisations involved in the offshore survey industry.
Students will improve their awareness of career opportunities in the offshore sector.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students will acquire the skills necessary for a career in offshore surveying including: ability to interpret navigation charts and determine tide heights for safe navigation; ability to undertake data processing in relation to offshore GPS/GNSS position fixing of a surface vessel; ability to undertake data processing for accurate positioning of underwater vehicles and sea bed infrastructure; ability to interpret quality measures associated with accurate positioning offshore (both surface and sub-surface); ability to interpret various forms of sub-sea data including Multi Beam Echo Sounding data; ability to plan and select equipment for standard bathymetric surveys.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Individual preparation for Exam |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Present in person. |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Individual Kalman Filter Report |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Kalman Filter Practical, Session 2 |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Individual Kalman Filter Report |
Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Port of Tyne Group report preparation |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Port of Tyne Boat Practical Groups of 3-4 2 per group inc travel (1hr Boat) 1tech discussion PiP/sy |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 43:00 | 43:00 | Consolidation of materials |
Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Early lectures overview the role of the industry and all participant organisations. Further lectures introduce the offshore environment – just how to navigate a boat etc. All the principles and techniques as required are then covered in a logical order. The final series of lectures show how the techniques studied have to be integrated to solve particular problems. The seabed mapping exercise (Fieldwork Exercise) is very simple but demonstrates to the students the need for very detailed planning, precise operational procedures and great care in data capture and processing.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | N/A |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 15 | Offshore position computation (individual submission) |
Report | 2 | M | 15 | Group report on the project (Port of the Tyne boat Fieldwork Exercise), approx 4 pages to include diagrams and tables. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The main assessment (70%) is by examination giving the opportunity for individual assessment of the student’s knowledge of theory, concepts and practice. The assessment of the Port of Tyne Fieldwork Exercise is by group project(15%), affording the opportunity for students to compile a succinct appraisal of the complex survey activities required for offshore work. The individual computation exercise allows students to demonstrate their understanding of positioning theory covered in lectures (15%).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG3710's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CEG3710's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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