University of Mines and Technology(UMaT), Tarkwa. Ghana

8.5 Programme Structure
a) Core and Compulsory Modules
The MSc coursework comprises 6 core/compulsory modules namely:
Operations Research (GM 503)
Statistical Models (GM 509)
Mine Economic & Financial Evaluation (GM 506)
Environmental Management (GM 513)
Geographic Information Systems (GM 503)
Global Positioning Systems (GM 508)

In addition, a minimum of three (3) other modules must be selected by the candidate in consultation with his/her Supervisor. Introduction to Computer Applications is compulsory but a candidate may apply for exemption. Applicants without adequate Geomatics background will be required to register for the module in “Introduction to Geomatic Engineering”.

Field trips will be organised and all students will be required to participate in at least one of them. An essential requirement of the modules is that students devote the afternoons to tutorials, practicals or field trips.

b) Content of Modules
The modules to be run, credit hours and module numbers are as follows:

* Preparatory Module ** Pre-requisite Module for non-Geomaticians

GM 000 Introduction to Geomatic Engineering
Credits: 0
Digital levels, Digital Theodolite, Modern Surveying Techniques, Classical Positioning Systems- Triangulation and Trilateration, Engineering Surveying, Modern Positioning System-GPS, IPS, DPS.

GM 000 Introduction to Computer Applications
Credits: 0
Introduction to PC, Basic hardware components of the PC, Operating systems software DOS, Operating systems hardware (Dosshell, Windows, File Managers and Utilities) Word Processing, Data processing, Database, Graphics, Software installation and interfacing and summary.

GM 500 Thesis
Credits: 12
An independent research work under the guidance of a Supervisor(s) on a topic in the student’s area of specialisation. A thesis embodying the results of the research will be presented to the Department and defended orally. A panel will assess the thesis.

GM 501 Map Projections
Credits: 3
Definitions of terrestrial coordinate systems and reference frames. Coordinate transformations between geodetic datum- Molodensky, Bursa-Wolf. Multiple regression equations. Map projection theory-conformity, differential geometry. Map projection types-conical, cylindrical, azimuthal. Choosing optimal projections. Case studies of projections used in Ghana, UK, Australia and overseas.

GM 502 Digital Photogrammetry
Credits: 3
Fundamentals of digital image acquisition: sampling, quantization, resampling and error sources. Charge-coupled device (CCD) architecture, operation and error sources. Automated interior, relative and absolute orientation. Image matching techniques: signal-based, feature-based and relational, with emphasis on cross-correlation and least squares matching. Use of epipolar constraints in image matching. Multiresolution analysis and image pyramids. Digital image rectification. Feature extraction.

GM 503 Operations Research
Credits: 3
Nature of Operations research in mining, Linear, the simplex algorithm for integer & Goal programming, transportation and assignment problems, decision analyses, Markov analysis, simulation, queuing models, inventory control models, production scheduling methods-CPM, dynamic programming.

GM 504 Geodesy
Credits: 3
Physical geodesy-potential theory, earth, reference and anomalous gravity field, measurement of gravity. Figure of the earth, boundary value problems, geometrical ad gravimetric geoid determination. Dynamic satellite geodesy, satellite alimetry. Reference frames and coordinate transformations, height systems. Earth rotation, solid earth tides. Geodynamics- geodetic and geophysical setting, terrestrial reference frames.

GM 505 Satellite Geodesy
Credits: 3
History of positioning and navigation using satellites, Fundamentals of satellite orbits, signals and messages, Fundamentals of coordinates reference systems, quality measures and integrity, Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) and Ground Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS), Stand alone and differential positioning, Static and kinematics positioning, Communication protocol (NMEA, RTCM, RTCA), Observables and observation equations used in positioning, other geodetic positioning technologies; SLR, VLBI, and IMO, Detail applications and case studies, Current development (pre-requisite to Satellite Geodesy)

GM 506 Financial and Economic Evaluation
Credits: 3
Nature of and requirements for mining projects, course objectives and expected outcomes. Time value of money and economic equivalence, estimation of revenue and costst. Investment allowance, Mine Taxation and royalties. Financial alternatives. Cash flow models and analysis, investmen decision methods and criteria, sensitivity and risk analysis, mine feasibility study. Case studies.

GM 507 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Credits: 3
Special topics in advanced technology relevant to geographic information science. The role of spatial information systems as a decision supporting tool. Management requirements for decision making. User and data needs analysis. System analysis and design. Quality assurance. Temporal databases. Use of Modelling and simulation. Reporting requirements. Selected case studies.

GM 508 Application of GIS and Remote Sensing
Credits: 3
Image enhancement and visualization, image classification and Interpretation, spatial data visualization, RS data interpretation for land resource inventory, RS and GIS for land resource change analysis, GIS tools for landscape analysis, GIS and RS for E.I.A

GM 509 Statistical Modeling
Credits: 3
Mathematical and statistical techniques for spatial data. Various interpolation techniques. Spatial statistics, Kriging. Time series analysis. Simulation techniques for spatiotemporal data. Fractal Surfaces. Remote sensing data in simulation and modelling studies

GM 510 Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Credits: 3
GPS mathematical models, mechanics of GPS data processing. Differential positioning systems. Carrier phase modeling. Atmospheric modeling. Ambiguity resolution. Real time kinematics (RTK) and On-The-Fly positioning. GPS quality assurance. Multipath modelling and other error sources. Case studies.

GM 511 Remote Sensing
Credits: 3
Concepts of digital remote sensing and energy interaction. Remote Sensing Platforms, Image statistics, display, preprocessing. Rectification of digital imagery. Digital image processing – Image processing, Image enhancement, and classification. Spectral and Spatial filtering. Thematic information extraction, change detection and accuracy assessment. Special sensors- thermal, hyperspectral and microwave.

GM 512 Geographic Information Management
Credits: 3
Concept of geo-information technology and management, Motivation for acquiring basic knowledge in technology, Presentation of basic terminology in management, Discussion of the challenges for land administration and national surveys in a changing technological and institutional environment, Presentation of examples of innovative approaches to Geospatial Data Infrastructures, Emerging concepts in linking objectives of Geo-spatial data policy, land policy and policy instruments (World Bank, UN and FAO policies),Data sources, data acquisition, data conversion and processing, Data models, process models and databases (central/local), Electronic exchange and distribution of geo-information, Quality parameters and review procedures.

GM 513 Environmental Management
Credits: 3
Environmental Impacts of Mining (an overview). Air quality/pollution. Air quality modeling; water quality/ pollution; water quality modeling. Noise. Environmental aspects of ground vibrations and air blasts. Environmental impact assessment methodologies and practices. Ghana’s Environmental Policy.

GM 514 Advanced Cartography
Credits: 3
GIS and cartographic visualization: data sources. Development and management of a cartographic database. Cartographic modeling and data analysis: spatial, temporal and thematic comparisons. Terrain visualization. Scientific Visualization. The use of colour in non-temporal animations. Dynamic variables. Visualization in GIS. Hypermaps. Rendering systems for interactive scientific visualization.

GM 515 Postgraduate Seminar
Credits: 3
Students will be required to make a minimum of one presentation on the progress and research underway in their areas of specialization. The seminar will be assessed by a Departmental Panel. Postgraduate students are required to attend.

GM 516 Engineering Surveying
Credits: 3
Analysis, design and execution of surveying and mapping projects, mine surveys, underground surveys. Highway surveys and Setting out methodologies of engineering design projects.

GM 517 Geographic Data for Resource Management
Credits: 3
Geographic data to information for resource management extract and integrate spatial and non-spatial data from various sources and formats, explore, analyze and interpret information contained in geographical data, data obtained through sampling, statistic and cartographic visualization, descriptive and inferential statistics, validity and reliability of final results.

GM 518 Field Trip & Report
Credits: 3
Field trips will be organised and students are required to participate in, at least, one of them. They are required to submit a written report and make oral presentation on it/them.

GM 519 Land Information Systems (LIS)
Credits: 3
Land as the basis of all societies. Operational aspects of creating a land information system and the scientific concepts, models and methods of land information will be the core course content. The course will provide theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise in building a viable land information system. Boundary concepts.