Developing Topographic Surveying Software to Train Civil Engineers

Abstract

In this study, software was developed for the improvement of professional skills in topographic-surveying subjects taught in engineering degree programs. This learning tool is focused on developing the skill involved in virtual rod reading through the telescope of topographic equipment, attempting to completely substitute a traditional practical class (laboratory and field work). For assessment of the developed tool, two experimental student units were created by a process of homogenization of knowledge and later subdivided into groups. The first experimental unit was trained traditionally in handling topographic equipment. The second unit was trained virtually with the developed software. Results obtained for each group showed a high level of learning and revealed characteristics that differentiate the acquired professional skills. Because the effectiveness of reaching pedagogical goals with virtual training was demonstrated, it was concluded that the developed software could be substituted for field practice, offering a viable alternative in situations where there are insufficient economic resources for the teaching of topographic surveying.