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2025-2026 / GEOG0063-1

3D data acquisition and processing

Duration

10h Th, 40h Pr, 2d FW

Number of credits

 Master in geography: geomatics, professional focus in geodata expert5 crédits 
 Master in geography: geomatics, professional focus in land surveyor5 crédits 

Lecturer

Roberta Ravanelli

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course "3D Data Acquisition and Processing" aims to enable students to master the fundamental principles of 3D data capture and processing.

The learning process is structured around two complementary approaches:

  • Theoretical lectures, providing the necessary conceptual foundations;
  • Laboratory sessions and/or practical sessions, enabling students to directly apply theoretical knowledge and gradually progress towards the final project.
Content of the teaching unit

Introduction to 3D Data Acquisition and Processing

  • Fundamentals
  • Overview of instruments and methods
  • Overview of 3D data applications
Photogrammetry Fundamentals

  • Image fundamentals
  • Collinearity equations and image orientation
  • Image matching and normal images
  • Bundle Block Adjustment (BBA) and Structure from Motion (SfM)
  • 3D reconstruction by triangulation, orthoimage generation, and Digital Surface Models (DSMs)
  • Quality assessment
  • Aerial and close-range photogrammetry
  • Satellite orientation models and satellite photogrammetry
Laser Scanning Fundamentals

  • Principles of laser scanning
  • Types of laser scanners and mobile platforms
  • Fundamentals of data acquisition and registration
  • Principles of point cloud data processing

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

  • Analyze a concrete situation or problem and propose an appropriate method for collecting 3D data

  • Master the fundamental principles of instruments and methods for the collection and processing of 3D data

  • Produce professional deliverables (DTMs, orthoimages, 3D models, reports) from 3D data

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

  • Geometry and trigonometry
  • Observation Theory and least squares
  • Geodetic systems
  • Topography & Use of total stations + GNSS receivers
  • Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
  • Familiarity with GIS tools
  • Use of spreadsheets and/or programming scripts
  • Use of word processing softwares
  • Ability to prepare slide presentations

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Each theoretical lecture is reinforced by lab and/or practical sessions, providing students with the opportunity to directly apply theoretical knowledge and progressively advance toward the final project.

For each lab and/or practical session, students are required to submit a written report.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

This is a face-to-face course.

Theoretical lectures as well as laboratory sessions and/or practical sessions take place at the scheduled times indicated in the course timetable.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- Microsoft Teams


Further information:

The course slides will be made available on Teams and will be regularly updated after each lecture.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

An oral exam will be organized. During the oral exam, students will present their final project, which must also be accompanied by a written report.

The submission of all reports from the laboratory and practical sessions carried out during the course is a mandatory prerequisite for admission to the oral exam.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The course will be taught in English.

Contacts

Roberta Ravanelli, chargée de cours
Geomatics Unit
Quartier Agora
Allée du 6 août (B5a), 19 - 4000 Liège
E-mail: roberta.ravanelli@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs