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Fieldwork and survey equipment

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Industry‑Standard Equipment and Learning Resources

As a University of Northampton student, you’ll learn using many of the same tools and technologies employed by professionals in surveying, mapping, environmental monitoring and spatial analysis. Our facilities are designed to support your academic studies while giving you valuable, real‑world, hands‑on experience.

Fieldwork and Survey Equipment

You’ll have regular opportunities to work with modern surveying and data‑collection equipment, helping you build practical skills and confidence from the early stages of your course.

  • Total Stations
    You’ll use total station equipment during taught surveying sessions to develop practical skills in data collection, site measurement and topographic surveying as part of your course.
  • 3D Laser Scanning
    We use a Trimble TX8 terrestrial laser scanner, capable of capturing millions of points per second to create highly detailed 3D models of landscapes and structures. This technology is introduced in the later stages of the course, with further opportunities to develop your skills through an optional module.
  • High‑Accuracy GNSS Systems
    Our GNSS receivers allow you to collect highly accurate location data using satellite positioning, giving you experience of a survey approach widely used across the geospatial industry.

Geospatial Software

You’ll work with a range of software used across the geospatial sector, helping you develop transferable digital skills that are highly valued by employers. Teaching currently primarily focuses on the following platforms:

  • QGIS – open‑source GIS for mapping and spatial analysis
  • ArcGIS Pro – industry‑standard GIS software
  • CloudCompare – open‑source software for processing 3D point‑cloud data
  • SAGA GIS – open‑source tools for terrain and environmental analysis
Maps, Data and Digital Resources

You’ll have access to extensive spatial datasets through EDINA Digimap, including:

  • Ordnance Survey mapping
  • Historical maps
  • Geological datasets
  • Aerial photography and LiDAR data
  • Environmental, marine and census datasets

Alongside these digital resources, we also maintain a collection of historic aerial photographs and geological maps. These materials can be used for coursework, project work and independent research.