Geometric representations of topographic surfaces: classical and digital applications

It is a synthetic work, necessary for knowing the basics of terrestrial measurements, "the oldest technical-engineering concern in our country", a field with a tradition of over two centuries. Its content offers elements for educating a spatial perception, on which a geodetic engineer relies in the activities specific to the profession. The paper was designed in correlation with the taxonomy of educational objectives, with the objectives being defined at the beginning of each chapter.

The main skill that is intended to be developed is to represent 3D objects in 2D space, in a way that their real shape can be reconstructed, an essential approach in engineering.

The methods and principles studied are closely related to the field of geodetic engineering: projection systems, coordinates, scale, distances, areas, slopes, visibility, topographic profiles of the terrain, etc.

Solving the problems contained in the paper develops the spirit of observation, forms spatial vision, accustoms students to rules, order, accuracy and proportion, and to norms for representing and reading drawings.