High-tech Construction At BME’s Surveying Camp In Göd

BME students were able to practise using aerial and aquatic drones, laser scanners and other modern instruments at the Faculty of Civil Engineering’s surveying camp in Göd, according to a report on magyarepitok.hu. The history of the faculty’s field geodetic surveying dates back to the 19th century, and it remains part of civil engineering education to this day.

This year, a total of 280 students took part in seven sessions at BME’s Danube-side premise.

“Learning geodesy from a book is like learning to swim from a book: true knowledge is only acquired when you step into deep water,” 

the newspaper quotes Bence Takács, associate professor and chief organiser, as saying. He said that the essence of the camp is for students to experience geodesy in real-world field conditions, and he described community building as an equally important objective.

For several years now, on a designated day during the camps, experts from the BME’s partner Duna Group have been joining the participants to introduce them to the latest measurement technologies and equipment. They carry out building surveys using 3D scanners, map the bed of the Danube with a drone boat equipped with sonar, and an important part of the programme involves planning and marking out a route. To do this, they first establish control points, then survey the terrain, create a map and a digital terrain model, and finally design and stake out the road’s centreline.

Bence Takács, the aquatic drone and an employee of Duna Group

Bence Takács believes that the students really appreciate being involved in such an intensive course, as well as having access to state-of-the-art equipment. “During the surveys, practically everyone uses an instrument,” he explained, adding that the Duna Group’s equipment pool is virtually unrivalled in the country. “It’s no wonder that even our students from Western countries express their appreciation in this regard.”

According to Mr Takács, all of this is of great significance because many students arrive at university without really knowing what they would study. “A significant proportion of first-year students do not yet have a clear picture of what kind of work they will be able to do as civil engineers. However, the field trip and the presence of industry representatives make it tangible for them to see what they can achieve if they persevere with their studies.”

Imre Vass, production manager at Duna Aszfalt, noted that, for the company, the fieldwork camp is not only an opportunity to shape university students’ professional outlook, but may also be important in terms of recruiting new talent. He cited the example of a female colleague who completed her compulsory work placement with the group, then took part in the internship programme, and later wrote her dissertation there; following her successful final examination, she joined the company as a full-time employee.

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Photos: Mihály Erdei/magyarepitok.hu