Geoinformation Technology and Cartography

Background

The MSc in Geoinformation Technology and Cartography is a one-year Masters programme aimed at those seeking a career in Geographic Information management or cartography. The focus of the course is on understanding and managing the locational data underpinning Geographic Information Systems (GIS), visualisation and map production in a GIS environment. There is also scope for those interested in various GIS application areas. The programme is designed for those with little or no academic background in the subject and for those with a technical/practical background in the subject seeking an academic qualification. The course is available full or part time and it is also possible to study for a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.

Why is this course important?

GIS are now widely used for managing locational information and in decision making; they are also the main technology used for the design and production of maps. Increasingly issues such as integrating data from different sources, co-ordinate shifts due to increased accuracy of modern surveys and producing well designed visual output from GIS for decision making require people with a deeper understanding of data, its organisation and representation, and with the skills to customise standard systems. In addition to covering the main theoretical aspects of Geographic Information Science and Cartography, there is a significant emphasis on gaining skills in using and developing Geographic Information Systems. This is supported by an understanding of co-ordinate systems, transformations and geospatial data infrastructures.

The University of Glasgow has long experience in this field having first offered a Postgraduate Diploma in Cartography in the mid 1960s. Geography and Earth Sciences is a partner organisation of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and this programme is accredited by them. The course is also on the British Cartographic Society Register of Courses. Advanced elements of the course include contributions from experts in the field, such as atlas production, geographic names, data quality, GIS and public policy issues, map design for the internet, 3D GIS, and other topics.