Geospatial and Mapping Sciences
Background
The MSc in Geospatial and Mapping Sciences is a new Master's programme available full or part-time for those seeking a career in Geomatics (land and engineering surveying, hydrographic surveying, land registration/cadastre and LIS, photogrammetric and remote sensing engineering or the management of geospatial information). The focus of the programme is on understanding the theory and practice of geospatial data collection, data and information quality, applications of survey information and research and development in the field of Geomatics. The programme has been developed in close collaboration with industry to meet the global demand for professionals in this field and meets the academic requirements for membership of relevant professional bodies. It is also possible to study for a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma or to attend individual courses for continuing professional development (CPD).
Why is this course important?
Despite the increasing automation of geospatial data capture techniques there remains a demand for professionals who have a deep understanding of the background principles of the instrumentation and methods used and how these impact on the quality of information captured. There are also increasing requirements to integrate data from a variety of sources which requires a full understanding of datums, co-ordinate systems and transformations to ensure correct relationships are maintained for critical applications. The programme also covers issues such as project planning, reporting, and policy issues related to geospatial data capture, management and distribution.
The University of Glasgow has long experience in this field having first offered a Postgraduate Diploma in Surveying in the late 1970s. Geographical and Earth Sciences is a partner organisation of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Geomatics Faculty) and works closely with the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (Geospatial Engineering Division) and the Hydrographic Society; for these societies, and other professional groups, it currently offers CPD. A significant element of the cost of running the programme is being provided by the survey industry in Scotland and leading experts from industry contribute to advanced aspects of the teaching programme.