Master Programme in Geospatial Information Science 120 cr

The past two decades have witnessed tremendous development of 3D visualization techniques, geographic information technologies (GIT) involving GPS, remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Geographical information has become a vital part of our daily professional and private lives. The ever increasing availability of geographical information calls for professional and academic competence to study and carefully design geographical information systems and services, and likewise experts who can draw on the full potential of such systems. The potential of GIT and related systems is tremendous, which has been noted by the US department of Labor, as cited in the journal Nature, January 2004, GIT is “one of the three most important emerging research fields, along with biotechnology and nanotechnology”.

The master programme in Geospatial information science provides you high level academic training of interdisciplinary character. It integrates ideas, theories and methods from geo sciences, in its broad interpretation, and from information technology or computer science. The core of the subject is technically oriented with a focus on collecting, making searchable, modeling, calculating, visualizing, and analysing all types of geo-referenced data and information. In its social orientation, you will study how this type of information can be used to deal with concrete problems in spatial planning and decision making, and/or to simulate complex geographical phenomena and processes to reveal their underlying mechanisms (scientifically oriented use).
The programme will provide the student solid and scientifically founded knowledge, as well as problem solving skills which both broaden and deepen previous university studies, e.g. studies in computer science and geographical information technology, land surveying or spatial planning. The student will be able to carry out professional activities that are largely self-directed and independent, which is required to gain employment as an expert in activities related to the geospatial information sector and/or for further academic studies leading to research degrees, such as e.g. the PhD programme in Geospatial information science offered at HiG.
The program is interdisciplinary run and adapted to both market needs of special competence and post-graduate studies. The programme is given in English and consists of courses at both basic and advanced levels. The courses given at basic level have two purposes. The first is to offer the opportunity for progression, that is, students with insufficient knowledge in the other sub-disciplines in Geospatial information science are given the possibility to continue at advanced level. The other purpose is to offer students the opportunity to broaden knowledge in the subject’s disciplines.

Within the field of geomatics there is possibility for international exchange, for example through our Erasmus agreements. Both courses and thesis work are appropriate for study abroad. Note however, that participation in exchange may prolong your studies to some extent.