The only branches or options that come to our mind, when we think of ‘engineering’ are computer, electronics, civil and mechanical. But engineering is a vast field and has a number of other branches, excluding these cliched ones, like genetics, aerospace, chemical, geomatics and much more. For time being, let's peek into knowing ‘what’ geomatic engineering is and ‘where’ you can study it.
What is Geomatic engineering: It's one of the specialization courses in the civil branch. The word “geomatic” means the measurement, analysis and management of data, relating to earth. In a nutshell, it uses spatial and geographical data in the digital form. These engineers work in designing, developing and operating systems for gathering and examining spatial information about lands, ocean, natural resources, etc. In short, it is a science of earth mapping. Unlike other engineers, these people serve the society, by their work of collecting, archiving and maintaining the diverse spatial data infrastructures. It has origins from the traditional land surveying, where instruments such as theodolite and spirit levels are used. More contemporary methods used are GPS and 3D laser scanning. Along with this the qualitative and quantitative analysis of satellites is also a part of geomatics. For a student interested in civil, computer as well as space, choosing this field for specialization will definitely be a good choice. So, do you want to be an engineer from a unique and different field like ‘geomatic’? Let’s give a look on where you can study this interesting branch of engineering.
Study opportunities in geomatic:
- Newcastle University, UK: This university was founded in 2017. Here students get an experience of teaching though a teaching model along with learning. Students are sure to have varied, challenging and rewarding experiences on this campus. This college provides knowledge of geospatial surveying, mapping and GIS. Geospatial engineering and space covers geography, science, maths and ICT in their syllabus. Check the link to know more about this course: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/
- University College London: So, this is a bit old college with a good reputation. It has a department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, which is highly referred by students for undergraduate studies. It is ranked in top 10 global universities and to add up, it's been in top 50 colleges worldwide for civil and structural engineering. This top institute is sure to give you some awesome learning experience. Click the link to know more about this institute: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana : This is considered to be the most highly rated geomatic school. It's also been ranked in the top 10 best American engineering schools. Unlike others, this school offers 2 variations for a masters in geometric - 1st: Studying from the school of Civil Engineering 2nd: Online program. Along with education, the faculty here helps one develop both in studies as well as professional field. Check this link to get more information about this course - https://engineering.purdue.edu/
- University of Florida: ‘US News and World Reports” have ranked this school on number 49 of top national universities, and according to Forbes, it is ranked 74th overall and 11th in the south region. In this university, a student first completes all general education and prerequisite classes and then begins with the geomatic classes. Along with masters and doctoral programs, geomatics programs at research centers are also available here. Check this link to get more information about this course - https://catalog.ufl.edu/
- University of California, Fresno: This school offers a Bachelor of Science in geomatics engineering through the Civil Engineering department. Here, students start by taking a lower division class in their 1st semester in addition to universities general education requirements. And the seniors here are the one, who have completed their faculty supervised individual research project. Check this link to get more information about this course - https://www.fresnostate.edu/
Above mentioned are few of the best launchpads for a student eager to study geomatic engineering. Let’s make this interesting field more brighter, by putting up light on what it is.