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Studies & Degrees in Geoinformation

Geoinformation is information tied to a place on the Earth's surface. The subject, also called geoinformatics or geographic information science, deals with how that information is collected, stored, analysed and shown. The Technische Universität München (TUM) describes the field as developing automatic, computer-based procedures for the collection, processing, analysis and visualisation of spatial information.

Students work with geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing from satellites and aircraft, spatial databases and programming. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) presents its master's as a way of addressing environmental issues using geo-information systems, geo-informatics, remote sensing and data science. Lund University adds database methodology and cartography to its GIS training.

Qualifications and levels

Geoinformation is mostly a master's subject, taken after a first degree in geography, geodesy, environmental science, computer science or a related field. The schools in our directory show the usual formats.

  • Two-year research-oriented master's. The Master's in Geo-Information Science at WUR is a two-year programme taught in English that starts in September. The first year consists of 40 weeks of course work; in the second year students write a major thesis and complete an academic internship.
  • Online master's. The Master's Programme in Geographical Information Science at Lund University lasts 2 years and has 120 credits. Teaching is fully online and in English, and the programme can be taken full time or part time at 50%.
  • Geodesy and geoinformation. At technical universities the subject is combined with surveying. The M.Sc. Geodesy and Geoinformation at TUM takes 4 semesters and has 120 ECTS credits; teaching is usually in English, although some courses may be taught in German. The master's programme Geodesy and Geoinformation at TU Wien also takes 4 semesters and 120 ECTS credits, is taught in English and leads to the degree of Dipl.-Ing., which the university describes as internationally comparable with a Master of Science. Its modules include Applied Geoinformation, Applied Cartography and Earth Observation.
  • Professional master's in the United States. The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an accelerated, non-thesis Master of Science in Cartography & GIS on campus. It states that it no longer accepts applications for its online GIS programmes.

Admission and costs

Each university sets its own entry requirements. Lund asks for a bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent. WUR expects prior knowledge worth at least 6 ECTS credits in two of three topics: GIS, remote sensing and programming. TUM selects students through an aptitude assessment and takes applications for the winter semester from 1 April to 31 May.

Fees differ by country and by nationality. Lund lists a tuition fee of SEK 290,000 for the full programme for students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, and no tuition fees for citizens of those countries. Ask each university for its current fees before applying.

Where to study geoinformation

SpainExchange lists six active schools for geoinformation, one in each of six countries: the United States, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Argentina and Germany. They are the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WUR in Wageningen, TU Wien in Vienna, Lund University, the Universidad Nacional de San Luis and TUM in Munich.

The four European master's programmes described above are taught in English. For the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, ask the university which programmes in this field it currently offers and in which language.

Careers

Graduates work as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, spatial data managers and surveyors' technical staff, in public administration, environmental consultancies, utilities and software companies. Lund University states that GIS knowledge is in demand among employers in environmental management and community planning.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, and that of surveying and mapping technicians to grow 6 percent. According to the BLS, cartographers and photogrammetrists typically need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying or a related field. Technicians typically need a high school diploma, and some employers prefer candidates with additional education or GIS experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study geoinformation online?

Yes. The Master's Programme in Geographical Information Science at Lund University is taught fully online in English, full time over 2 years or part time at 50%. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, by contrast, has stopped accepting applications for its online GIS programmes.

What background do I need for a master's in geoinformation?

A completed bachelor's degree, usually in a related field. WUR expects at least 6 ECTS credits in two of three topics (GIS, remote sensing and programming), and Lund requires a bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent.

In which language are these programmes taught?

The master's programmes at WUR, Lund and TU Wien are taught in English. At TUM the language is usually English, but some courses may be taught in German.

What is the difference between geodesy and geoinformation?

Geodesy measures and surveys the Earth and what is built on it. Geoinformation is what is extracted from those measurements and other spatial data, and how it is managed and analysed. TUM and TU Wien teach both in one master's degree.