Skip to content

Studies & Degrees in Geodesy

Geodesy is the science of measuring the Earth. The US National Ocean Service defines it as the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, its orientation in space and its gravity field. The Global Geodetic Observing System of the International Association of Geodesy adds that geodesy also monitors how these change over time, which is how sea level change, crustal deformation and the Earth's rotation are observed.

In practice geodesists assign coordinates to points on the Earth's surface. They used to do this with ground-based surveying instruments; today they mainly use space-based tools such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). To describe the planet they work with mathematical models: the ellipsoid as the most basic model of the Earth, and the geoid when more detail is needed. Students therefore learn a mix of mathematics, physics, measurement techniques and computing. The bachelor's programme of the Technische Universität München (TUM), for example, covers navigation, physical and satellite geodesy, engineering geodesy, geoinformation, cartography, land management, photogrammetry and remote sensing.

Qualifications and levels

Geodesy is a university subject. It is often combined with geoinformation, and in some countries it is taught under the name geomatics or surveying engineering.

  • Bachelor's degree. At TU Wien the Bachelor's Programme Geodesy and Geoinformation lasts 6 semesters, has 180 ECTS credits and is taught in German. It has no selection procedure, but applicants must complete a preparation and reflection phase before admission. TUM is replacing its German-taught bachelor's with the Geodesy and Earth Observation programme: 6 semesters, 180 credits, taught in English.
  • Master's degree. The master's programme Geodesy and Geoinformation at TU Wien lasts 4 semesters, has 120 ECTS credits and is taught in English. It includes modules such as Space Geodesy and Advanced Engineering Geodesy and ends with a master's thesis of 30 ECTS credits. Applicants need an eligible bachelor's degree, and the university may require supplementary examinations of up to 30 ECTS credits. TUM offers a master's in Geodesy and Geoinformation of 4 semesters and 120 ECTS credits, and the two-year master's ESPACE on earth system science, remote sensing and navigation.
  • Engineering degree in geomatics. The University of Calgary teaches geodesy inside its Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering, with courses in coordinate systems, geodesy, remote sensing, satellite positioning and hydrographic surveying. Students start with a common first year of engineering and apply to the geomatics programme at the end of it.
  • Doctorate. After the master's degree, graduates can go on to a doctoral programme, for example in engineering or natural sciences at TU Wien.

In Spain, an official bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits and a master's degree 60, 90 or 120. The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid lists a Grado en Ingeniería Geomática at its school of surveying, geodesy and cartography.

Where to study geodesy

SpainExchange lists four active schools for geodesy, one each in Austria, Germany, Canada and Ethiopia: the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), the Technische Universität München (TUM), the University of Calgary and Addis Ababa University.

The language of instruction depends on the level as much as on the country. In Vienna the bachelor's programme is taught in German and the master's in English. In Munich the new bachelor's programme and both master's programmes ask for English. Calgary teaches in English. Check the language requirement of each programme before applying, and ask the university which preparatory courses it offers if mathematics or physics were not part of earlier studies. TU Wien says an interest in mathematics and geography is very helpful.

Careers

Geodesy graduates work wherever precise positions and spatial data are needed. TUM names surveying and planning consultancies, hardware and software development, the automobile industry and the state and local authorities responsible for surveying and land development. TU Wien adds research, satellite data analysis and geographic information systems, and self-employment as a licensed surveying consultant. The University of Calgary mentions geospatial information systems, vehicle autonomy, land surveying and remote sensing.

Land surveying is a regulated activity in many countries. In the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surveyors typically need a bachelor's degree and must be licensed before they can certify legal documents. The bureau projects employment of surveyors to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. The Calgary programme is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board and the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors. Anyone who plans to work as a surveyor should check which degree and licence the country of work requires.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between geodesy and geomatics?

Geodesy is the science of measuring the Earth's shape, orientation and gravity field. Geomatics engineering, as the University of Calgary describes it, deals with the acquisition, modelling, analysis and management of spatial data, and includes geodesy as one of its courses.

How long does it take to study geodesy?

At TU Wien and TUM the bachelor's programme lasts 6 semesters (180 credits) and the master's 4 semesters (120 ECTS credits).

Can I study geodesy in English?

Yes. The master's programme at TU Wien is taught in English, and TUM's new bachelor's programme Geodesy and Earth Observation has English as its course language. The bachelor's programme at TU Wien is taught in German.

Do I need a licence to work as a surveyor?

It depends on the country. In the United States surveyors must be licensed before they can certify legal documents and offer surveying services to the public, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.