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Studies & Degrees in Spatial Information Technology

Spatial information technology covers the tools used to collect, store, analyse and display data that is tied to a place. Universities teach it under several names: geoinformatics, geomatics, geospatial engineering, geographic information science. The three core techniques are geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and satellite positioning.

The US Geological Survey defines a GIS as a computer system that analyses and displays geographically referenced information, and remote sensing as the process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance, typically from satellite or aircraft. Around these, students learn cartography, spatial databases, programming and 3D modelling. The M.Tech. in Geoinformatics of the University of Madras is a typical example: its curriculum covers spatial data modelling and analysis, digital map creation, 3D modelling, remote sensing image processing, data management, and coding and programming.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degrees. ETH Zurich offers a bachelor's degree in Geospatial Engineering of 180 credits. It starts with mathematics, computer science and physics and adds geodesy, measurement technology, cartography, GIS, spatial planning and transport. In Spain, the Grado en Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio of the Universidad del País Vasco (EHU) has 240 ECTS credits over four years and trains students in GIS, remote sensing and geomatics.
  • Master's degrees. The ETH bachelor's leads to two master's programmes of 120 credits each: Geomatics, and Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems. The Geomatics master's ends with a thesis of six months. The M.Tech. in Geoinformatics of the University of Madras is structured into four semesters and admits holders of an M.A. or M.Sc. in subjects such as geography, geology, physics, environmental sciences or computer science, or of a B.E. in civil engineering or an information technology field.
  • Minors. Students of another subject can add the field as a minor. Colorado State University has a Minor in Geospatial Information Science for Natural Resources and a Minor in Geographic Information Science and Geographic Analysis; minors there require 12 or more upper-division credits. Required courses include remote sensing and image interpretation, spatial analysis with GIS and programming for GIS.
  • Doctorate. Research degrees are taken in geography, geomatics or engineering departments.

Where to study spatial information technology

SpainExchange lists six active schools for this subject: two in the United States and one each in Spain, India, Albania and Switzerland.

  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The detailed programme information for the bachelor's degree is on the German-language pages of the university, so check the language requirements before applying.
  • Universidad del País Vasco (EHU), Spain. The geography degree is taught at the Faculty of Arts on the Álava campus, in Spanish, Basque and English. Knowledge of Basque is necessary, because 96 compulsory ECTS credits are taught only in that language. The listed price is €13.72 per credit for first-time enrolment, and 60 places are offered.
  • University of Madras, India. The Department of Geography, established in 1932, signed an agreement with the University of Waterloo (Canada) in 1991 that brought GIS and remote sensing into its core curriculum and led to its GIS laboratory.
  • Colorado State University, United States. Besides the two minors, its Geospatial Centroid, in the Morgan Library, offers training and workshops in GIS software such as ArcGIS and QGIS and in programming with R and Python.
  • SUNY, The State University of New York, and the University of New York Tirana are also listed. Ask each institution which campus or faculty teaches the subject and at what level.

Careers

ETH Zurich describes geomatic engineers as specialists in recording and visualising spatial structures and changes, who work in engineering offices, industrial companies, IT system manufacturers, public administration, research and education. Colorado State University points out that the methods are relevant to urban and regional planning, marketing and business, archaeology, agriculture, conservation and engineering.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes projections for the related occupations for 2025 to 2035:

  • Cartographers and photogrammetrists: employment projected to grow 7 percent. They typically need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying or a related field
  • Surveyors: projected growth of 6 percent. They must be licensed before they can certify legal documents
  • Surveying and mapping technicians: projected growth of 6 percent. Some employers prefer candidates with GIS experience
  • Geographers: projected decline of 2 percent

These figures refer to the United States; licensing and job titles differ by country.

Frequently asked questions

Is spatial information technology the same as GIS?

GIS is one part of it. The field also includes remote sensing, satellite positioning, cartography, spatial databases and programming.

What do I need to enter a master's in this field?

It depends on the university. The University of Madras admits graduates with an M.A. or M.Sc. in geography, geology, physics, environmental sciences, computer science and related subjects, or a B.E. in civil engineering or an information technology field, to its M.Tech. in Geoinformatics.

Can I study it in Spain?

The Universidad del País Vasco (EHU) teaches GIS, remote sensing and geomatics within its Grado en Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio, of 240 ECTS credits. Part of the degree is taught only in Basque.

Can I add GIS to another degree?

Yes. Colorado State University, for example, offers two GIS-related minors that students of other majors can take.