Geo¬Information, Surveying

Geoinformation is a relatively young scientific discipline. It develops computer-based solutions such as navigation aids or 3-D models of cities and landscapes to analyze and process spatial data. To do this, it uses methods from geography, geology, ecology and cartography and combines them with basic sciences such as mathematics and computer science.

Surveying or geodesy deals with the recording and processing of the earth's surface. Using modern technology - electronic total stations, satellite receivers or photogrammetry and laser scanning - the geodata collected in this way are used for the planning, monitoring and execution of construction projects, for example. The measurement data is evaluated with software support and documented and visualized with the aid of geoinformation systems and web services.

Technical colleges and universities offer bachelor's and master's degree programs in this area, often in combination. The term geodesy is usually used instead of surveying; Geoinformatics can also be used as a synonym for geoinformation. Surveying technology and the undergraduate geoinformatics course are also offered.

The bachelor's program offers modules from natural sciences and mathematics as well as subject-specific topics such as engineering mathematics, experimental physics, geosciences, programming of geodata, statistics and geodetic computing, geodetic measurement technology, global positioning system (GPS), engineering geodesy and geodetic point fields or evaluation methods, geoinformation and cartography, Spatial planning, area and real estate management, photogrammetry and remote sensing, balancing calculation, astronomical, physical and mathematical geodesy, positioning and navigation, image processing, computer graphics/visualization, law as well as business and economics.

Internships are an integral part of your studies at both technical colleges and universities. A whole practical semester is usually integrated into technical college courses.

There are employment opportunities for graduates at engineering and surveying offices, at construction companies, at aircraft and automobile manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as at manufacturers of measurement and evaluation systems. Further job opportunities are available through a combined officer career in the Bundeswehr, with authorities such as state surveying and land registry offices and land consolidation authorities. There are also job opportunities in research, for example at universities or other research institutions.