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Geomatic Engineering (or sometimes just 'Geomatics') is a recently coined term for a group of subjects that are collectively concerned with the acquisition, analysis, and presentation of spatial data.

Many different disciplines have traditionally relied on accurate and reliable positional information, and many more are beginning to make use of the wealth of possibilities that are being created by new techniques for measurement and analysis. The range of these different disciplines is wide, and it is perhaps surprising to discover that there is a common theme that links on the one hand environmental studies, such as the monitoring of changes in the Earth's climate or the detection of small crustal movements (such as precursors to earthquakes), and on the other hand the accurate measurement of objects, such as the components of machinery or even parts of the human body.

This common theme is the handling of spatial data. In the beginning, this data has to be acquired through measurement. Geomatic engineers use many different techniques for this. In the past, the primary means were traditional land survey equipment such as theodolites and levels, supplemented by such techniques as air survey photography. In recent years, satellite techniques have played an increasingly significant role, both as a means of measuring the relative positions of points to an accuracy of around a centimetre over distances of several hundred kilometres, and as a means of acquiring images of 16 sections of the Earth's surface. Other examples are the use of digital cameras for capturing images of objects at close range, or airborne systems that model the land surface beneath them from pulsed laser measurements, or acoustic devices mounted on ships that can model the form of the sea surface.

All these different techniques produce huge amounts of data, usually in digital form, making the management and analysis of spatial data a vital part of geomatic engineering. In part, this may take the form of the mathematical skills for analysing the quality of the data obtained and enhancing their reliability by detecting errors, and the computer skills that are required to handle the data in a fast and efficient manner. Additionally, the management of spatial data also implies incorporating them into a 'geographic information systems' (GIS) in combination with other (perhaps socio-economic) sources of data. GIS then becomes a very effective management tool. Many organisations (such as local and central government, utilities companies, and retail companies) are increasingly reliant on geographic information systems to manage their assets and organise the most effective working practices.

With such 16 amounts of data available, presentation and display is vital for effective management. Sometimes, a numerical analysis of the data is appropriate - traditionally geographic data was presented on a map. Increasingly, however, computer based techniques are used to display images in what is known as 'virtual reality', so that three dimensional models can be created, allowing workers such as architects and planners to show how a completed building may appear when viewed from any angle.

It should be apparent from the wealth of different applications that geomatic engineers are to be found in many different organisations: working within specialist land, air and hydrographic survey companies; in local and central government; working on engineering projects, or in oil exploration; in manufacturing or in retail companies. In fact, in just about every sector of the economy, geomatic engineers will be applying their unique mix of IT skills, numerical analysis and measurement and communication skills.

With such a wide range of activities, it is perhaps not surprising that there is such a wide range of courses available in the field of geomatic engineering. Some of these are quite specialised, and are confined to one particular sphere of activity, such as hydrography, geodesy, photogrammetry, or remote sensing. Others have a wider remit, and cover several different fields of activity.

Whether you are looking for a general or specialised course, as a potential student you should always look out for one that covers all aspects of the subject, one that puts as much emphasis on the analysis, management, processing and display of spatial data as on its acquisition. The United Kingdom has been in the forefront of development of this subject in recent years, and many UK universities are conveniently placed to offer well-balanced courses. The emphasis, of course, is by no means obvious from its title, and you should check the content carefully to see where the particular strengths lie.

At undergraduate level, courses tend to be more general in nature, although they will not necessarily have 'geomatic engineering' as the title. They might perhaps be called 'Surveying' or 'Mapping Science', although the best courses will cover the full range of applications that have been outlined here. For entry to these courses, you should check the level of mathematical ability that the university requires, and generally have an interest in information technology and environmental issues.

Alternatively, it is possible to enter the subject at postgraduate level if you have already studied for a degree in a related area, such as geography, environmental studies, or mathematics. Some postgraduate courses are quite general, offered under titles such as 'Surveying' or 'Engineering Surveying'.

Others are more specialised, and can be in such areas as Geodesy, Hydrographic Surveying, Remote Sensing, or Geographic Information Science. In the UK at least, it is usually possible to register for one of these degrees if you have a first degree in an environmental, geographical, or mathematical subject area - it is not necessary to have a first degree in geomatic engineering. Again, you should check the particular emphasis of the course, and the level of mathematical ability that is required.

Author
Dr J C Iliffe
Department of Geomatic Engineering
University College London