Geographical Information Management (GIM) is an exciting and rapidly growing branch of Information Technology (IT), incorporating satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS), to derive information which is essential for the management of the earth’s resources.
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), this course provides students with a thorough training in the technical, analytical, research and knowledge skills required to develop innovative , quality-assured solutions by integrating components from geographic information technologies.
Students develop a sound understanding of the principles of remote sensing, geographical information systems, global positioning systems, field methods and statistical analysis. This will be applied practically through the use of market leading image processing, spatial analysis software and access to a coarse resolution satellite receiving station as well as what is probably the largest archive of satellite data held by a UK university.
The MSc course consists of eight taught modules, a group project, and an individual research project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.
Group project
The group project experience during the course is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. It provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project while working under academic supervision. The project involves the application and integration of component technologies (GIS, GPS and remote sensing, field methods, statistical analysis) to produce quality-assured innovative solutions.
Individual project
The individual project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems in geographical information management. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations.
Modules:
- Advanced GIS Methods
- Aerial Photography and Digital Photogrammetry
- Geographical Resource Survey
- GIS Fundamentals
- Image Processing and Analysis
- Physical Principles of Remote Sensing
- Spatial Data and the Internet
- Spatial Data Management
