Master of Science in Geomatics Engineering
Geomatics Engineering deals with the theoretical and technical principles that need to be understood in the expert application of the sciences and technologies involved in acquiring, processing, integrating, and portraying geographically referenced information. The Master of Science program in Geomatics Engineering encompasses the two masters programs in Remote Sensing and Geodetic Engineering. With such a wide scope, three (3) fields of specialization has been offered in pursuing the M.S. Geomatics Engineering degree in order to focus the students’ expertise and effort in doing their graduate research thesis. These specializations are as follows:
M.S. Geomatics Engineering
Field of Specialization: Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Remote Sensing is concerned with acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon, by the use of either recording or real-time sensing device(s) that is not in physical contact with the object (such as by way of aircraft, satellite, or ship). It deals with acquiring data commonly in the form of images, which are subsequently digitally processed to extract desired information about the environment. In practice, remote-sensing is the stand-off collection through the use of a variety of devices for gathering information on a given object or area. The use and application of remote sensing techniques has become pervasive in disciplines such as cartography, urban and regional planning, forestry, aquatic sciences, geology, meteorology and many others. It deals with the basic need of acquiring information about objects, phenomena and processes on and in the earth, such as the physical environment, natural and man-made resources in order to understand their uses and critical changes. It draws from many disciplines, including computer science, engineering, environmental sciences, mathematics, and statistics in order to understand how data are remotely captured, represented and later processed to obtain information. Information derived through remote sensing techniques are critical inputs to further spatial analysis and modeling.
The M.S. Geomatics Engineering (Field of Specialization: Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry) is specially intended for those who will be involved in the design and development of remote sensing techniques and approaches in order to provide vital information in support of decision-making about the environment. They are people whose organizations are concerned with the generation of primary spatial data through analysis of images and other remotely sensed data. Upon completing the degree, their skills in doing research and development in the field of remote sensing will be improved. Specifically, these include:
- Understanding of the underlying principles in acquiring, processing, transmitting, storing, representing, and using remotely sense data;
- Competence in designing of remote sensing techniques in order to provide an efficient method for obtaining primary spatial data;
- Capability in designing and carrying out research and development projects in various aspects of remote sensing;
- Confidence in communicating and transferring knowledge on remote sensing to others
M.S. Geomatics Engineering
Field of Specialization: Applied Geodesy
Geodesy or geodetic surveying is the theory and practice of determining the position of points on the earth’s surface and the dimensions of large areas so that the curvature of the earth must be taken into account. It is distinguished from plane surveying, the operations of which are executed without regard to the earth’s curvature. Geodesy uses spaceborne and airborne remotely sensed, and ground-based measurements to study the shape and size of the Earth, and their changes; to precisely determine position and velocity of points or objects at the surface or orbiting the planet, and to apply these knowledge to a variety of scientific and engineering applications, using mathematics, physics, astronomy, and computer science. In recent years, Geodesy has undergone technological and theoretical changes with the advent of artificial earth satellites and satellite-based global positioning systems that have come into wide use as geodetic instruments. The accuracy of satellite geodetic data has improved to sub- centimeter levels. This bodes well with the application of geodetic data to the solution of problems in solid earth, oceanic and atmospheric sciences.
The M.S. Geomatics Engineering (Field of Specialization: Applied Geodesy) is specially intended for those who will be involved in determining and registering the exact geographic positions, in studying processes and changes of areas and points on the earth’s surface. They are people whose organizations are concerned with the production and use of precision referencing and map making, large infrastructure designs, environmental science, and geosciences. Upon completing the degree requirements, their skills in doing research and development in the field of geodesy and associated disciplines will be improved. Specifically, these include:
Understanding of the underlying principles in accurately determining the positions of points on the earth’s surface through satellite-based positioning systems and ground-based techniques;
- Competence in designing survey methods and approaches in order to provide an efficient method for establishing geodetic control systems;
- Capability in designing and carrying out research and development projects in various aspects of geodesy;
- Confidence in communicating and transferring knowledge about geodesy to others
M.S. Geomatics Engineering
Field of Specialization: Geoinformatics
Geomatics is also concerned with the theories of structuring, storing, analyzing, and managing spatial data, and aims at the development and application of methods for solving specific problems in geosciences (geodesy, geography, geology, geophysics and others). It deals with information about objects, phenomena and processes on and in the earth, such as the physical environment, natural and man-made resources, their uses and changes. Computer systems are now being used pervasively for this purpose. As such, Geoinformatics is focused on developments that allow the representation of spatial information or geoinformation using computer models. It uses computer-based geographical information technology and computer cartography for the analysis and presentation of complex spatial data. It draws from many disciplines, including computer science, engineering, environmental sciences, social sciences, business, planning, mathematics, and statistics in order to understand the different ways geographic space is perceived and represented, and thereby critically and effectively carry out spatial modeling, spatial analysis, and visualization of the common space to be managed.
The M.S. Geomatics Engineering (Field of Specialization: Geoinformatics) is specially intended for those who will be involved in the design and development of geographic information systems (GIS) to support decision-making about the environment. They are people whose organizations are concerned with the collection and use of geoinformation. Upon completing the degree, their skills in doing research and development in the field of geoinformation handling will be improved. Specifically, these include:
- Understanding of the underlying principles in collecting, processing, managing, representing, and disseminating geoinformation;
- Competence in designing of geoinformation systems in order to provide an efficient method for archiving, accessing, and analyzing geoinformation;
- Capability in designing and carrying out research and development projects in various aspects of geoinformation;
- Confidence in communicating and transferring geoinformatics knowledge to others