Is Environmental Geomatics for me?

Environmental Geomatics is an exciting field that is growing quickly and has become an established career path. Geomatics integrates cutting-edge technologies like GPS (global positioning system), GIS (geographic information systems), and remote sensing while advancing mapping applications and science. Techniques include the development of complex spatial databases from a wide range of data sources and the application of this information to solve environmental problems. Popular computer mapping tools, like Google Earth or MapQuest, have opened the door to a variety of new applications. The science of the field is quite broad as captured in the UCGIS (www.ucgis.org) Body of Knowledge for GIS&T.

While the program emphasizes applications for environmental planning and natural resource management, it educates students with a broad understanding of geographic information science and technology. Students might find this area to be a good fit if they:

• Are interested working with computers,
• Are good spatial thinkers, and/or
• Are interested in the environment.

Rutgers provides multiple paths for studying the field including the Environmental Geomatics Option degree path, the Environmental Geomatics Certificate for undergraduates, a GIS emphasis within Geography, and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. As these technologies become ubiquitous, career options span the spectrum from public to private, ecological to defense-intelligence, non-profit to academic.

For more information regarding the Environmental Geomatics option within the Environmental Planning and Design major at Rutgers University, see the curriculum graduation requirements for the major.

 

 

Links of interest include:

Job Market Predictions

Careers in GIS and related fields

GIS Salary Survey