Overview
Geospatial scientists are experts in using spatial analytics to make sense of big spatial data captured from the latest sensor technologies.
A Master of Geospatial Science will prepare you for leadership roles in this field, building your understanding of spatial analytics and big spatial data for making critical decisions about our built and natural environment. You'll gain professional-level expertise in the analysis, management, capture and visualization of spatial information, and become proficient in the latest technologies and infrastructures to support these skills.
Through this course you will develop a unique breadth of expertise across geospatial science, including:
- knowledge of fundamental spatial information technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial programming, spatial databases, and cloud and mobile geospatial computing.
- advanced skills in mapping and visualization for creating engaging and interactive geospatial presentations.
- knowledge of the latest spatial data capture systems, including satellite remote sensing, GPS satellite positioning, drone and aerial imagery, wearable sensors, sensor networks, and crowd sourced data.
- specialized knowledge in key areas that complement geospatial science, and tailored to your specific needs, which may include environmental science, natural resource management, computer science, business and project management, architecture and urban planning, mathematics or statistics.
Career
Graduates are well-equipped to take on advanced roles within the spatial sciences in an industry, government or research context.
These skills are in high demand both nationally and internationally across a wide range of industries and the government sector including:
- environment and natural resources, such as environmental impact assessments, environmental monitoring, and agriculture and forestry
- land development, such as land use planning, geodesign, spatial data infrastructures, and sustainable development
- mining and exploration, including mineral exploration and environmental engineering
- facilities management and construction, including site selection, insurance and logistics
- transportation and utilities, such as water demand modelling, transport planning, mapping and navigation, and intelligent transportation
- governance and policy, including urban planning, e-government and community mapping
- emergency and disaster management, such as bush fire mapping, flood awareness, bio security, evacuation and emergency response
- data analytics and ICT, including mobile and wearable computing, web-mapping, cloud computing, and information visualization.
Geospatial Science graduates can choose from diverse career opportunities in many sectors including tourism, environmental management, surveying and property development, building and construction, land management, software development and marketing and sales.
Geospatial science careers often provide career flexibility, opportunities to work overseas and great earning potential.
Employment resources in geospatial science
If you have any questions about the geospatial industry, employment or your career options, please contact David Mitchell, the Geospatial Science Industry Liaison Officer.
Professional organisations
Upon successful completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, geospatial science graduates are eligible for admission to several professional organisations:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
We are currently working to have the Master of Geospatial Science accredited by RICS. RICS is the leading organisation in the world for professionals in property, land, real estate, construction, and related environmental issues. The RICS accreditation allows our graduates to be RICS members and gain automatic recognition in many developed and developing countries around the world.
Download or view the RICS digital brochure (PDF 1.2MB 20p).
Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia (MSIA)
Holders of RMIT's Master of Geospatial Science degree are eligible on graduation for Associate Membership of the Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia (MSIA). After a period of about two years of experience they may be eligible to become a member.
As postgraduate students, you are encouraged to join as student members and participate in the affairs of MSIA.
Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI)
The Surveying Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) is the national body combining the professional disciplines of surveying, mapping, engineering and mining surveying, remote sensing and photogrammetry and spatial information. Members’ training or qualification and experience will be recognized and rewarded through formal certification.
