Course Overview
Geospatial Information Systems or Geographic Information System (GIS) can be described as a computer data system that is capable of capturing, storing, analyzing and displaying geographically referenced information. Geomatic Engineering (GE) which is sometimes referred to as Surveying Engineering or Geospatial Engineering is a broad field that crosses multiple specialties that focuses on multiple dimensional mapping, organizing of data and spatial information management. GE mainly focuses on spatial information (i.e. information that has a location in it). Professionals in this field are known as geospatial engineers or geomatic engineers among other titles. Geomatic engineers are professionals with technical and academic qualifications acquired through the use of modern engineering methods to enable them practice the science of measurement, collect, analyze and present land and other geo-referenced information. The work of geomatics engineers entails managing global geospatial resources and infrastructure. In their day to day responsibilities, these professionals design, develop, and operate systems for collecting, analyzing and utilizing geospatial information about the infrastructure, land, the oceans, natural resources and the environment in the form of; plans, maps among other formats. The information prepared by Geomatic engineers is used towards planning and implementing efficient administration of land uses, the sea and structures thereon and to investigate the advancement of such practices.
Worldwide over 80% of all data handled contains positional/location/spatial components. As a result, there is a growing interest from various disciplines to integrate the spatial component into their daily business including; sea and ground navigation, air among others. This requires competent manpower with skills and knowledge in this field. The Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering is a five year course that is aimed at offering sound education and research on spatial information disciplines including geospatial information systems (GIS) and geospatial engineering. Throughout the training learners are exposed to various techniques and methods used towards the acquisition, analysis, storage, processing, modelling, management and dissemination of geo-referenced spatial position or location based information geo-spatial information. The curriculum of this programme integrates modern computer based data management systems and modern spatial data acquisition methods. The content of the course is rooted in mapping surveying and cartography with current developments in geo-visual analytics, geo-statistics and web mapping. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will have the competence to offer this needed service locally, regionally or even globally.
Entry Requirement
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of B- in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 MAT A, Subject 2 PHY, Subject 3 CHE, Subject 4 BIO or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a geomatic engineer
If you are good in maths as well as physics, loves geography & exploring the world around you and would like to work with computers and high-tech gadgets to organize and manage geo-referenced data, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this profession.
Geomatic engineers must be technically inclined and be able to operate specialized equipment and be precise and accurate in their work. They also need to be decisive and be able to exercise some independent judgment in the field because they may be working away from team members and need to meet tight deadlines. Geomatic engineers must also be good communicators and have good people and excellent listening skills as they work with other team members and should be able to listen to their views, communicate effectively and relate well during work.
Good physical stamina is an assent in this field as geomatic engineers usually spend considerable time working outdoors often in rugged terrain collecting data and therefore physical fitness is necessary to carry equipment and to stand most of the day. These engineers must be problem solvers and be able to able to identify and fix problems with their equipment, geo-spatial information or any other problem arising from their work. This field integrates ground survey with computer technology; geomatic engineers must therefore be knowledgeable with computer aided design (CAD) software and modern GIS tools and methods
Work environment.
Geospatial engineers work both in office and in the field.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course may find employment in both public and private sectors. They can find employment within GIS or Spatial departments, telecommunications, oil and gas, scientific research, forestry and natural resources, mining companies among others. Graduates can also use their creativity and start their own ventures.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Technology in Geospatial Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Technology in Geoinformation Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science in Geo-informatics (unfeatured)
Bachelor of Science in Earth Science, With IT
Bachelor of Science in Geography
Bachelor of Science in Land Administration
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning, With IT