Geospatial Science

Explore our courses

• Bachelor of Geospatial Science
• Undergraduate Certificate in Data and Environmental Management

Bachelor of Geospatial Science

Graduate with a certified drone pilot licence

Learn to use drones for scientific research and data collection

Connect with industry partners

Work with industry through project-based units

Go beyond the classroom

Use industry leading equipment in the field while exploring Tasmania's living laboratory

Understand the relationship between community and environment to drive meaningful impact

This degree will give you hands-on experience with the full range of traditional land surveying equipment as well as a wealth of modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), UAS (unmanned aerial systems), airborne and satellite remote sensing, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and laser scanning (3D point cloud processing).

You will learn practical skills are highly relevant across disciplines such as Environmental Management, Geography, Geoscience, Computing and Information Systems, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Science, Marine Science and Antarctic Science.

Study options in this degree

During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. That group of units is called a major, and is an area of focus in your degree. Find out more at What is a Major?

Data Analytics

The Data Analytics major complements your geospatial core units by providing a comprehensive study pathway that integrates data handling, statistics, programming, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data computing. By pursuing this major, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage, analyze, and interpret data using digital tools and solutions.

Landscape Systems

In this major you will develop a deep and scientific understanding of the intricate interactions between physical landscapes, human activities, and environmental systems. This knowledge will equip you with the skills necessary to make informed decisions pertaining to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable utilisation of our natural resources.

Surveying

The demand for surveying professionals is constantly growing, and this major equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various industries and occupations. Whether it's working in land, engineering, mining, or hydrographic surveying, graduates find themselves in high demand. Additionally, opportunities in fields like environmental management, geospatial data collection and analysis, and land development planning are also available.

The major is accredited, providing you with a clear pathway to further your studies and become a registered land surveyor.

Further study options

Honours

For honours course information, please visit Bachelor of Applied Science (Professional Honours in Environmental Geospatial Science) or Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences with Honours

Postgraduate

Graduates of the Bachelor of Geospatial Science who wish to progress to registration under State and Territory legislation as practising land and cadastral surveyors will need to complete the 1-year Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying.

Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and to apply.

Visit the course page

Career opportunities

Every industry on Earth utilises geospatial sciences in some way. Graduates have the opportunity to pursue a range of careers, including:

• Geospatial analyst and GIS specialist
  Conduct computer-based mapping and analysis of geospatial information, resulting in efficient and effective decision making. From assessing the construction of billion-dollar tunnels under cities, projecting housing expansion over the coming decades, or evaluating climate change effects on the environment, geospatial analysts are involved in many different projects around the world.
• Remote Sensing specialist
  Provide measurement, mapping and data analysis from drone, aircraft and satellite sensors. Map areas of the world that can’t otherwise be easily accessed or visualised, both in real-time, e.g. during bushfires and floods, and as part of ongoing planning and management.
• Land and Engineering Surveyor
  Surveyors play an integral role in all aspects of land development, from planning and design of subdivisions through to the construction of major infrastructure, roads and buildings. Licensed Land (Cadastral) Surveyors are always in demand as they are the only people legally able to define land boundaries.
• Hydrographic Surveyor
  Measure and map the seafloor to inform large scale marine-oriented projects, like ensuring ports and shipping lanes are accessible for global trade.
• Geodesist
  Utilise satellite and terrestrial data to measure and map the Earth, and to monitor regional and global changes like sea level rise, shifting ice sheets, and earthquakes.

Careers relating to geospatial sciences are growing across many industries. Here are some of the top careers projected to grow in the next five years: ^{^}

13.8%

Architects, Designers, Planners and Surveyors

Predicted job growth to 2025

8.6%

Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians

Predicted job growth to 2025

14.6%

Spatial Scientist:
Future Demand

Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.

^{^} National Skills Commission five year projections from November 2020 to November 2025.