History of Geoinformatics:
The field of geographic information systems (GIS) started in the 1960s as a concept of quantitative and computational geography, whereas the history of remote sensing began with photography. Since the 1960s, with the development of radar, sonar, and thermal infrared detection systems, the science of remote sensing has evolved. Within the last five decades, geoinformatics has evolved from a concept to a science. Today, geoinformatics has become a platform for sharing and collaboration. Geo-information science helps us to create spatial maps to understand and solve real-world problems.
What if Geoinformatics?
Geoinformatics is the “art, science or technology dealing with the acquisition, storage, processing production, presentation and dissemination of geo-information” (Ehlers, 2008). Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System are the two branches of geo-information science. Remote sensing techniques are widely used to obtain information about an object from distance. Earth observation satellites play a vital to gather information about the earth’s surface and its atmosphere. To store, check, display and interpret the remotely sensed data and any type of spatial data, the Geographic information system (GIS) is used. With these two dynamic components, geo-information tries to address complex social and environmental challenges through data analysis.
Geoinformatics as a Subject:
Geoinformatics is a multidisciplinary subject. It includes the knowledge of Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, engineering, and technology etc. The main object of the subject is to geo visualize the spatial information to solve social, economic and environmental problems. The applications of geoinformatics include
- Telecommunications
- National Security
- Disaster risk management
- Climate change study
- Weather forecasting
- Biodiversity conservation
- Environmental monitoring
- Marine and coastal studies
- Hydrology and Water resource management
- Land use land cover change studies
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Urban and rural planning
- Transport planning and Traffic management
- Geological and Geomorphological Studies
- Social and Economic studies and many more
M.Sc. in Geoinformatics Program:
M.Sc. Geoinformatics is a two-year postgraduate program designed for students who want to excel in the field of geospatial science. The program plays an important role to prepare more trained spatial data analysts for the future. The best-suited students for the course are welcome from backgrounds of geography, geology, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, physics, computer science, engineering etc. The course provides theoretical knowledge of geospatial science, as well as hands-on training related to the field of Geoinformatics. On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the basic concept, methods, and techniques related to geoinformatics
- Identify and analyze any geospatial problems
- Apply knowledge of geoinformatics to solve geospatial problems
- Use and design geospatial models
- Process geospatial data
- Carry out research work using geospatial data
Career Prospects:
After the successful completion of the course, a student will be eligible to find lucrative job opportunities as GIS Analyst, GIS Expert, GIS Developer, GIS Professional, GIS Technician, GIS Programmer, Geo-Spatial Software Engineer, Disaster preparedness planners, Remote sensing analysts, Water conservation planner, Urban planner, Transportation planner, Landscape architecture, Public health analysts, Data scientists or Big data analysts etc. There is an increasing demand for GIS experts in urban and environmental planning companies of both government and private type. One can also opt for jobs in GIS firms that include diverse skill-based jobs in the field of marketing, development, and testing. One can establish a GIS Consultancy Firm and may work individually and as an entrepreneur. Students can find placement in the areas such as Space Application, Military, Disaster Mitigation Agencies, Aviation Industry, Automobile Industry Government Organizations, Non-Government Institutions, Planning commissions, Research Labs etc. After acquiring higher degrees, one can also opt for teaching jobs in colleges or universities.
Geoinformatics at Adamas University
Key Features of the M.Sc. Geoinformatics Programme at Adamas University are as follows:
- Curriculum developed in line with the growing market demand of Geoinformatics
- Use advanced tools of geospatial technologies with well-equipped programming and geoinformatics lab and enhance your skills in displaying, analyzing, and visualizing complex spatial data.
- Use advanced statistical knowledge with R, Python, and MatLab to solve various environmental, socioeconomic, cultural and resource-chain-based problems of the real world.
- The intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Geographical Information System for to solve real-world problems.
- Enhancement of research skills, particularly in the conceptualization, designing, and implementation of research projects in specified domain of knowledge.
- Develop practical skills and learn to unwrap real-world problems with minor and major project-based learning with the help of a designated mentor on a specific specialization field.
- Internship in reputed National institutions including but not limited to IIRS-ISRO, NATMO, IMD, Opsis Pvt. Ltd., etc.
- Student exchange program for those who want to peruse their career in abroad.
For further details and enquiry, you can visit the official website of the Department of Geography, Adamas University (https://science.adamasuniversity.ac.in/geography/ ) or follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Department-of-Geography-Adamas-University-167269360748113/). You can also read blogs on various topics of Geoinformatics and Geography here – https://adamasuniversity.ac.in/category/gis/; https://adamasuniversity.ac.in/category/geography/
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