Geographic Information Science

Geographic Information Science (GIScience), defined here broadly to include geographic information systems, technology, spatial analysis, practice and related theory is a rapidly developing field, both in its own right and in its connections to disciplines in the Social, Physical, Health, Biological and Earth Sciences and to Engineering.

Professionals in a wide range of fields use geographic information systems (GIS) to turn geographic data into maps, tables and other kinds of information needed to make informed decisions. In a rapidly changing world, detailed, up to date geographic data are indispensable for governance, for commerce, and for research intended to improve our understanding of social and environmental systems.

Undergraduate Geographic Information Science

GIScience is available as a named degree only at postgraduate level. While Geographic Information Science is not offered as a named degree at undergraduate level, courses in GIScience, Remote Sensing and Modelling are offered in the Geography Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes and in the Environmental Science specialisation. After developing your disciplinary interest during your undergraduate studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in GIScience and a Masters in Geography are available at postgraduate level.

Postgraduate Geographic Information Science

At postgraduate level students will gain an understanding of the significance of the diverse approaches constituting GIScience, of the different philosophies which underlie them and of how each contributes to knowledge creation in the wider enterprises of Geography. Of importance is also the consideration of the societal impacts of GIScience in respect of the management of spatial data and geographical change, and of privacy and human spatiality.

By taking the range of suggested courses students will have an opportunity to consider issues around spatial definition and measurement, geographic representation, datacapture, spatial cognition, approaches to analysis informed by spatial thinking, critical and scientific methodology and associated tools and techniques and the synergies between data, geographical theory and the impact of spatial technologies.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) - Geographic Information Science specialisation

Prerequisite: An approved BSc, or equivalent degree

Requirement:

• 15 points: ENVSCI 701
• at least 75 points from GEOG 759, 771-779, ENVSCI 704
• up to 30 points from other approved 700 level courses

Possessing significant GIScience skills can be an important advantage in a wide range of jobs but it is a key requirement for the following positions:

• Environmental impact assessment modeller
• Health geo-information consultant and planner
• Spatial policy analyst for government
• Regional council analyst
• GIS developer
• Market researcher
• Environmental monitor
• Spatial consultant
• Cartographer and geo-visualiser.

For further information, please refer to the Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, Environmental Management Postgraduate Handbook

or contact:

Pip Forer
Postgraduate Adviser for Geographic Information Science
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 85183
Email: p.forer@auckland.ac.nz

• How to apply
  
• More information about Geographic Information Science on the School of Environment website