Geomatics Curriculum

 

Other University areas:

The University of Arkansas offers some 30 courses at the undergraduate level that provide a solid foundation for professional practice and advanced education in the arena of geomatics. These courses are offered in the departments of Geosciences, Civil Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Math and Bioengineering.

We have selected the term geomatics to encompass these various offerings.

The definition of geomatics is evolving. A working definition might be "the art, science and technologies related to the management of geographically-referenced information." Geomatics includes a wide range of activities, from the acquisition and analysis of site-specific spatial data in engineering and development surveys to the application of GIS and remote sensing technologies in environmental management” (see http://surveying.mentabolism.org/geomatic.htm for this and other definitions).

Terms used by others to cover aspects of the offerings include “GIS”, GI Science”, “geospatial technologies,” “surveying”, “geodesy,” “remote sensing,” "photogrammetry", etc. In addition to encompassing some or all of these topics our understanding of the term is somewhat more expansive, including aspects of public policy, business, etc. the graphic below illustrates a sense of this relationship.

 

Geomatics graphic 

Click HERE for a full, PDF, version of the graphic

 

Course offerings:

We have prepared four “flow charts” to illustrate recommended and required offerings in this area. These flow charts reflect the 2006 UA catalogue copy.  Essential courses are shown in yellow boxes, possible courses in blue. Catalogue required prerequisites are shown with large linked arrows and recommended sequences are shown in light blue. Not all students will desire to take all courses and each student should discuss the specifics with their advisor.

Note that different structures are presented for a student wishing to receive a degree:

The current graduate offerings are shown here. (course graphic 4*).

Research opportunities

The educational program in geomatics at the University of Arkansas is closely linked to the extensive research opportunities in geomatics. General information on research in this area is available here. In addition to a focused curriculum in geomatics, courses in this area can be taken to augment education emphases in a number of other areas.  For example the university has a strong emphasis in geomatics as applied to archaeology, environmental studies, social analyses, and many others.