MSc Geomatics - Frequently asked questions

MSc Geomatics

What is Geomatics?

Geomatics is the science  and art of acquiring, storing, analysing and visualising geographical information in order to gain knowledge about our (built) environment and predict its future. Remote sensing techniques such as air and space based photogrammetry and laserscanning, satellite optical images and radar techniques are used to acquire data about the world at large. Local measurements taken by land based surveying and sensor networks allow us to gain data about our immediate environment. Information management and visualisation techniques transform this data into useful information, knowledge and understanding.

What is geographical information?

Simply put, geoinformation is information that has a location on earth. It can be anything as long as you can point to it on a map. Think of rivers, streets, lamp posts, buildings, lakes, etc. Once you know the position of an object or phenomena you can do all kinds of spatial analyses.

What is the focus of MSc Geomatics at TU Delft?

The MSc Geomatics is offered by the OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment. The master focusses on the application of remote sensing and information management techniques to gain knowledge and understanding about the built environment i.e. our cities and their surroundings. See the Common Core programme.

What is OTB?

The OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment specializes in researching and educating about the field of housing, construction and the urban environment.

Is Geomatics an Architecture master?

No, Geomatics is an independent MSc programme that is hosted by the faculty of Architecture. The faculty of Architecture takes care of administrational and organisational tasks. The Core Programme is offered by the GIS-technology section of OTB while the domains are offered by other faculties.

What kind of diploma will I get at the end?

The diploma you will receive after successfully completing the MSc programme will be that of a Geomatics Engineer.

How many students does this master have?

There are currently about 30 students spread over both MSc years.

Does Geomatics have a student society?

No, but since we are a small master organising events is easy.

I would like to get in touch with a Geomatics student, is that possible?

Yes, please contact Simeon Nedkov.

Programme

Which set of skills are students expected to have at the start of their studies?

Students are expected to have a technical background. Some basic proficiency with computers is preferable. Programming skills in either Matlab or Python are advantageous.

Why are there so many domains?

Geographical information stands at the base of many different disciplines. The Geomatics Core Programme will teach you how to acquire and analyse geoinformation in general. The different domains will educate you how to apply this knowledge to a specific discipline.

Is it possible to do an internship at a company while studying?

Strictly speaking the programme has no room for an intership, but you can choose to do your graduation project at a company. The second year Synthesis Project is designed to give you an impression of what it is like to work in a real-world (corporate) environment.

What is the purpose of the Synthesis project in the second year?

The Synthesis Project aims to simulate a project based environment as one might find at a company. The students are required to work in teams and deliver a product that satisfies a set of stakeholders from real-world companies.

What will I be able to do after I graduate?

All Geomatics engineers have a thorough understanding of geospatial concepts. You will be fluent in gathering, processing and analysing geographical data. You will be able to apply your skills to a wide variety of disciplines. The Core Program is aimed at providing a solid base. The different domains allow you to focus or widen your knowledge. You are able to work at a level of your choice: low-level data gathering and processing, or a high organisatorial and conceptual level.

Career

What are my career prospects, where can I work?

There are generally three types of companies that require Geomatics engineers. The first type is large companies that have a Geomatics department in support of the company's non-Geomatics core bussines. Examples are companies such as Shell, Grontmij (Consultancy) and Fugro (oil and gas industry). The second type are large companies whose core bussines is Geomatics. Companies such as Esri, Geodan, Geon are specialised in gathering and processing of geoinformation in its many forms and sizes,  and deliver a wide range of products e.g. maps, spatial analyses, web services, etc. These companies deliver solutions to everyday problems such as infrastructure management, eGovernment, location-based services, etc. The last type of companies are the small and highly specialised Geomatics companies. Examples are NEO (change detection),  Hansje Brinker (radar remote sensing) and CycloMedia (panoramic images). These companies use cutting edge technologies to open new markets and uses of Geomatics knowledge. The fourth type of employer in the Netherlands are governmental bodies such as  municipalities and cities. These organisations are obliged by law to collect and manage a wide variety of spatial information. The quality and quantity of their information is high. Geospatial talent is sought after that is able to manage the existing data and develop new uses for it.

What is the Geomatics traineeship programme?

The traineeship programme gives you the opportunity to work at three different companies over the course of two years and get a taste of the working environment and their activities. You are free to choose the companies you want to work at. After the two years are over, you are free to pick a company you like and apply for a job, or move on.

Where are recently graduated students working?

There are students working at Shell, Fugro, Esri, NEO and Hansje Brinker.

How large is the Geomatics field in the Netherlands? What about the rest of the world?

The Dutch Geomatics scene is a mature discipline. There are many companies, big and small, working on different aspects of Geomatics. European and Dutch legislation require municipalities and cities to manage a large amount of geoinformation.  The Dutch government, municipalities and cities are quite advanced in terms of geographical information collection and processing. They work in close cooperation with Dutch and international companies. As such, there is a lively Geomatics scene.

What are current trends in the Dutch corporate Geomatics world?

Standardisation is a big topic in the Netherlands and Europe. A lot of effort is put in making data interchangable on all levels - cities, municipalities and countries. The EU INSPIRE directive is the legal force driving and guiding the standardisation efforts. Currently, companies and the public sector are working together to meet the goals and deadlines set by the EU INSPIRE directive.
Other trending topics are sensor networks (Geonovum SWE), 3D information (City of Rotterdam, Amersfoort), open data, eGovernment, disaster management (Eagle by Geodan), etc.

Research

I'm interested in doing research during or after I graduate. What are the possiblities?

Doing research while studying is possible by following the Guided Study course. You can either use this course to gain a head start for your graduation project or you can research something entirely different. The GIS section is actively applying for EU, Dutch and corporate projects. Research topics are therefore always available. It is good to get in contact with researchers and express your interest in a research topic early on in your studies.

What are the topics you are currently working on?

The main topics are 5D (3D + time + scale) data sets, vario-scale maps, (3D) geometry validation, indoor navigation for emergency situations and sensor networks.

Do you work together with other universities?

Yes. We regularly cooperate with Chinese (Wuhan University, Beihang University), German and Turkish universities.

Do you work together with companies?

Yes. We have close ties to Bentley Systems (3D CAD software), Safe Software (spatial data transformation software), Oracle (Spatial databases), TomTom (car navigation solutions), iDelft (spatial data consultant), e-Semble (serious games) and others. We also have close ties to the city of Rotterdam  and the Port of Rotterdam Authority among others.

What are current trends in Geomatics research?

Currently attention is given to web  and mobile technologies. As devices are becoming more and more powerful, they are capable of performing ever more complex tasks. Think of augmented reality, mobile GIS and location based services.
Recent minituarisation of electronics have spurred a giant leap in ubiquitous computing i.e. even the tiniest of devices can perform basic calculations. This has led to an emergence of the Internet of Things: devices are programmable and connected to the internet. Sensor networks that are observing crop health, smart buildings and cities, mobile sensors, etc. are within reach. How do we integrate all the available technologies? What are sensible applications?
The recent phenomenon of geospatial crowdsourcing (OpenStreetMap, Googles's Building Builder, Ushahidi) has introduced new data sources, but has also raised questions about reliability and quality of data.
Three dimensional data is becoming increasingly more easy to obtain. The next logical step is to introduce the temporal (4D) dimension. How do you store the history of geometries?

How many PhD students do you currently have and what are they researching?

There are currently two PhD students working on 5D datastructures and indoor navigation for emergency purposes.

Finances

Does the MSc offer any scholarhips?

No. We are currently working on securing finances from companies but we are not there yet.

What is the procedure for acquiring a TU Delft scholarships?

Please see this page.