Geography and earth science increasingly rely on digital geographical data acquired from satellite or
aerial images analysed by Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and visualized on paper or the computer
screen. Before this we remember the traces, we used to make at school over a blank map of India.
Different traces were used to display different information like 'wheat' or 'rice' growing areas of
India etc.
Now with the computer age this whole process has become 'computerized' and instead of the paper copy of
map of India we have satellite or aerial photographs and the 'traces' we used to make has been replaced
by the computer (along with the help of a suitable software) which digitizes (traces) the objects we are
interested in.
The key focus of this program is to develop students’ skills in various domains including remote
sensing, GIS, GPS, spatial modelling methods, exploratory data analysis and visualization with a focus
on Earth, environmental sciences, and climate change. The course emphasizes on the potential of data
acquisition from satellite sensors integrated with GIS which may be used as an interdisciplinary
approach to spatial decision-making and solving real-world problems.
Teaching process involves both hands-on experience and the exploration of fundamental concepts and
methods of Geoinformatics and is linked to research undertaken at the centre. Outreach activities,
internships, and research collaborations ensure that our students gain insights into the real-world
problems and applications leading to enhanced opportunities for a better career in the field of
Geoinformatics. The core strength of the programme lies in its innovative curriculum that imbues present
and future professionals on development and the use of cutting-edge geospatial technologies to emulate
real-life problems. Over the period of two years, students gain sound knowledge in the scientific
principles behind computational and analytical foundation of Geoinformatics as well as its applications
in domains such as conservation biology, urban planning, meteorology and natural resource management
through hands-on exercises, training programmes, 8 weeks summer internship, independent study and a
semester long major project. Programme has flexible options for choosing elective courses across
different departments that support students to build career in the domain of their interest.
Geoinformatics can be applied to various fields, such as urban planning, land use
management, in-car navigation systems, virtual globes, land surveying, public health, environmental
modelling and analysis, military, transport network planning and management, agriculture, meteorology
and climate change, oceanography, business location planning, architecture, archaeology,
telecommunications, criminology, aviation, biodiversity conservation, and maritime transport.