Geographic Information Systems Seeing the world like never before
What is Geographic Information Systems?
Look around you. Notice how, at any one moment in time, every single object has its own particular position in the world. They have precise locations that can be measured in one, two or three dimensions. All the corners marking boundaries to a tract of land have coordinates enabling that piece of land to be uniquely positioned. All major topographic features in New Zealand have geographical coordinates, as do the three-dimensional objects represented in a medical image. When you are able to link a feature with its coordinates, then you have spatial information.
While surveyors measure the exact locations of places and objects in relation to each other, the use and management of this information in a digital system is the domain of the expert in geographic information systems. It is a skill that is vital to the management of the land, oceans and environment, and integral to commerce, health, tourism and marketing. If you were to map the ocean floor, for example, you'd be creating something in three dimensions that cannot actually been seen in real life. This has important consequences for researchers, governments and the entire marine industry. For businesses, the ability to use and manipulate spatial information creates competitive and cost advantages.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) in Geographic Information Systems looks at how spatial information is captured, integrated, modelled and visualised. This means studying satellite remote sensing, photographic techniques and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) along with information science. Results can be used by government agencies, businesses, health authorities, surveyors, planners and many others.
Why Study Geographic Information Systems?
- Geographic Information Systems is a subject undergoing major growth worldwide, and people with skills in this area are highly sought after.
- Otago's Spatial Information Research Centre (SIRC) provides opportunities to be involved in ground-breaking research.
- Geographic Information Systems combines academic rigor with practical application. Accurate, complete and up-to-date information is an immensely valuable resource for businesses and governments alike.
Career Opportunities
There are opportunities for graduates with the BAppSc in Geographic Information Systems throughout New Zealand and around the globe.
You'll have the specialist skills needed to work in a variety of roles, for example as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Remote Sensing operator, administrator, analyst or manager. These roles may mean you are employed by a large organisation, or equally, you could work for a consultancy firm, taking on a range of projects or several clients. This kind of work tends to have plenty of variety, not to mention opportunities for travel.
In these positions, you could find yourself working on a range of problems that impact on people throughout society. For example, you might be involved in tracking the geographical distribution of a particular disease, to see whether it relates to any other factors, such as climate, socio-economics or the placement of high voltage power lines. You could work for a regional council, analysing the risk of landslips in certain areas, or be contracted by a firm to help them decide where to place their next supermarket. This would mean considering practical things like the location of their competitors and the flow of traffic, to determine which site would maximise their chances for a profitable venture.
After a few years out in the workforce, you might identify other areas where your skills could be put to good use. With the understanding of commerce you gained during your studies, you'll be in an excellent position to launch your own business initiative.
Background Required
This major subject option is suitable for any student with an interest in analysing how and why events occur in certain times and places. If you wish to undertake an analysis of where to best locate your future business, health care facilities, or even tracking mechanisms for investigating the movements of animals, this subject will give you the necessary tools. While it is preferable that you have mathematics to Year 13 level, this is not essential since the necessary papers can be taken in your first year at university.
What Will I Study?
You'll study a wide variety of information science, spatial information, and surveying papers, and you'll explore topics using examples from subjects ranging from geography to botany, ecology and marketing.
As a graduate in Geographic Information Systems you'll have a thorough and practical understanding of spatial data and analysis, and be able to apply GIS techniques to a wide range of areas. You'll also have the chance to delve into internet/intranet-based multi-media approaches to spatial information and you'll explore key technologies including remote sensing, photogrammetry and GPS. You'll also learn the skills that you'll need in the workforce, like project management, database design, and computer programming.
As well as learning theory in lectures, you'll gain hands-on experience in practical classes and computer labs. And not only will you use cutting-edge technology throughout the course of your degree, you could even be involved in developing the latest GIS software.
Your studies will also involve field trips, where you'll "ground truth" your images. That means going out to the site of which you have a satellite image, and working out what each feature represents.
Work experience is a requirement for the BAppSc in GIS and you'll carry out 6-20 weeks of work over the summer at the end of your second and/or third year. This means you get the chance to make connections between the material you study and what happens in the real world, it also helps you start building a network of contacts in industry.
During your degree you will also complete a range of Management and Innovation papers integrating science with real world application.
Further information
For more detailed information on Geographic Information Systems papers and course requirements, please see the main University website at http://www.otago.ac.nz/subjects/spin.html
Major Subject and Programme Requirements
Profile: Steve Critchlow
Having it all Mapped Out
Surveying skills, computing expertise, business nous... you could say Steve Critchlow is an early prototype of the BAppSc in Geographic Information Systems graduate. Back in 1978 he completed a Bachelor of Surveying degree at the University of Otago, which he then followed up with a BSc in Computer Science.
After working in central government for a few years and specialising in the use and application of some of the early land information systems, he set up his own Geographical Information Systems consulting business in 1986, Critchlow Associates.
"Our Wellington-based company now employs over 20 staff on contracts that span the length and breadth of New Zealand," says Steve.
Their work has included mapping information from the locations of road accidents, to cellphone coverage. They have also been able to help develop early warning systems to help agencies such as the Ministry of Health anticipate the spread of epidemics, such as measles or meningitis.
A recent project has involved finding "clear lines of sight" for wireless internet transmissions across Wellington city.
Now that Otago is offering a qualification that encompasses the sorts of skills Steve has gained over the course of his career, he is very encouraged.
"I like what I see in the Geographic Information Systems major of the BAppSc," says Steve. "It combines the key elements of Information and Computer Science with an understanding of where and how spatial data is captured and used. These are the type of graduates I want!"
Contacts
For further information regarding Geographic Information Systems, please contact:
Professor John Hannah
Department of Surveying
Tel 64 3 479 9010
Fax 64 3 479 7686
Email john.hannah@surveying.otago.ac.nz
Other Websites
- Spatial Information Regulations http://www.otago.ac.nz/subjects/spin.html
- Department of Surveying http://www.otago.ac.nz/surveying
- The Spatial Information Research Centre http://www.otago.ac.nz/sirc
PDF Infosheet
You can download the latest Geographic Information Systems infosheet (76k in PDF format).
