Geoinformation Technology & Cartography MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Geoinformation Technology & Cartography at the University of Glasgow equips students with expertise in GIS, cartography, and geomatics. It emphasizes practical skills in GIS software, cartographic design, and data analysis, preparing graduates for careers in geographic information management and cartography in both the private and public sectors. The program's unique focus on cartography sets it apart from other GIS programs in the UK.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview

The Masters in Geoinformation Technology & Cartography focuses on understanding and managing the locational data underpinning Geographic Information Systems (GIS), together with visualisation tools and map production in a GIS environment. It is the only programme in the UK to have a significant emphasis on cartography, with a unique focus on the underpinning geomatics aspects and cartographic output compared to other GIS programmes.

Objectives

This Masters aims to equip you with the expertise and critical understanding necessary for a successful career in the field of Geographic Information Management or Cartography. The specific objectives of this program are:

• To develop your skills in cartographic design and production, enabling you to create effective and aesthetically pleasing maps.
• To equip you with the necessary technical skills to use a range of GIS software packages.
• To foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in the context of GIS and cartography.
• To prepare you for a diverse range of careers in both the private and public sectors.

Outline

Programme structure

The MSc in Geoinformation Technology & Cartography consists of 180 credits across three semesters:

• Semester 1 (60 credits):
• GEOSPATIAL FUNDAMENTALS (20 credits)
• PRINCIPLES OF GIS (10 credits)
• LAND SURVEYING I (10 credits)
• TOPOGRAPHIC MODELLING AND LANDSCAPE MONITORING (10 credits)
• Semester 2 (60 credits):
• APPLIED GIS (10 credits)
• GEOSPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURES AND LAND ADMINISTRATION (10 credits)
• PRINCIPLES OF CARTOGRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION (10 credits)
• VISUALISATION & MAP USE (10 credits)
• WEB AND MOBILE MAPPING (10 credits)
• REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT (10 credits)
• Summer (60 credits):
• GES MSC PROJECT (60 credits)

Optional attendance:

• 3-day GIS research conference

Individual Modules

Semester 1:

• GEOSPATIAL FUNDAMENTALS (20 credits): This module introduces fundamental concepts and technologies related to the spatial dimension of geographic data and spatial data analysis and is delivered via a series of lectures, practical sessions, and individual study.
• PRINCIPLES OF GIS (10 credits): Provides students with the basic concepts and skills of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), covering data structures, spatial analysis and map production techniques through lectures, workshops, and practical exercises.
• LAND SURVEYING I (10 credits): Focuses on land surveying theory and practice, including principles of measurement, instrumentation, data processing, and cartographic representation of survey measurements, delivered through lectures and field practice sessions.
• TOPOGRAPHIC MODELLING AND LANDSCAPE MONITORING (10 credits): introduces techniques for extracting topographic features from spatial data using Digital Elevation Models and explores their application in landscape analysis, with emphasis on practical application through workshops, laboratory, and field sessions.

Semester 2:

• APPLIED GIS (10 credits): Provides an in-depth exploration of advanced GIS functionalities for various real-world applications, with emphasis on practical skills development and critical analysis through lectures, workshops, and assignments.
• GEOSPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURES AND LAND ADMINISTRATION (10 credits): Explores the key aspects of geospatial data infrastructures, land administration systems, and spatial data policy in supporting decision-making and governance processes.
This module combines lectures, seminars, guest lectures from industry and government, and individual research activities.
• PRINCIPLES OF CARTOGRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION (10 credits): Introduces fundamental principles of cartography and map design alongside a practical understanding of map production techniques through workshops, lectures, and practical exercises.
• VISUALISATION & MAP USE (10 credits): Examines different approaches to visualization in the context of maps and cartography, including digital map creation, exploration of various visualization tools, and critical discussion of how maps communicate.
Learning occurs through a combination of lectures, seminars, and software workshops.
• WEB AND MOBILE MAPPING (10 credits): Provides students with the practical skills for developing web mapping and mobile mapping applications using open-source tools.
This module will involve workshops, online resources, independent project work, and presentations.
• REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT (10 credits): Introduces the fundamental principles and applications of remote sensing technologies in environmental monitoring and resource management.
The module combines lectures, computer lab practical sessions, and individual assignment work.

Summer:

• GES MSC PROJECT (60 credits): Under the supervision of academic specialists, this independent research project allows students to demonstrate advanced theoretical and practical skills by addressing a geographic-related research question of their choice using appropriate data, techniques and analytical methodologies.
The project can be conducted individually or as part of a small group, depending on the student's preference and project scope.

MSc UK Full-time fee: £12150 Part-time fee: £1350 per 20 credits International & EU Full-time fee: £28260 PgDip UK Full-time fee: £8100 Part-time fee: £1350 per 20 credits International & EU Full-time fee: £18840 PgCert UK Full-time fee: £4050 Part-time fee: £1350 per 20 credits International & EU Full-time fee: £9420