Geomatics Engineering Undergraduate Program
The Ohio State University offers a BS in Geomatics Engineering, which covers the wider aspects of Geomatics. This program has multiple tracks within it, including Mapping, Photogrammetry/Remote Sensing, GIS, and Geodetic Surveying
The BS in Geomatics Engineering program permits graduates to seek registration as Professional Engineers. Studentsthat complete the Geomatics Engineering program will also be able to seek registration as Professional Surveyors.
The following tracks are available within Geomatics Engineering. Students take all core courses and the elective courses (or a selection) described in the tracksī pages to qualify to have a designated track. A generalist option is also available. Students are required to take a minimum of 14 credit hours of elective courses, with these courses forming the basis of their track.
Variations to the prescribed required courses may be made in special cases, with the approval of the Geomatics Engineering Undergraduate Studies Committee.
Geodetic Surveying Track
The purpose of this track is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the geodetic surveying avenues open to them, short of the graduate program.There are many opportunities, especially with the ubiquity of GPS, for studying the techniques and theory of high-precision measurement.
For example, Geodesy is concerned with precise positioning on the Earth, and thus serves as a foundation for other spatial sciences. Geodesy is also concerned with precise determination of the size and shape of the Earth, measurement of the Earth's gravity field, and the monitoring of geodynamic phenomena. Geodesy is closely related with other Earth Sciences like solid Earth physics, hydrology, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, glaciology, geophysics and geology, and thus aids our understanding of the dynamic behavior within the solid and liquid Earth, the movements of crustal plates and the behavior of the oceans and atmosphere.
Geodetic science uses some of the most advanced satellite measurements, and electronic and computer technologies. Radio and visual astronomy, satellite measurement of location, space-based measurements of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena, laser and radio measurement of satellite location, use of inertial navigation and measurement systems, gravity measurement and computer modeling are all part of the work of geodesists.
Geodesy has been a major field of study and research at OSU for nearly half of a century and OSU has an excellent international reputation in the field.
GIS/Mapping Track
The purpose of this track is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the GIS and Mapping fields.
GIS systems bring together large amounts of data, spatial and non-spatial, to aid in complex decision-making, planning, and management of resources and land. Many GIS systems are in use in the government and private sectors.
GIS expertise involves an understanding of how spatial data and information behaves, a knowledge of data structures in computerized information systems, system and application development, an ability to work within complex administrative and institutional environments, as well as an understanding of applicaiton areas.
Computer systems that can handle spatial data and information are now finding widespread application. Professionals with the skills to work with spatial information in Land Geographic Information Systems (LIS and GIS) are in high demand. Computer mapping goes far beyond paper maps, allowing interactive maps, 3-D maps, and complex querying and modeling in which the spatial data are linked to a wide range of other types of data. Census data, municipal land records, environmental data, socio-economic and business data can all be linked and analyzed in their spatial context.
Photogrammetry/Remote Sensing Track
The purpose of this track is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the photogrammetry and remote sensing field. Photogrammetry is the science of high precision measurements from photographs and other forms of imagery. This ranges from aerial photographs for mapping, through close-range photos for medical instruments to the use of digital images in sophisticated digital workstations. Photogrammetry is now moving into the computer vision and image understanding fields and digital photogrammetry is revolutionizing the way we think about and work with maps.
Remote sensing is concerned with acquiring spatial information from a range of sensors, including satellite imagery, airborne scanners, and radar. Computer-based digital image processing allows the classification of biophysical information.
Photogrammetry and remote sensing provide large amounts of data about the landscape very quickly and are often used for disaster
Honors Program
An Honors Program in Geomatics Engineering is also available. There are different criteria for acceptance into the Honors program, as well as there being Honors courses to be taken. See the OSU Honors program for more information.
Generalist Track
This track allows students to take a range of courses that do not fit acurrent track program. Students should plan their program with theiradvisor, to ensure that they have a coherent set of electives, which add tothe basic strengths of the overall program.