91ԭ

Students surveying TROY's quad

Department of Geospatial Informatics

Explore the world from above, below, and in between—your future in geospatial informatics starts here.

Programs Scholarships and Internships Events Faculty Donors Accreditation Resources

About the Department

The Department of Geospatial Informatics is home to Surveying and Geomatics Sciences, Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), Geography and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

The department consists of a group of highly trained and experienced faculty members who dedicate themselves to teaching and helping students prepare for geospatial careers with the latest technologies in both hardware and software. The department offers small-size classes and emphasizes personal attention to each student. The goal of each professor and instructor is to see their students succeed in their respective geospatial careers. The department's goal is to prepare students to get ready to pursue ever-growing opportunities in the geospatial professions.

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Surveying and Geomatics Science Program

Do you excel in math and science? Are you interested in computers, the latest technology and the environment? If your answer is “yes,” then a 91ԭ bachelor's degree in surveying and geomatics sciences may be the perfect fit for you. TROY is home to the only ABET-accredited surveying and geomatics sciences program in Alabama and one of the few in the southeastern United States. Our program boasts a 100% job placement rate. In fact, our students typically have multiple job offers before they graduate. Your land surveying degree can be adjusted to meet your specific needs and interests in geomatics.
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Geographic Information Science Major

Are you curious about the world and how places, culture and phenomena are connected? Do you enjoy visiting new places, learning about geography and using the latest technologies to understand more about the world? If so, consider a geographic information sciences (GIS) career. In 91ԭ's GIS degree program, you'll learn how to use geospatial technologies to collect and conduct data analysis. Our program teaches you to map, chart and understand data that addresses some of our most pressing issues, from environmental concerns to epidemics. Whether you want to explore oceans, help protect the environment or plan urban projects, a GIS degree from TROY will equip you to do so.
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Minors

Geographic Information Systems Minor
Are you interested in embracing new technologies like GPS, GIS, Drones, Scanners? Looking for a degree with multiple job opportunities? Want to work with leading applications? The demand for unmanned aerial systems graduates is HIGH!! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job availability in drone technology integrated with Geographic Information Systems will grow "much faster" than average over the next ten years. The current median income for someone with this skill set is approximately $64,000 per year.

Complementary Majors

  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Business Marketing
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics
  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics and Surveying
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Education
  • Emergency Management

Job Opportunities

  • Public Health
  • Oil and gas exploration
  • Transportation Planning
  • Accident and Hot Spot Analysis
  • Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Geological Applications
  • Agricultural Applications
  • Census Survey
  • Crime Analysis
  • Community Planning
  • Renewable resource mapping
  • Urban planning
  • Site suitability mapping
  • Virtual Reality Mapping
  • Artificial Intelligence Mapping
  • Business Management
  • Tourism Information System
  • Power Company
  • Wild Fire Monitoring and Control
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Public Infrastructure Facilities Management and Inventory
  • Disaster Management and Mitigation
  • 911
  • Precision Agriculture
  • Postal Services Route Management
  • Engineering
  • Marine and Land Surveying
  • Land Development
Geography Minor

More than learning how to find a place on a map, GEOGRAPHY is finding our place in the world.  The study of land, people and economics can enhance a variety of careers for which you might be preparing or already working.  After all, we all have to live and work in this ever shrinking world. 

The Geography minor offered on campus or online by the Geospatial Informatics Department can be paired with a variety of majors.

High demand and wide array of career opportunities for graduates

Careers involving Geography

  •  Anthropologist 
  • Legislator
  • Biologist        
  • Educator
  • Economist 
  • Sociologist
  • Geographer 
  • Criminal Justice
  • Political Scientist 
  • Social Scientist
  • Historian 
  • Tourism
  • Business Marketing        
  • Environmental
 
Surveying and Geomatics Sciences Minor

A minor in Surveying and Geomatics Sciences provides a basic knowledge of the field for those who are pursuing careers in geomatics related fields such as Geographic Information Sciences (GIS).  The minor can also aid professionals in preparing for the licensed surveyors exam. 

A GIS degree with a Surveying and Geomatics Sciences minor may be earned completely online. This degree is considered a related degree when pursuing a professional survey license. 

The ABET accredited program at 91ԭ offers the Surveying and Geomatics Sciences minor on campus and online with an emphasis on the latest technologies in the field. 

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Minor

Capturing the world from above?

Are you interested in embracing new technologies like drones, GPS, GIS, and scanners? Looking for a degree with multiple job opportunities? Want to work with leading applications? The demand for UAS graduates is HIGH!! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job availability in drone technology integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will grow "much faster" than average over the next ten years. The current median income for someone with this skill set is approximately $64,000 per year.

91ԭ is the first university in Alabama to join the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial Systems College Training Initiative (UAS-CTI).  91ԭ is among 70 other universities across the U.S. to join including Embry-Riddle, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Middle Tennessee State and University of North Dakota. The purpose of the UAS-CTI is to prepare students for careers in all aspects of UAS.  The FAA is collaborating with universities that will deliver up-to-date UAS training that matches the requirements of the National Airspace System (NAS) and help provide qualified applicants for careers involving UAS.  Read more

Degree Options

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Minor complements many different majors in various colleges at 91ԭ. 

  • Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) major
  • Resource and Technology Management major 
  • Criminal Justice major
  • Anthropology major
  • Applied Computer Science major
  • Political Science major
  • Social Science major
  • Sociology major
  • History major
  • Mathematics major 
  • Biology major
  • Chemistry  major 
  • Physics major
  • Hospitality, Sports and Tourism Management major
  • Global Business major 
  • Multimedia Journalism major
  • Art Major 
  • Graphic Design major

The UAS minor may also be combined with two other minors to earn a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Studies. Interdisciplinary Studies | 91ԭ.  The UAS minor, GIS minor and a minor from a different college can be combined for an online degree that will prepare you to follow a career path you choose.  

An Associate of Science in General Education may also be earned with an emphasis in UAS.  Associate of Science in General Education | 91ԭ

Each course in the minor is offered once over the course of an academic year through TROY Online | 91ԭ.  An optional course with hands-on sessions is offered every spring semester once a week on the 91ԭ campus. 

Job Opportunities in UAS 

  • Public Health
  • Oil and gas exploration
  • Transportation Planning
  • Accident and Hot Spot Analysis
  • Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Geological Applications
  • Agricultural Applications
  • Census Survey
  • Crime Analysis
  • Community Planning
  • Renewable resource mapping
  • Urban planning
  • Site suitability mapping
  • Virtual Reality Mapping
  • Artificial Intelligence Mapping
  • Business Management
  • Tourism Information System
  • Power Company
  • Wild Fire Monitoring and Control
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Public Infrastructure Facilities Management and Inventory
  • Disaster Management and Mitigation
  • 911
  • Precision Agriculture
  • Postal Services Route Management
  • Engineering
  • Marine and Land Surveying
  • Land Development
  • Related Careers
  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Business Marketing
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics
  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics and Surveying
  • History
  • Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Emergency Management

Scholarships

Numerous scholarships are available for students enrolled in the Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program. From the Braden Johnson Memorial Scholarship and others offered by 91ԭ, to the Alabama Society of Professional Land Surveyors Scholarship, the National Society of Professional Land Surveyors Scholarship,  the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing scholarships and more, there are many ways for students to receive assistance in completing their degree.

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Internships

It is recommended that all Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program students and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) majors gain work experience with a survey or GIS firm as an intern before graduation. A senior project may be completed in place of an internship.
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Geo Day 2026 Date TBD A geospatial expo for high school students

Geo Day is an expo of geospatial careers: GIS, GPS, Surveying, Flying Drones! Help your students discover these lucrative and in-demand careers, studying in-state at 91ԭ.

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Geo Info Composite
GIS day on Quad

Geography Awareness Week And GIS Day

is an international celebration of Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) technology each year on the third Wednesday of November.  The third week in November is also designated as . Here at 91ԭ, we take this time to help others learn about geography and the real-world applications of GIS that are making a difference in our society.

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Welcome to Geospatial Informatics

The Department of Geospatial Informatics is an exciting new academic department and the home of the Surveying and Geomatics Sciences degree program, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) major and minor, Geography minor, and the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) minor. These technology-driven areas of study are the launching point for well-paid careers in many different areas.

Geomatics Sciences involve the collection, analysis and interpretation of data relating to the earth's surface. GIS involves the framework for gathering, managing and analyzing geographic data. UAS delves into drone technology and the information collected by them.

 

Meet the Faculty
Dr. Ramroop speaking at Geo Day

Department Highlights

  • Careers related to Geospatial informatics are available in a wide range of fields including urban planning, agriculture, natural resources, environmental, military, social science and health care.
  • Our Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program is one of 17 ABET-accredited programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama.
  • 91ԭ is one of four universities in Alabama that offer a GIS major and is listed in the top 15 online Drone training colleges.
  • The demand for young survey and geomatics professionals is very high, with the average annual salary of a professional surveyor being $77,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job availability in drone technology integrated with Geographic Information Systems will grow “much faster” than average over the next ten years. The current median income for someone with this skillset is approximately $64,000 per year.
  • All of our lectures feature exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and our labs feature hands-on experience using industry-relevant state-of-the-art equipment. 
  • Students can take almost all courses online or on the 91ԭ Campus. The Surveying and Geomatics Sciences degree is the only one requiring on-campus labs.

Are you good at Math and Sciences? Are you interested in computers, technologies, and the outdoor environment?

If you answered yes to these questions, then a geospatial Informatics career is for you.
What is Geomatics?
Geomatics is the discipline of collecting, processing, analyzing, managing, and delivering spatially referenced information. Geomatics spans various professions and encompasses the fields of land surveying, mapping, remote sensing, photogrammetry, hydrography, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and geographic information science (GIS). Many career opportunities are available to geomatics graduates.
What is Geographic Information Science (GIS)?
Geographic information science (GIS) is the scientific discipline that studies theories and techniques to capture, process, analyze, visualize, and manage geographic or location-based information and to support decision making. Hundreds of thousands of organizations in virtually every field are using GIS and maps to communicate information, perform data analysis, and solve complex problems.  GIS is changing the way we explore the world around us.
Is an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) the same as a drone?
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) includes the drone, the steering system and the pilot. The imagery/data collected from drones provides essential geospatial information that organizations use for analysis and planning. Commercial UAS usage grows every day.  The UAS industry continues to grow and will need more operators, maintainers, directors, managers, and other specialized personnel to fill industry jobs.
Degree Options
Prior to earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying and Geomatics Sciences or GIS,  an Associate of Science Degree in General Education may be earned with an emphasis in surveying and geomatics, GIS or UAS.  This would require a total of 60 hours of credit , 12 credit hours of which would be in the emphasis of your choice.  Please refer to the academic catalog for further information.

Academic Catalog

Donors

Thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors, the Department of Geospatial Informatics is forging new frontiers in the industry. Your support has already made a transformative impact:

  • Scholarships are empowering talented students who otherwise couldn't pursue geospatial degrees.
  • Cutting-edge tools are placed directly into student hands.
  • Faculty-led research and student projects are unlocking real-world applications—in agriculture, urban planning, disaster response, and beyond.
  • Internship pipelines and industry partnerships are giving our students invaluable experience and professional opportunities.

With continued support, we can expand access to industry-leading tools, fund hands-on research and open new pathways for future leaders in GIS, drone technology, and remote sensing. Whether you're a proud alumnus, industry partner, or friend of the program, your investment fuels innovation that reaches far beyond the classroom.

Your commitment is the cornerstone of our growth and the reason we can truly say: “Explore the world from above, below, and in between—your future in geospatial informatics starts here.”

 

ABET Accreditation

The Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program is approved by ABET.  This allows graduates to take the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in any state to prepare to become a Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) in that state.
Annual Student Enrollment for Geomatics Program
Academic Year Number of Students
2019-2020 64
2020-2021 55
2021-2022 58
2022-2023 41
Annual Graduation for Geomatics Program
Academic Year Number of Graduates
2019-2020 11
2020-2021 10
2021-2022 9
2022-2023 5

All of these  Surveying and Geomatics Sciences graduates are currently employed in the public and/or private sectors in a wide variety of geomatics specializations.
Geomatics Program Educational Objectives
  1. Graduates will be prepared to obtain quality entry-level positions within the Surveying and Geomatics profession. 
  2. Employers will be pleased with the quality and performance of graduates.
  3. Graduates are well prepared for the licensure process of examinations and experience.
  4. Graduates will hold wide-ranging positions within the diverse disciplines of the Surveying and Geomatics fields.
  5. Graduates have grown and advanced into managerial/ownership/leadership positions within the Surveying and Geomatics fields.
Geomatics Student Outcomes
  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline. 
  2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs. 
  3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions. 
  4.  An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. 
  5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. 
  6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

 

News

Students at Geo Day

91ԭ Geo Day introduces students to geospatial careers

Over 350 students attended the Geospatial Informatics Department's sixth annual Geo Day held Thursday, March 16 at 91ԭ. Geo Day gives high school students from around the Wiregrass an inside look into the geospatial industry and an opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge.

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Contact
The Department

Geospatial Informatics
91ԭ
Wallace Hall Room 350
111 International Blvd
91ԭ, AL 36081
1-334-808-6727
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