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Master's Programme in Geoinformatics
Curriculum 2024–2026
About the programme
The Master’s Programme in Geoinformatics educates multi-skilled professionals in geoinformatics. The programme is interdisciplinary and integrates engineering applications with environmental and other sciences and teaches the most advanced techniques in geographic information acquisition, processing, analysis, and visualization.
Graduates have knowledge of all scientific subfields of geoinformatics – namely geodesy, photogrammetry, laser scanning, Earth observation, and spatial data science – and have in-depth knowledge in one or more of them. They are familiar with the state-of-the-art theories and techniques of the discipline and can apply mathematical, computational and visualization skills to the tasks they face as geoinformatics professionals.
Graduates can identify user requirements in geoinformatics, and assess the uncertainties, accuracy and reliability concerning spatial data and its use. They are able to apply spatial thinking, system’s thinking, and analytical thinking to solve complex real-world challenges using geographical and computational approaches.
Graduates understand and can apply spatial data collection methods, spatial data processing tools, spatial data management tools, spatial algorithms, and relevant software. They can summarize the process of the scientific method and apply their methodological and scientific skills to create new knowledge and applications related to geoinformatics.
Graduates are fluent in essential working-life skills, including writing, presentation, and project management skills, and can work independently and as team members.
Explore a plethora of career opportunities in the multifaceted field of geoinformatics! Our program seamlessly integrates students into real-world scenarios, fostering interaction and collaboration with leading companies and the public sector. Whether through engaging project courses or while crafting their MSc thesis, students will be at the forefront of practical experiences. Students can tailor their educational journey by designing a personalized study path that aligns with their passions. Count on our dedicated academic advisors to identify students’ strengths and interests, guiding them towards optimizing their unique study plans.
The Master’s programme in Geoinformatics provides students many exciting opportunities to work in various fields combining different aspects of geoinformatics, read more from here: https://foto.aalto.fi/geoinformatics_Aalto2.pdf
Degree structure
Major studies | 60 ECTS |
Master's thesis | 30 ECTS |
Elective studies | 30 ECTS |
Total credits | 120 ECTS |
Course descriptions in Sisu
Major studies (60 ECTS)
Code: ENG22
Scope: 60 ECTS
Programme Director: Professor Maaria Nordman
Compulsory studies (30 ECTS)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching period |
---|---|---|---|
GIS-E1110 | Geodesy and Positioning | 6 | Period I (First year) |
GIS-E1120 | From Measurements to Maps | 6 | Period I (First year) |
GIS-E1130 | Introduction to Spatial Data Analysis | 6 | Period I-II (First year) |
GIS-E1140 | Photogrammetry, Laser Scanning and 3D Data Processing | 6 | Period II (First year) |
GIS-E1150 | Remote Sensing and Scientific Writing for Geoinformatics Professionals | 6 | Period II (First year) |
Optional studies (select 30 ECTS from courses below)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching period |
---|---|---|---|
GIS-E3020 | Digital Image Processing and Feature Extraction | 5 | Period III (First year) |
GIS-E4040 | Spatial Data Science for Sustainable Development | 5 | Period III (First year) |
GIS-E5050 | Advanced Geodesy | 5 | Period III (First year) |
GIS-E3030 | Advanced Laser Scanning | 5 | Period IV (First year) |
GIS-E3040 | Advanced Photogrammetry | 5 | Period IV (First year) |
GIS-E4030 | GIS Development | 5 | Periods IV-V (First year) |
GIS-E3050 | Advanced Remote Sensing | 5 | Period V (First year) |
GIS-E6010 | Project Course | 10 | Periods I-II (Second year) |
GIS-E6020 | Special Course in Geoinformatics | 1 - 5 | Periods I,II,III,IV,V |
Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme.
The topic and the language of the master’s thesis are approved by the school upon application by the student; the school also appoints a thesis supervisor and one or two thesis advisors for it. The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University.
The topic of the master’s thesis remains valid for one year.
The master's thesis includes a presentation and maturity test.
Further instructions on the master’s thesis and the related process from Completing master's thesis.
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | |
---|---|---|---|
BE.thes | Master's thesis | 30 | Second year |
ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
Elective studies (30 ECTS)
For your free elective studies module you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
The structure of your Master’s Programme is designed so that you are able to study your major studies i.e. common and advanced courses during the first year. This leaves the second year for elective courses and Master’s thesis.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities.
The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical Training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
Please note GISwap studies
GIS programme has arranged a special opportunity for the students in the Master’s Programme in Geoinformatics to take following courses from the University of Helsinki (check the status of the courses and any changes before registration for the courses):
Code (Helsinki University) | Name of the course | Teaching period | Description | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
GEOK_3030 | Geo-Python | Period I | Geo-Python course is recommended for students without earlier experience in Python programming, and for those who would like to refresh their Python programming skills. | During the first year of studies (Period I) |
GEOG-329-2 | Automating GIS Processes | Period II | Automating GIS Processes course is recommended for students interested in specializing in GIS and spatial data science. | During the first year of studies |
GEOG-G301 | Introduction to Advanced Geoinformatics | Period II | Introduction to Advanced Geoinformatics course is recommended for students interested in specializing in GIS and spatial data science. | During the second year of studies |
GEOM2046 | Satellite Positioning | Periods I-II | Satellite positioning course is recommended for anyone interested in satellite positioning basics, theory and applications. Offered every other year (2024, 2026. | Preferably after GIS-E1010 Geodesy and positioning, but can be taken also simultaneously, i.e. first or second year of studies. |
GEOG-349 | Cartographic Visualization in GIS | Period V (May) | Cartographic visualization course is recommended for all interested students, especially for the students specializing in GIS and spatial data science. | During the first year of studies |
According to Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), student shall demonstrate proficiency in Finnish and Swedish language that is required of central government staff in bilingual public organisations under subsection 1 of section 6 of the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (424/2003) andt hat is necessary for their own field; and proficiency in at least one foreign language that enablesstudents to monitor progress in their own field and operate in an international setting.
Student's bachelor's degree completed in Finland
Compulsory language studies are included as part of the Finnish Bachelor’s degree.
Student's bachelor's degree not completed in Finland
Students are required to complete 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency. Relevant courses (marked with ‘o’ and ‘w’) are offered by the Aalto University Language Center.
Students who already have excellent command of English (for example, English as their first language) may choose 3 ECTS of Finnish or Swedish (basic level) courses instead, hence not covering the requirement of oral/written proficiency but meeting the language requirement of the degree.
In cases where student have received their pre-university education in a language of Finnish or Swedish, the language requirements are following: the student must take 2 ECTS in the second national language and 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency. In these cases contact Learning Services.
Language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please find more information about language courses and information about learning languages from the Language Centre of Aalto University.
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