The aim of the theoretical and practical master’s programme in Geoinformatics is to train geoinformatics experts, researchers and analysts who, based on their basic and practical knowledge of natural sciences, mathematics, informatics and English, are able to cultivate the science of geoinformatics creatively.

Based on their training, the geoinformatics professionals are able to interpret spatial phenomena, processes and information related to a geographical location, as well as to perform problem-solving, planning, development, operation, management and consulting tasks in the operation of geoinformatics systems, decision support systems and expert systems. They are prepared to continue their studies in doctoral training.

Skills and knowledge outcomes of the programme:

- Complex knowledge of the general geographical, cartographic, planning, mathematical and informatic principles, rules, relationships required for the practice of geoinformatics, especially in the following topics: geographical and spatial data collection at various scales; use of cartographic processes; knowledge of geographical and spatial processes; collection, editing and analysis of spatial data; remote sensing, photogrammetry, geostatistics, modelling, visualization, and geoinformatics system building.

- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the key relationships and concepts in the field of geoinformatics, in particular in the following areas: geolocation data collection technologies, 2D and 3D geoinformatics modelling, geovisualization, spatial data infrastructures, geoinformatics programming and application development, vector and raster geoinformatics, digital image processing, web-based geoinformatics solutions, geoinformatics databases, applied geoinformatics systems.

- Comprehensive knowledge of the problem-solving principles, methodology and processes of the planning, development and operation processes of the geoinformatics field, especially in the following areas: database management, Big Data data-mining, primary and secondary data collection, Earth observation, spatial and temporal data analysis, modelling and simulation of processes, network analysis, 3-dimensional modelling, geovisualization, geostatistical solutions, web-based geoinformatics services, spatial services development, geoinformatics programming, development of geospatial applications, open source geoinformatics.

- Knowledge of the specific tools of geoinformatics, ability to apply field survey procedures, data management and analysis, and visualization solutions. Knowledge and use of spatial data collection technologies, available databases and spatial information software, as well as open source and commercial geoinformatics software, cloud-based geoinformatics solutions.

Characteristics of the master’s programme:

Disciplines leading to the qualification, professional fields from which the programme is composed:

- basics of natural sciences: Geomathematics and geostatistics 5 credits; Modelling and simulations 5 credits;

- economic, legal and human knowledge: Space and society 5 credits; Data protection 3 credits

- professional knowledge of geoinformatics: Databases 5 credits; Geo-information databases 5 credits; Script programming 5 credits; Programming for geoinformatics 5 credits; Spatial data collection technologies 5 credits; Fieldwork 2 credits; Remote sensing and Earth Observation I. 5 credits; Remote sensing and Earth Observation II. 5 credits; Digital photogrammetry 5 credits; Digital elevation modelling 5 credits; GIS analysis 5 credits; Applied and environmental GIS 5 credits; Web and cloud based geographic information systems 5 credits; Open source GIS 2 credits; Research technology and communications 2 credits; GIS project management 4 credits;

The placement is a continuous professional practice lasting six weeks (6 weeks internship 8 credits), which is the execution of a field geoinformatics task at an outside institution (field data collection, evaluation and processing after the survey).

From the 3rd semester students start to work on a research project leading to an MSc thesis by the end of the 4th semester. (Diploma work I. 3 credits, Diploma work II. 17 credits). The MSc programme is finished by a final examination. Successful graduates can continue their studies and research in Geoinformatics PhD programs at the University of Szeged.