Explore the world from above, below, and in between—your future in geospatial informatics starts here.
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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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.
Surveying & Geomatics Minor Gain additional expertise in land surveying, geomatics, hydrology and more. This
minor helps you prepare for jobs in GIS and geomatics, such as surveyor, GIS developer
and geomatics analyst. A GIS degree and a Surveying and Geomatics Science minor is
a qualifying degree to pursue a professional survey license in Alabama.
Our program is approved by the Alabama Board of Licensure for Engineers and Land Surveyors, so you can be assured your TROY degree can lead you to a career as a licensed land
surveyor in Alabama. To become a professional licensed land surveyor, you must apply
through the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
For more information, visit bels.alabama.gov.
Surveying and Geomatics Sciences Minor
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.
Troy University is the first university in Alabama to join the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial Systems College Training Initiative
(UAS-CTI). Troy 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 here
The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Minor complements many different majors in various colleges at Troy University.
The UAS minor may also be combined with two other minors to earn a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Studies. Interdisciplinary Studies | Troy University. 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 | Troy University
Each course in the minor is offered once over the course of an academic year through
TROY Online | Troy University. An optional course with hands-on sessions is offered every spring semester once
a week on the Troy campus.
Numerous scholarships are available for students enrolled in the Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program. From the Braden Johnson Memorial Scholarship and others offered by Troy University, 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.
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
Troy University.
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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.
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:
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.”
| Academic Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 64 |
| 2020-2021 | 55 |
| 2021-2022 | 58 |
| 2022-2023 | 41 |
| Academic Year | Number of Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 11 |
| 2020-2021 | 10 |
| 2021-2022 | 9 |
| 2022-2023 | 5 |
Over 350 students attended the Geospatial Informatics Department's sixth annual Geo Day held Thursday, March 16 at Troy University. 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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