IMPORTANCE OF TAKING A MASTER’S DEGREE IN GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

The world is changing rapidly within the blink of an eye as the shift in higher education choices is taken by Indian youth. A trend in which students used to choose only traditional or pure subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and so on., even after their bachelor’s is an old fashion nowadays.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are two interdependent fields where various other areas can be incorporated. Remote Sensing, the practice of acquiring data or information remotely, started in the 1800s when photography was invented, and it was popularized during the Second World War(1939-1945). Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial information acquisition and management technology, started in the 1960s. The first computerized GIS was the Canada Geographic Information System, developed by Dr. Roger Tomlinson in 1963, the father of GIS. India began its modern spatial technology journey in the 1980s.

The idea of a multi-disciplined, integrated approach to the subject is more thoughtful and valuable. Here is the importance or the benefit of learning Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing lies.

Geographic Information Systems are significant because they aid in discovering geospatial trends and linkages. It enables us to think spatially and critically. GIS is not only used to create maps but also provides endless applications to areas such as geography, geology, emergency/disaster management, urban planning, real estate, transportation, health care, forest and water conservation and management, climatic studies, and many more. For example, A geography/geology/disaster management student can analyze coastal erosion. An agriculture student can find the soil moisture and provide appropriate measures or strategies to improve the cultivation using the GIS and RS.

This feature of GIS helps students with problem-solving techniques and opens doors to various career opportunities.

Some popular Master’s programs in GIS in India are

1. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun

2. Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi

3. The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi

4. Central University of Karnataka (CUK)

5. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

6. Delhi Technological University

7. IIT Bombay

8. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Valiamala

9. Department of Remote Sensing, GIS & Satellite Oceanography, KUFOS