Program Overview

Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing

Introduction

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (MSGISRS) is designed to provide students with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required for working in a wide range of careers that deal with geospatial data and applications. The program aims to establish a geospatially-centered teaching and research environment and provide world-class knowledge and expertise for multi-disciplinary research in Engineering, Computer, Environmental, Social, and Earth Sciences, Sustainable Development, as well as Information and Data Management Technologies.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Explain the scientific and theoretical concepts of geospatial data analysis and modeling.
• Acquire, process, analyze geospatial data, and appropriately display results.
• Apply GIS and RS knowledge and algorithms in solving environmental, urban, social, and economic problems.
• Communicate both research and analysis results orally and in writing.
• Develop independent and collaborative research and conduct critical literature analysis.
• Identify the legal and ethical principles that govern the geospatial profession and research work.

Program Structure and Requirements

• Compulsory Courses: 15 credit hours
• Elective Courses: 9 credit hours
• Thesis: 9 credit hours
• Total Credit Hours: 33

Course List

Compulsory Courses

1. GIS and Remote Sensing Fundamentals (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
2. GIS Programming Fundamentals (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
3. Digital Cartography and Visualization (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
4. Spatial Statistics (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ;
5. Database Design and Development (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
6. Thesis Proposal (0-0:0) - Prerequisite:
7. Master's Thesis (0-0:9) - Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

Elective Courses

1. Geodesy and Digital Photogrammetry (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ;
2. GIS for Urban Planning (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ;
3. GIS for Transportation (3-0:3) - Prerequisite:
4. Digital Terrain Modeling (3-0:3) - Prerequisite:
5. GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Studies (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
6. Geospatial Project Management (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ; (Compulsory for Non-thesis option, Elective for Thesis option)
7. Web and Mobile GIS Applications (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ,
8. Spatial Algorithms and Distributed Programming (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ,
9. Big Data and Data Analytics (3-0:3) - Prerequisite: ,

Course Descriptions

Compulsory Courses

1. GIS and Remote Sensing Fundamentals - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, covering data capturing techniques, spatial data models, and applications.
2. GIS Programming Fundamentals - Principles, syntax, and language elements associated with creating and running computer programming scripts for GIS applications.
3. Digital Cartography and Visualization - Introduction to modern cartographic and geo-visualization techniques, including map design, data graphics, and interaction design.
4. Spatial Statistics - Quantitative analysis of spatial data, including point pattern analysis, area data analysis, and spatial sampling.
5. Database Design and Development - Design, implementation, and use of geodatabases, including relational models, SQL, and database management systems.
6. Thesis Proposal - Undertaking and completing a research topic under the supervision of a faculty member.
7. Master's Thesis - In-depth research on a particular problem in the chosen field of specialization, culminating in a thesis and defense.

Elective Courses

1. Geodesy and Digital Photogrammetry - Introduction to geodesy and photogrammetry, including theory and practice of positioning and imaging systems.
2. GIS for Urban Planning - Application of GIS techniques to urban and regional planning tasks, including urbanization, infrastructure development, and transportation.
3. GIS for Transportation - GIS fundamentals and applications in the field of transportation, including network analysis and routing.
4. Digital Terrain Modeling - Generation, analysis, classification, and application of digital elevation models (DEMs) in environmental topics.
5. GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Studies - Integrated utilization of remote sensing and GIS for environmental investigations and management.
6. Geospatial Project Management - Management issues and methods necessary for developing a geospatial technology project, including project life cycle, financial management, and technical design.
7. Web and Mobile GIS Applications - Essential web GIS knowledge for managing web GIS projects and building modern web GIS apps.
8. Spatial Algorithms and Distributed Programming - Fundamental principles and models underlying distributed computing and their applications in GIS and remote sensing.
9. Big Data and Data Analytics - Fundamentals, technologies, and tools for big data analytics in the field of GIS and remote sensing.

Special Admission Requirements

To check admission requirements, please refer to the University's admissions guidelines.