The specialisation of Surveying & Spatial Information Systems focusses upon the integrated approach of measurement, analysis, management, storage and display of the descriptions and location of Earth-based data, often termed spatial data. This data comes from many sources, including earth orbiting satellites, air and sea-borne sensors and ground based instruments. It is processed and manipulated with state-of-the-art information technology using computer software and hardware and has applications in all disciplines which depend on spatial data - including environmental studies, planning, engineering, navigation, geology and geophysics, oceanography, land development and land ownership and tourism. It is thus fundamental to all the geoscience disciplines which use spatially related data.

Geomatics or Geomatic Engineering is a term that is used in many places to refer to Surveying and Spatial Information Systems.

Studying Surveying and Spatial Information Systems at UNSW

Surveying and Spatial Information Systems is offered primarily through the School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems (www.gmat.unsw.edu.au) in a number of programs and combined programs. Please refer to the table below for a list of research programs available at UNSW.