Careers in Geo-informatics

Learn Earth science - it is the analysis of data about our planet and is crucial in environmental management, disaster planning and developing early warning systems

In this fast-evolving, high-tech world we live in, it is very rare for a day to pass without hearing about new discoveries or emerging fields of science.

In light of the natural calamities that have beset this planet in the last two decades, it has become very crucial to harness and utilise modern technology to manage the dangerous mood swings of nature.

Fortunately, scientists do not have to look that far. Geo-informatics provides most of the answers.

This novel field, which many scientists have called the science of the new millennium, has not only solved environmental management issues, but also extends to cover medicine, communications, transportation and others.

Notes talked to Brigadier K.K.V Khanzode, Director of the Symbiosis Institute of Geo-Informatics (SIG) in India, about the various aspects of this science, its applications and its future prospects as a career.

What is geo-informatics?
Geo-informatics combines Geo [Earth], Information [Information Technology] and Matics [geometry and measurements].

It is the science of managing massive amounts of data in relation to geographic references with the aid of various technological tools.

In other words, it is the extensive and in-depth analysis of data gathered from the various sources such as remote sensing, digital image processing, cartography, photogrammetry, automated mapping and facility management.

The results can be used in fields as diverse as environmental management, disaster prediction and management, logistics and asset management.

What are its applications?
Geo-informatics has applications in diverse fields.

Today geo-informatics programmes are being extensively applied in telecommunications, urban development, utility management, medical services, e-governance, transportation, watershed management, disaster control and risk management, transportation and management of oil pipelines, to name a few.

In fact, geo-informatics has an application in any arena where large amounts of data related to geographic references need to be managed and analysed for the purpose of strategic decision-making.

What is the role of geo-informatics in disaster management?
Geo-informatics technology can provide valuable information on Earth surface features and natural disasters.

In the last decade, geo-informatics has witnessed spectacular growth, primarily due to the IT revolution and the successful deployment of Earth-observing satellite systems.

Geo-informatics has already been playing a significant role in disaster management programmes in developed countries.

The USA, for example, has long deployed geo-informatics to develop an early warning system for impending tsunamis.

It was such a system that picked up early signs of the recent tsunami.

Similarly, geo-informatics is regularly used to predict, control and manage snow avalanches and landslides in developed countries to minimise damage to property and loss of precious lives.

What are the possible careers for a person qualifying in geo-informatics?
The geographic information industry is undergoing significant growth and provides wide-ranging opportunities for employment.

Graduates can find employment in various consultancies and corporations, in addition to government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Graduates will find employment in a broad range of areas such as environmental studies, natural resources, environmental management and land and asset management.

Also, there are employment possibilities in planning and population studies where information, analysis and graphic display are the common link.

Characteristically employment will take the form of membership in a multi-disciplinary professional team.

How important is this science?
The last decade of the last century witnessed the emergence of computers as a major technological breakthrough and an essential tool in every aspect of professional life.

This also led to the emergence of IT and biotechnology as two new branches of science.

Geo-informatics is a progressive step forward in the field of promising new sciences.

It is a fusion of the current fields of remote sensing, digital mapping, satellite imagery, and information technology.

In other words, if today is the era of IT, tomorrow is going to belong to geo-informatics.

How can students be encouraged to study geo-informatics?
The Earth has limited resources and in view of the increasing demands for these limited resources, the constructive distribution and utilisation of these resources becomes crucial.

Therefore, the need for qualified geo-informatics professionals is growing.

As early as at the school level and at education forums, teachers and professionals should encourage students to explore the career potentials of this field.

There is an immediate need to spread awareness about geo-informatics and to channel fresh talent into it.

What are the global prospects of this science?
The most obvious application of geo-informatics is the massive and complex international disaster recovery effort in the wake of the Asian tsunami.

Other examples of the increasing importance of geo-informatics are all around us.

Look at disappearing species, shrinking water bodies and ice caps and growing deserts, which are all mapped with satellites.

Think of oil and gas pipelines and the risk of damage. This shows the importance of geo-informatics.

The applications are so many and the available experienced manpower is severely limited. There is definitely a future for this science.

What kind of remuneration can a geo-informatics professional expect?
The remuneration would differ from one company to another according to the specialisation and qualifications of the individual.

A fresh graduate should expect a salary of approximately Rs250,000 (Dh21,212.50) per annum to start.

However, because of the shortage of qualified professionals and the rapid expansion in the industry, prospects for both higher salaries and better professional appreciation are bright.

On the other hand, once a geo-informatics professional has acquired experience and is ready to set up a consultancy, financial returns can be much higher.

What is your advice for students interested in geo-informatics?
To do a masters course in geo-informatics, a student would need to have a bachelor’s degree in science. It would also help if the student has an aptitude for analysis.

Once the student has the master’s degree, he or she would then have three possible options: work in the industry; go for further research or opt for an academic career.

The choice of field would depend upon individual aptitude.

However, students are advised to gain experience and work in the industry first. It would give them practical training and wide exposure to the environmental requirements.

For more information about the science,