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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Surveying Engineering
  4. Career Options
montage of professional surveyors in different environments

Geographical Information Systems

The earth is a fragile planet with finite resources. These resources are shared by increasing numbers of people. The results of our habitation of the Earth has meant decreasing wildlife and plant species as humans encroach, modify and destroy their domains. To manage these changes, we need accurate and up-to-date information that will guide our actions and policies. Much of this information is required in geographical form; in other words, we need to answer some basic questions such as: What is it? Where is it? How big is it? How will it affect those around it? etc. The surveying profession has provided the tools such as geographic information systems and satellite positioning, the skills, and information to answer these questions, and many, many more about the physical environment of our planet and how our actions affect it now and in the future.

Maps have traditionally been used to explore the Earth and to exploit its resources. GIS technology, as an expansion of cartographic science, has enhanced the efficiency and analytic power of traditional mapping. Now, as the scientific community recognizes the environmental consequences of human activity, GIS technology is becoming an essential tool in the effort to understand the process of global change. Various map and satellite information sources can be combined in modes that simulate the interactions of complex natural systems.

The condition of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and subsurface can be examined by feeding satellite data into a GIS. GIS technology gives researchers the ability to examine the variations in Earth processes over days, months, and years. As an example, the changes in vegetation vigor through a growing season can be animated to determine when drought was most extensive in a particular region. The resulting graphic, known as a normalized vegetation index, represents a rough measure of plant health.

Surveying Engineering

  • Baccalaureate Degree in Surveying Engineering
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  • 2 + 2.5 Baccalaureate Degree
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  • Career Options
    • Boundary Surveying
    • Construction Surveying
    • Geodesy
    • Geographical Information Systems
    • Hydrographic Surveying
    • Photogrammetry and Image Analysis
  • Surveying Employment

Surveying Engineering

Program Co-Coordinators:

Dimitrios Bolkas
office: Center for Technology 104
phone: (570) 675-9127
email: [email protected]

Henrique Candido de Oliveira
office: Center for Technology 124
phone: (570) 675-9139
email: [email protected]

Meet the Faculty

Quick Links

Free Tools for Surveying Students
Student Surveying Society
Surveying Job Postings
Apply to Penn State now
Get Started

See Also

  • Program Description for B.S. in Surveying Engineering
  • Program Description for A.EngT. in Surveying Engineering Technology
  • Program Description for B.S. in Civil Engineering
  • Suggested Academic Plan for B.S. in Surveying Engineering
  • Suggested Academic Plan for A.EngT. in Surveying Engineering Technology
  • Suggested Academic Plan for Concurrent Major in Surveying Engineering and Civil…
Map of Pennsylvania showing Penn State’s 24 locations with Penn State Wilkes-Barre highlighted.

Penn State Wilkes‑Barre

Located on a scenic estate just 13 miles from Wilkes-Barre, Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers four-year baccalaureate degree programs, two-year associate degree programs, and a wide range of professional develop­ment oppor­tunities. Our small classes encourage close inter­action with professors who are committed to helping you be successful.
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