Making a career in geoinformatics

BVIEER, Pune

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With the world moving towards a highly technologically advanced society where every decision is made on the basis of minute detailing, a career in geoinformatics is seen as the next big thing with a huge demand for trained professionals in various industries, government organisations, research and academic fields.

The Institute of Environment Education and Research, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, offers a unique opportunity to the students who aspire to make a career in this dynamic field.

Here’s an overview:

What is geoinformatics

Geoinformatics a branch of science that aids accurate and quick decision making in management of resources and facilities related to geography, cartography, geoscience and related branches.

It can be described as a branch of information and technology wherein geospatial database is created and enhanced with the help remote sensing, digital image processing, GPS technology, programming. This database is in turn used for research and development purposes.

Application of geoinformatics

Geoinformatics is used in several areas including in-car navigation, transport network system, agriculture, meteorology, climate change, oceanography, urban planning, defence research and development, environmental analysis and modeling, land use management, aviation, communications etc.

Owning to its ability to aid in quick and accurate decision making, geoinformatics is a popular tool with decision-makers across a wide range of disciplines, industries, commercial sector, environmental agencies, governments, research bodies, and academia.  

Today, almost all the industries and disciplines are moving to geoinformatics for managing their business. Even government and non-government organisations are taking the help of GI for their day to day function.

Career in geoinformatics

Since geoinformatics is applied in almost all the fields for research, development and day to day functioning, it has tremendous career opportunities.

Geoinformatics professionals are highly sought after in various sectors including, land resource management, integrated emergency management, water management, disaster management, risk assessment, transportation, urban planning, environment, hydrology, forestry, agriculture, military, mining, business, health, defence, space research, geology and several related fields including G Governance .

Companies hire post graduate degree holders in geoinformatics at the level of scientist, juniorscientist, project scientist, project coordinator, scientific /technical assistant, GIS programmer, research scholar, project manager etc.

Allied institutes working in the field of environment, biodiversity conservation, forestry, landscape studies, water management and health also hire geoprofessional in a high number.

Moreover, in countries like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, China and Malaysia, there’s a huge demand for geoprofessionals and as for entrepreneurship, there are numerous possibilities waiting to be explored.

Career levels in geoinformatics

The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India has divided geospatial professionals in three categories on the basis of the nature of work and the skills required.  

Level 1: Geospatial skilled work-force – Professionals that can be utilized as GIS operators and for conducting surveys, mapping etc.

Level 2: Technical Geospatial Professionals – The second level consists of professionals with specific training and knowledge for specific tasks. Graduates with a specific 3-12 months training in a special geospatial technology (GPS surveying; mapping and photogrammetry; data capture from images; geospatial database creation; applications maintenance; QA/ QC processes and other related areas are included in this level.

Level 3:Geospatial experts –Professionals having bachelors/masters degree in geospatial technology can aspire to be in this top most level. This level includes project managers having the knowledge for independent handling of geospatial project elements.

Why choose BVIEER for geoinformatics

The Institute of Environment Education and Research, BharatiVidyapeeth University, Pune, (BVIEER) is a premier institute for geospatial studiesset up in 1994. It offers a unique experience in education and training in the field of geoinformatics.

Here are a few notable features of BVIEER

• BVIEER set up in 1994, is a part of the BharatiVidyapeeth University (a fifty year old institution) which is a NAAC accredited ‘A’ grade (2004) and reaccredited ‘A’ grade (2011), UGC ‘A’ grade ranked University.  
• It offers a unique and innovative teaching program that goes beyond classroom lectures. Field work, guest lectures, group discussions, projects and internships are some of the few innovative exercises practiced in BVIEER.
• BVIEER has worked on several live geoinforamtics projects contributing to policy formations.
• BVIEER boasts of various collaborations with international universities such as the University of Cologne, Germany, University of Maastricht, Netherlands and a host of national institutions.
• With a strong placement cell, BVIEER ensures that its alumni have a bright career after they pass out from the institute. The alumni are well placed in national and international organizations of repute.
• While studying in BVIEER, the students have the rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience by being a part projects implemented by the faculty. 
• BVIEER also provides his students the opportunity to interact with prospective employers. 
• BVIEER’s laboratory is state of art with latest software and hardware to assist the students in excelling in the field.

BVIEER offers a diverse range of research -- from use of GIS in landscape linkages, building of underpasses and overpasses, wildlife management, to protected area management, health management and India’s first geospatial education and training portal.