Geomatics
The Geomatics deals with spatial reference systems and the modeling and analysis of spatial data. It comprises the acquisition, management, modeling, presentation, dissemination and marketing of spatial information using scientific methods and processes. Geomatics combines the disciplines of geodesy , surveying and geoinformatics and uses elements of geography , cartography and computer graphics .
Geographic information forms the basis for planning, designing and sustainable development of the environment. A study by the US Department of Labor shows nanotechnology and biotechnology, followed by geoinformatics, as the fastest growing technologies of the future.
Core areas
Geodesy come here, next to tasks such as Industrial surveying , the photogrammetry and the facility and land management , the interdisciplinary major core tasks of production and continuation of the global terrestrial reference frame (ITRF) as well as the height reference surface determination ( geoid important) determination of the Earth's gravity field to . For the first task, geodesy uses the global network of GNSS and VLBI stations of the International GNSS Service (IGS) , and for gravity field determination the observation of low earth orbit satellites (LEOS), such as CHAMP , GRACE and GOCE , as well as terrestrial or Aircraft gravity measurements and other methods of physical and satellite geodesy . ITRF and earth's gravity field and subordinate control point fields provide the reference for future tasks of globally networked geomonitoring such as B. the recording of sea level changes, the tectonic plate movement, geological and geotechnical danger zones and traffic . Software development and software engineering within geomatics are of great importance in order to process the data from altimetry , remote sensing and geodetic monitoring systems using geographic information systems (GIS) .
Methods and Technologies
The use of local, regional and global networks of sensors (geosensor networks), the global satellite positioning and navigation systems GNSS ( GPS , GLONASS , Galileo , COMPASS) and the associated terrestrial components of modern, globally available GNSS are characteristic of current developments in geomatics Reference station networks and positioning services (e.g. SAPOS ). These provide GNSS corrections (RTCM, RTCA) for user positioning in real time in an accuracy range of one meter to one centimeter and form the basis for establishing the global spatial reference for a variety of navigation tasks . The transfer of the GNSS positions into existing local user systems is the task of Mathematical Geodesy . The transmission of GNSS correction data takes place via communication satellites e.g. B. EGNOS and the Internet.
Automated 3D vector measuring systems (total station), inertial navigation systems ( INS ), digital measuring cameras, terrestrial or airborne 3D laser scanners enable quick, accurate and reliable acquisition of spatial information. Powerful geospatial software enables problem-oriented visualization for map display and via global networks (e.g. web GIS ).
Job profiles
The graduates of geomatics as well as cartography work in georeferencing, analysis, processing, visualization and informative provision of geodata in networked systems (GIS) at engineering offices, software companies, industrial companies and authorities. Since August 2010, it has also been possible to train as a geomatician . The geomatician is a new apprenticeship that has developed from the branches of surveying technology, cartography and remote sensing. Dealing with geodata is the focus of professional training. The conveyance of a process chain from geodata acquisition to further processing (interpretation, integration, analysis, storage) to visualization and marketing is part of the vocational training.