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Within the undergraduate student cohort, the formally worrying 
characteristic that geomatics students had lower entry scores 
than engineering students (The Department is one of six in the 
Faculty of Engineering) has now largely disappeared. One 
interesting side effect of this improvement in student quality is 
that the majority of undergraduate students, 60-70%, are now 
enrolled in combined degrees (typically with computer science, 
information systems, environmental science or geography), 
which has the pronounced indirect benefit of further broadening 
the scope of geomatics graduates and therefore of the discipline. 
These undergraduate students no longer face a curriculum 
which is top-heavy in measurement science. Instead, as shown 
in Figure 1, the structure of the geomatics program now 
includes much more significant components of information 
systems and management, along with an ‘engineering focus’ 
(photogrammetry courses are categorised here as measurement 
science). The adoption in spirit, though not in name, of 
geomatic engineering has led to full professional accreditation 
of the geomatics degree by the Institution of Engineers, 
Australia. Thus, students can, upon graduation, pursue 
registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer, as well as 
being able to avail themselves of registration as a Licensed 
Land Surveyor. 
4. PROGNOSIS FOR THE FUTURE 
From an academic standpoint, The Department of Geomatics is 
now well placed to provide the essential professional education 
that will equip graduates for a career in the spatial information 
industry - indeed, we would say in the Geomatics industry. The 
degree programs, both single and combined degrees, offer 
necessary coverage of the following core components of 
Geomatics: 
• fundamental sciences, with a focus on mathematics 
• computer science and information systems 
• spatial information science, planning and management 
• measurement science 
• communications technologies 
• land and environmental management 
• professional skills and engineering management 
Our aim is to continue to produce graduates who will be well 
equipped to meet the responsibilities of building and managing 
spatial data infrastructures for the future, and of developing the 
associated spatial business systems. 
In regard to research, current trends to smaller government, and 
the outsourcing of many functions previously associated 
exclusively with government, present new opportunities for The 
Department of Geomatics. It could well be argued that at the 
same time as there is a growing economic importance and 
national interest concern regarding comprehensive and 
integrated spatial databases (topographic, cadastral, land use, 
environmental assessment, etc.), so there is a fragmentation in 
the coordination of resources committed to this area by 
governments. Moreover, much of the necessary research work 
required to accompany advances in measurement science, geo 
informatics, spatial planning and land and environmental 
management, has been removed from the umbrella of 
government service due to factors such as economic 
rationalisation and general downsizing. Yet this essential work 
must continue if we are to realise the promise of new advances 
in spatial information technology. Universities should be well 
placed to take up the consequent research opportunities which 
will surely present themselves. 
5. REFERENCES 
Gagnon, P. & Coleman, D.J. (1990) Geomatics: An Integrated 
Systematic Approach to Meet the Needs for Spatial 
Information. CISM Journal, 44(4): 377-382. 
Gruen, A. (1998) Geomatic Engineering and Environmental 
Engineering. GIM Magazine, December Issue, 30-33. 
Trinder, J.C. & Fraser, C.S. (1994) Geomatics - The Case for a 
Change of Name of Discipline in the Academic Context. 
Australian Surveyor, 39(2): 87-91. 
Trinder, J.C. & Li, L. (1997) The Future Prospects of our 
Profession. GIM Magazine, March Issue, 6-7. 
Williamson, l.P. (1999) Geomatics Engineering - A 
Traditional Discipline Transformed in an Information 
Technology Era. AEESEAP '99 Midterm Conference, 
Bangkok, May 12-14, 12 pages. 
Figure 1 : Curriculum structure for the Bachelor of Geomatics Degree. 
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Measurement Science 
Measurement 
Science 
Measurement 
Science 
Computer / Information Science 
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Measurement Science 
Professional Studies and 
Research Project 
Environmental Studies 
. 
Land Land Engineering 
Management Management management 
Engineering Land 
management Management