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Have you ever wondered how Google Maps always knows the way to all your favorite places, or how telecom companies create connectivity solutions that reach the most remote places? The answer to these and many other fascinating questions lies in the field of geoinformatics, which uses location-based information or data to solve real-world problems with greater precision.
Geoinformatics encompasses a wide range of methods, processes, and technologies for collecting, manipulating, and analysing data about our earth and its interactions with the environment. In today's digitally connected world, Geoinformatics is used everywhere. Some of its most prominent use cases are
With its endless possibilities, as geoinformatics becomes a popular field of study and work, it's natural to wonder about its job prospects. Therefore, GoGeoGo brings you an overview of all things geoinformatics to help you understand the field better and to help you find the perfect geoinformatics job for you! So let's get started.
Geoinformatics is a profession that spans many fields such as science, technology, geography, cartography, etc. Therefore, jobs related to geoinformatics naturally exist in many of these industries, such as aviation, agriculture, architecture, and IT, to name a few.
If you want to start a career in geoinformatics or move from one of these industries to geoinformatics, you can choose from a variety of jobs such as:
As mentioned above, geoinformatics is the technology and science used to develop the information infrastructure needed to solve problems in other fields of science and engineering.
Its primary focus is on spatial information, its structure, character, classification, storage, management, and communication. Spatial information is analysed computationally and communicated to the world in user-friendly ways.
Geoinformatics is a broad field which covers several smaller areas such as geographic information systems (GIS), geodata analysis, and remote sensing and is therefore often used interchangeably with them - unfortunately mistakenly!
GIS, one of the most popular subgroups of geoinformatics, is an incredibly powerful tool that uses software and hardware to collect, manage, store and edit geographical data, analyze it and finally visualise it on a map.
The geoinformatics courses at university level focus on topics such as remote sensing, photogrammetry, land surveying, geodesy etc. The GIS curriculum, on the other hand, includes courses such as geostatistics, remote sensing, cartography, and database management, less general and more detailed.
Whatever the niche, geoinformatics is a very popular profession at the moment and there are many job profiles with multiple overlaps available if you are interested in building expertise in the industry.
There are a plethora of other careers in geoinformatics that you can explore if you have an aptitude for science and technology and a passion for solving real-world problems in the geosphere.
A GIS expert is a specialist whose work revolves around the use of GIS software to analyze geographic data. GIS technicians use databases to create geographic reports and digital maps, collect information from land surveys, and perform quality checks on GIS data.
An urban planner designs plans for land use in urban contexts. In planning modern and sustainable "smart cities," urban planners must work with authorities and citizens to better understand their needs and develop economically, environmentally, and socially viable solutions.
Geographers also use geoinformatics to analyse data and are primarily responsible for collecting and maintaining geographic data from satellite imagery, maps, and censuses. This analysis is then used to inform public and private sector decisions regarding urban expansion, infrastructure development, and climate change issues.
As geoinformatics expands dynamically across the globe, the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) shows potential with an increasing number of employers in the industry. There is a focus on innovation and expertise, and an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals, both generalists and specialists, in the fields of geospatial analysis, urban planning, environmental protection, archaeology, and more.
As more and more companies become employers of your potential dream job, we're here to help you by shortlisting some of the best names in the geospatial industry in the DACH region, so you can get one step closer to your job search.
Let's start with employers in Germany!
Based in Wunstorf, Germany, AllTerra Germany is a major employer and geospatial consulting and services company. It is the Trimble competence center for mobile mapping solutions, GIS data collection, surveying and geospatial analysis,
Its products range from GNSS systems to 3D laser scanners and mobile mapping. The AllTerra team provides trusted advice, services and other Trimble solutions such as custom consulting, maintenance and repair, software and solution development, data hosting and more.
Intent Geoinformatics, based in Kassel, Germany, is a geoinformatics company and an industry leader in solutions for the forestry sector.
Its core services include industry-specific consulting and reliable technical products for its public and private partners, such as municipal forests and the timber industry. The company's expertise puts it at the forefront of innovation and efficiency at the highest technological level. The company's products include apps such as Forest Tools and Wood Collection, available for both Android and iOS.
The Deutsche Bahn, or DB, is one of the largest employers for geoinformatics in the DACH region. It's the national railway company of Germany and regularly uses geoinformatics to manage its railway network, to realise new infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, etc., to create IT solutions in the mobility sector and much more.
At any given time, Deutsche Bahn is hiring for a wide range of roles, from surveyors and engineers to data management specialists, IT specialists, product managers, etc. What also sets DB apart are its engineering programs in various engineering niches such as civil engineering, electrical surveying, etc. These dual programs bring theory and practice together by allowing people to work at DB while studying at university.
The rmData Group is a geoinformatics focused group of companies serving customers in several countries including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Italy. The group's mission is to develop cost-effective, high-quality software that helps its customers develop, integrate, structure and analyze spatial data for the benefit of their individual businesses.
The company's Pinkafeld location in Burgenland, Austria, is the hub of all R&D activities and is dedicated to consistently building a full range of software for everything related to geoinformatics - from surveying to information systems such as GIS, reality capturing and data management. One of the company's key driving philosophies is customer value and customer proximity.
The bbp Geomatic AG is a leading geomatics and surveying company in the Bern area of Switzerland. The company's two main products are geodata and official survey data and plans that can be ordered by individual clients.
bbp geomatic AG provides services in various fields ranging from official surveying to engineering surveying, management information, geodata, land management and geoinformation in 28 municipalities in the Bern area. They also run a 4-year apprenticeship program to train young people to become certified geomatics technicians.
If you're interested in a career in geoinformatics, there are many options in Germany and the entire DACH region, both at the bachelor and master level. Several universities offer specialised courses in the field, such as applied geoinformatics and geodata management, as well as interdisciplinary courses that overlap with other related fields, as discussed above.
In another article, we have listed all (!) geoinformatics degree programs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for you.
Here are a few study programs that might be of interest to you:
Another popular entry point into the field of geoinformatics is a dual degree in geoinformatics and surveying. These programs are very application-oriented and prepare you for a wide range of careers, from satellite-based measurement methods to infrastructure development and more.
As a result, these programs typically teach a wide range of courses, such as tachymetry and laser scanning. CAD and visualisation, etc., and help students develop skills to set up, develop and apply geoinformation systems to support future clients.
For people who are interested in the field but need a greater degree of flexibility in their study schedule, such as caregivers or new parents, Germany also offers many part-time, distance learning geoinformatics degree options. These courses do not compromise on quality or skills and allow you to become an expert at your own pace.
On every STEM job market specialised technical training gives applicants a competitive advantage over their competitors. So if you're interested in geoinformatics, a master's degree (MSc) can help you gain that edge by showing you how geoinformatics is used to process geodata.
As computer scientists and technical specialists are still in high demand, There is no better time than today to specialise more in geodata.
Because there are so many different types of jobs in the geospatial field, salaries vary widely.
Entry | Experienced | Senior | |
Lower end |
19.200,00 € |
27.600,00 € |
36.100,00 € |
Average |
26.400,00 € |
34.600,00 € |
42.700,00 € |
Upper end |
30.900,00 € |
40.200,00 € |
54.900,00 € |
The average salary of a geoinformatician is 34,600€ and can be up to 55,000€ at the top end. The salaries of geoinformatics specialists in the public sector are generally higher.
Entry | Experienced | Senior | |
Lower end |
42.100,00 € |
48.400,00 € |
54.000,00 € |
Average |
44.900,00 € |
53.900,00 € |
63.100,00 € |
Upper end |
47.800,00 € |
61.400,00 € |
75.100,00 € |
After all, your educational background also has an impact on your earnings. For professionals with a master's degree in geoinformatics or related sectors, the starting salary is 42,000€ and can be up to 75,000€ or more for experts in this field.
If you're reading about geoinformatics on the Internet, you've probably come across the term geodesy. Geodesy and Geoinformatics are both closely related fields of study that are often taught together at the undergraduate level, but they have different focuses and applications.
While geoinformatics focuses on collecting, mapping, and analyzing geospatial data, geodesy focuses specifically on measuring the shape, size, and gravitational field of the Earth. Geodesy is a critical component of surveying and mapping, including the specifics of creating relevant maps and charts.
Like most technical experts, geoinformatics specialists also have excellent career prospects in a wide range of professions, ranging from administration and government to universities and companies. There are also jobs in in spatial planning, surveying, transport, agriculture and the military.
Research and teaching are also a credible career perspective that many students choose by then doing their doctorate and doing research at universities, public and private institutions.
Geoinformatics is a field that allows us to use location-based data to solve problems related to the Earth and its natural and artificial features. There are several excellent programs in Germany, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, that offer students the opportunity to become a generalist or a specialist in geoinformatics.
The job prospects in this field are also very multidisciplinary, preparing you to pursue your dream career in everything from urban planning to meteorology, and the list is endless.
If this has piqued your interest, go to GoGeoGo now and find your dream job today!
What do you do in geoinformatics?
In geoinformatics, we focus on collecting, managing, and analyzing location-based data to understand and solve challenges related to the Earth's surface and its natural features such as soil, land, etc., as well as man-made features such as tunnels, bridges, etc.
Are GIS and geoinformatics the same thing?
Although related, GIS is a subset of the broader field of geoinformatics, similar to spatial data analysis, remote sensing, etc. GIS has a stronger focus on the software and tools for managing geospatial data.
In which industries are there jobs in geoinformatics?
There are numerous geoinformatics jobs available in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, agriculture, transportation, military, and public health.
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