Geospatial technology is the set of tools used to collect, manage and analyze location data: GIS, GPS and GNSS positioning, land surveying, remote sensing, lidar and drone mapping. A geospatial technology degree trains you to run those tools on the job, from mapping utility lines to surveying property boundaries to processing drone imagery.
This guide covers the hands-on side of the field: associate degrees, geospatial science and geomatics bachelor’s degrees, surveying licensure, drone mapping and GEOINT (geospatial intelligence) certificates. For research-focused GIS programs in geography departments, see our GIS and geography degrees guide.
Geospatial Technology vs. GIS and Geomatics
- GIS focuses on mapping and analyzing data in software such as ArcGIS and QGIS.
- Geospatial technology is broader. It adds data collection in the field: GPS, surveying instruments, drones and lidar.
- Geomatics is the surveying-centered branch. Accredited geomatics degrees lead toward a professional surveyor license.
- GEOINT applies geospatial analysis to defense, intelligence and security work.
Degree Levels
| Level | Typical Length | Common Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | About 18–24 credits | Adds GIS or drone skills to another degree or job |
| Associate (A.A.S.) | 60–64 credits, about 2 years | GIS technician, survey technician, drone data technician |
| Bachelor’s (geospatial science or geomatics) | 120 credits, about 4 years | GIS analyst, surveyor (after licensure), photogrammetrist |
| Graduate certificate (GEOINT) | About 18 credits | Geospatial intelligence analyst |
What You Learn
- GIS and cartography: building, analyzing and publishing maps and spatial databases.
- GPS and GNSS: high-accuracy satellite positioning and survey control.
- Surveying: measurement, boundary surveying and land records. Geomatics programs add surveying law.
- Remote sensing and lidar: processing satellite, aerial and laser data. See our remote sensing degrees guide.
- Drones (UAS): flight planning and photogrammetry. Paid drone work requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Programming: Python, web mapping and spatial data management.
Geospatial Technology and Geomatics Bachelor’s Programs
Details come from each school’s official catalog and program pages, checked in October 2026.
| School | Degree | Credits | Format | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University–Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TX | B.S. in Geospatial Science | 120–123 | Campus or 100% online | ABET (ASAC) |
| University of FloridaGainesville, FL | B.S. in Geomatics | 120 | Campus (Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale, Plant City) | ABET |
| Oregon Institute of TechnologyKlamath Falls, OR | B.S. in Geomatics (Surveying or GIS option) | 180–181 quarter credits | Campus; partly online | ABET (Surveying option) |
| Saint Louis UniversitySt. Louis, MO | B.S. in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics | 120 | Campus | USGIF GEOINT certificate offered |
| George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA | B.S. in Geography (Geoinformatics or Geospatial Intelligence concentration) | 120 | Campus | USGIF (graduate GEOINT certificate) |
| Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville, AL | B.S. in Geography: Geospatial Technology | 120 | Campus | None stated |
| Southern Utah UniversityCedar City, UT | B.S. in Geospatial Science | Not stated | Campus | None named |
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
TAMUCC’s B.S. in Geospatial Science combines GIS and surveying, and the department offers it in person or 100% online. Courses include GIS programming, web map development, boundary surveying, satellite positioning and a photogrammetry course covering drone mapping and lidar. The department says the program is accredited by ABET’s Applied Science Accreditation Commission and that all graduates can sit for the Surveyor in Training exam, the first step toward a Texas surveyor license.
University of Florida
UF’s B.S. in Geomatics offers Geospatial Analysis and Surveying and Mapping specializations. It is ABET-accredited and covers surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GNSS, laser scanning and boundary law. Students can study in Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale or Plant City near Tampa. UF notes that graduates often become licensed surveyors and mappers.
Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Tech’s B.S. in Geomatics has a Surveying option and a GIS option, with an Unmanned Systems option starting fall 2027. The Surveying option earned six-year ABET reaccreditation in 2025. Both options are listed through Oregon Tech Online, though the school says some required courses are not yet online. Courses include GNSS surveying, geodesy, remote sensing and UAV data acquisition.
Saint Louis University
SLU’s B.S. in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics is 120 credits, with courses in spatial analysis, GPS, remote sensing, digital image processing and geospatial data management, plus computer science. Students use Python, R and Google Earth Engine. SLU is on USGIF’s accredited list and its Geospatial Institute offers a USGIF GEOINT certificate. SLU is private, with listed tuition and fees of $59,960 per year (program page).
George Mason University
Mason’s Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science offers a B.S. in Geography with Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence concentrations. Core courses include geoinformation technologies, GIS, spatial computing and remote sensing. Mason also offers an 18-credit Geospatial Intelligence Graduate Certificate accredited by USGIF.
Jacksonville State University
JSU’s B.S. in Geography: Geospatial Technology (120 credits) includes digital mapping, GIS, remote sensing, advanced remote sensing, geovisualization and spatial data collection courses.
Southern Utah University
SUU’s B.S. in Geospatial Science is an on-campus degree covering GIS, GPS and remote sensing within its geosciences department.
Associate Degrees in Geospatial Technology
Community colleges offer the fastest route into technician jobs. These A.A.S. programs are named for geospatial technology:
| College | Program | Credits | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harford Community CollegeBel Air, MD | A.A.S. Geospatial Technology | 60 | GIS, remote sensing and GPS; drone pilot and Python electives |
| Mohawk Valley Community CollegeUtica, NY | A.A.S. Geospatial Technology | 64 | Surveying, GPS and high-order control, GIS capstone |
| Lakeland Community CollegeKirtland, OH | A.A.S. Geospatial Technology | Not stated | Drone flight and planning, lidar, GPS data collection, web mapping |
Harford also offers a 20-credit geospatial technology certificate. Many associate credits can transfer into a bachelor’s; check transfer agreements before you enroll.
GEOINT Certificates
The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) accredits GEOINT certificate programs at more than 20 colleges and universities, including George Mason, Penn State, Saint Louis University, Johns Hopkins, Virginia Tech, West Point and the Air Force Academy. The certificate signals training in imagery analysis and geospatial intelligence for defense and intelligence employers.
Online Geospatial Technology Options
- Bachelor’s: TAMUCC’s B.S. in Geospatial Science is offered 100% online. Oregon Tech’s geomatics options are partly online.
- GEOINT: Penn State World Campus offers a fully online Geospatial Intelligence Applications certificate with USGIF certification. Mason’s GEOINT certificate is also available online.
- GIS degrees and certificates: compare online GIS bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs in our online geography and GIS degree guide.
Geospatial Technology Careers and Salary
Geospatial technology graduates work for surveying and engineering firms, utilities, local governments, federal agencies, defense contractors and environmental consultants. Relevant BLS occupations include:
| Occupation | Median Pay (May 2025) | Job Growth (2025–35) | Typical Entry Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartographers and photogrammetrists | $81,390 | 7% | Bachelor’s |
| Surveyors | $75,440 | 6% | Bachelor’s + state license |
| Surveying and mapping technicians | $54,240 | 6% | High school diploma |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. All 50 states and D.C. require surveyors to be licensed. BLS does not publish separate pay for GIS technologists; O*NET groups them with “computer occupations, all other.” See more options in our geography degree jobs guide, or our urban planning degrees guide if you want to apply GIS in planning.
Bottom Line
Pick the path that matches the job you want. An A.A.S. in geospatial technology is the quickest route to technician work. A geomatics or geospatial science bachelor’s, especially an ABET-accredited one, opens the door to surveyor licensure and analyst roles. TAMUCC stands out for offering an accredited geospatial bachelor’s fully online, while a USGIF certificate adds credibility for defense and intelligence careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a geospatial technology degree?
It is a degree focused on the tools used to collect and analyze location data, including GIS, GPS, surveying, remote sensing, lidar and drones. Programs range from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees in geospatial science or geomatics.
What is the difference between geomatics and GIS?
GIS focuses on mapping and analyzing spatial data in software. Geomatics adds surveying, geodesy and precise measurement, and accredited geomatics degrees prepare graduates for surveyor licensure.
Can you get a geospatial technology degree online?
Yes. Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi offers its B.S. in Geospatial Science 100% online, and Penn State and George Mason offer online GEOINT certificates. Many GIS certificates are also online.
Do you need a license to work in geospatial technology?
Surveyors must be licensed in every state. Most GIS and mapping jobs do not require a license, but paid drone mapping requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
How much do geospatial technology jobs pay?
BLS reports May 2025 median pay of $81,390 for cartographers and photogrammetrists, $75,440 for surveyors and $54,240 for surveying and mapping technicians.
Official Sources
We checked these official sources in October 2026. Program details and accreditation change, so confirm current requirements and costs with each school before you apply.
- TAMUCC B.S. Geospatial Science (catalog)
- TAMUCC Geospatial Science program
- UF B.S. Geomatics (catalog)
- UF Geomatics at Plant City
- Oregon Tech B.S. Geomatics
- Oregon Tech Online geomatics curriculum
- Oregon Tech ABET reaccreditation
- SLU B.S. Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics (catalog)
- SLU program page
- SLU Geospatial Institute education
- George Mason B.S. Geography (catalog)
- George Mason GEOINT graduate certificate (catalog)
- Mason Online GEOINT certificate
- Jacksonville State B.S. Geography: Geospatial Technology (catalog)
- Southern Utah B.S. Geospatial Science
- Harford A.A.S. Geospatial Technology (catalog)
- Harford geospatial technology program
- Mohawk Valley A.A.S. Geospatial Technology (catalog)
- Lakeland Geospatial Technology A.A.S. (catalog)
- USGIF accredited programs
- Penn State World Campus GEOINT certificate
- FAA: Become a drone pilot
- BLS: Surveyors
- BLS: Surveying and mapping technicians
- BLS: Cartographers and photogrammetrists
- O*NET: GIS technologists and technicians