COURSE CURRICULUM

Waterloo’s Geomatics program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that combines geography, environmental science, and computer science. Required courses build expertise in geospatial data science, remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis while providing a solid foundation in computing and environmental systems. Students begin with introductory courses such as ENVS131, ENVS178, GEOG102, and CS115 or CS135, followed by deeper technical training in CS234 (Data Structures), CS338 (Databases), and spatially focused courses like GEOG187 (Geospatial Data Science), GEOG271 (Remote Sensing), GEOG371 (Advanced Remote Sensing), and GEOG471 (Remote Sensing Project). Additional training in GIS comes through GEOG281, GEOG381, GEOG387, and GEOG481, along with core geographic and environmental topics like climate change (GEOG207), geomorphology (GEOG205 or GEOG209), and global development (GEOG202 or GEOG203). Students also study statistics and spatial analysis through GEOG316 or PLAN351, and complete linear algebra and computer science sequences. The program culminates in an Honours Thesis (GEOG490A/B), offering hands-on research experience. With 11.5 units of electives, students can customize their degree toward interests like urban planning, environmental management, or advanced computing. This strong interdisciplinary training prepares graduates for high-demand careers in spatial data analysis, GIS, environmental tech, and geospatial consulting.