Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation

Our integrated MSc in Geographical Information Science (GIS) and Earth Observation creates experts capable of creating, managing and analysing spatial data through advanced technologies.

GIS and Earth Observation

As a world-leading university, we address today's greatest challenges. 

Learn from experts whose pioneering research in GIS and Earth Observation drives international policy. With access to the world's most advanced technologies and a network of global partners.

Students inspecting a drone.

Internationally renowned

Learn from internationally renowned, research-active academics at the forefront of the latest technologies and trends.

Students during field work using a drone

Field work

Gain extensive industry-relevant experience applying the latest technologies in GIS and remote sensing ‘in the field’ through fully-funded field-trips, labs and projects.

Students and lecturer talking in a study session

Extensive networks

Unrivalled opportunities to connect with industry professionals, emerging trends and topics, and job opportunities, embedded within the programme.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

19 - 21 November, 2025

Register to our online webinars covering our masters and PhD programmes. Hear from and live text chat with our academic staff.

MSc Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation

Award:MSc
Study mode:Full-time, part-time (2 years)

This integrated MSc GIS and Earth Observation creates experts capable of creating, managing and analysing spatial data through advanced technologies. 

With a legacy spanning over 40 years and nearly 1000 graduates, we offer a ground-breaking experience focused on innovation and applicability in both GIS and Earth Observation. 

This MSc offers a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with practical application. You will gain critical insights into GIS's capability to capture, store, manage, and display data, allowing you to understand spatial relationships, patterns, and processes. 

The programme also delves into the utilisation of Earth observation data collected via satellites, aircraft, and UAVs, focusing on its implications for major global challenges like sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and climate change. 

The programme is designed to not only impart theoretical knowledge, but also to develop strong practical skills through hands-on training in state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies. We are one of the few degree programmes in this subject area to offer a residential field trip where you get to use hands-on geospatial technology for data collection, including the latest UAVs with our in-house Airborne Research facility.

What do our students think?

Hear what graduates from our previous MSc Geographical Information Science and MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management degrees think.

Amy, MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management graduate

The uses of Earth Observation in the world of climate change and health are endless and growing, so this is a really exciting place to be.

Amy

MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management graduate

They combine remote sensing techniques but also Geographical Information Science techniques. I find that a very complete and complex set of skills that you can acquire.

Sebastian

MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management graduate

Hear from our students

Our postgraduate students share their experience of life during university, and after, on our blog and through alumni profiles.

Innovative research

We are leading the way in harnessing the potential of Earth observation in the era of big data, using drone and satellite observations. For example, we:

  • Pioneered research in process-based modelling, data assimilation and remote sensing of forests.
  • Are world leaders in techniques used to estimate global terrestrial carbon fluxes from satellite data.
  • Have won numerous awards, including from the UK and European Space Agencies and Data IQ.

Next steps

View a full breakdown of our degree.

Contact us

Have any questions? Get in touch

Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

Let's get social

Facebook   Instagram   TikTok   Youtube