Department of Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics Systems
School of Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEMS) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics Systems at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), within the School of Earth and Mineral Sciences, is dedicated to advancing knowledge and skills in spatial data acquisition, analysis, and management for understanding and monitoring the Earth's resources and environment. Our department develops skilled professionals capable of extracting, interpreting, and applying geospatial information to address environmental, agricultural, urban planning, and resource management challenges.
Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics encompasses the science and technology of acquiring, processing, analyzing, and applying data from satellites, aircraft, and ground-based sensors to study Earth's surface and atmosphere. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates remote sensing theory and applications, geographic information systems (GIS) technology, geomatics and positioning systems (GNSS/GPS), geospatial database design and management, image processing and analysis, cartography and visualization, and environmental monitoring. Students develop expertise in satellite image interpretation, spatial analysis techniques, GIS software applications, geodetic measurements, and geospatial data management.
The department features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced GIS and remote sensing laboratories, satellite image processing systems, GNSS/GPS equipment, high-performance computing facilities, and partnerships with NASRDA (National Space Research and Development Agency), international space agencies, and environmental organizations. Our curriculum aligns with international standards and best practices in geomatics and geospatial science. We maintain active collaborations with government agencies, environmental organizations, mining companies, and international research institutions, providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience in real-world geospatial projects.
Graduates of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics are highly sought-after professionals in environmental monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, mining, disaster management, and climate science. They work as GIS specialists, remote sensing analysts, geospatial scientists, cartographers, and environmental consultants. Our alumni successfully contribute to resource management, environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and scientific research both nationally and internationally, leveraging geospatial technologies to solve complex Earth observation and spatial analysis challenges.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics - 4-year undergraduate program
- B.Sc in Geoinformatics - 4-year science program
- M.Sc in Remote Sensing & GIS - Postgraduate degree
- PGD in Geospatial Analysis - Professional diploma
- Ph.D in Geoinformatics & Remote Sensing - Advanced research degree
Core Focus Areas
- Remote Sensing Theory & Applications
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Geomatics & Positioning Systems
- Satellite Image Analysis
- Geospatial Database Management
- Cartography & Geovisualization
- Environmental Monitoring
- Spatial Data Analysis & Modeling
Facilities & Resources
Remote Sensing Lab
Satellite imagery, processing software, analysis tools
GIS Laboratory
ArcGIS, QGIS, spatial analysis, mapping systems
Geomatics Center
GNSS/GPS equipment, positioning, surveying
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts research across critical geospatial and remote sensing disciplines:
Remote Sensing Theory & Applications
Electromagnetic radiation, sensor systems, image acquisition, passive and active remote sensing, multispectral/hyperspectral imagery.
Satellite Image Processing & Analysis
Image enhancement, classification, object detection, change detection, temporal analysis, accuracy assessment.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Spatial databases, vector and raster analysis, geoprocessing, network analysis, spatial modeling, decision support systems.
Geomatics & Positioning Systems
GNSS/GPS applications, surveying, geodesy, geoid determination, coordinate systems, ground control points.
Geospatial Database Design & Management
Spatial data structures, PostGIS, database development, data quality, metadata management, spatial indexing.
Cartography & Geovisualization
Map design, symbolization, 3D visualization, web mapping, interactive mapping, cartographic communication.
Environmental Monitoring & Assessment
Land cover classification, vegetation indices, water resources monitoring, disaster assessment, climate change monitoring.
Spatial Data Analysis & Modeling
Geostatistics, spatial interpolation, hotspot analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning in geospatial analysis.
Career Opportunities
Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics graduates pursue diverse careers across sectors:
GIS Specialist
Manage and analyze spatial data
Remote Sensing Analyst
Process and interpret satellite data
Geospatial Scientist
Conduct geospatial research
Cartographer
Create maps and visualizations
Urban Planner
Use GIS for city planning
Environmental Consultant
Monitor environmental changes
Data Manager
Manage geospatial databases
GIS Developer
Develop geospatial applications
Educator
Teach geoinformatics
Useful Departmental Links
Course Materials & Resources
Access comprehensive geoinformatics and remote sensing materials, software tools, datasets, and resources organized by academic level.
100 Level Resources - Foundation Sciences
General studies and scientific foundations.
First Semester
Foundation Courses
Mathematics I, Physics I, Chemistry I, English Language, Communication Skills.
Access Offline Study PacksSecond Semester
Basic Geosciences
Mathematics II, Physics II, Geology I, General Studies, Introduction to Geoinformatics.
Go to Offline Study PacksFirst Year Foundation
100 Level provides general scientific education and introduction to geoinformatics. Courses establish fundamental knowledge essential for advanced geospatial studies.
200 Level Resources - Core Geoinformatics
Remote sensing fundamentals, GIS basics, and geomatics introduction.
Download 200 Level Materials
Remote sensing principles, electromagnetic radiation, GIS fundamentals, geodesy basics.
Access Study PacksRemote Sensing I
Principles, sensors, passive/active systems
GIS Fundamentals
Concepts, data types, basic spatial analysis
Electromagnetic Radiation
EM spectrum, radiation principles
Fundamental Geodesy
Coordinate systems, projections basics
Cartographic Techniques
Map design, symbolization, layout
Practical Geoinformatics
Lab exercises, software introduction
300 Level Resources - Advanced Techniques
Advanced remote sensing, GIS analysis, database design, and geomatics applications.
Advanced Analysis & Systems
Image processing, advanced GIS, spatial databases, GNSS applications.
Access 300 Level ResourcesRemote Sensing II
Image processing, interpretation, applications
Advanced GIS Analysis
Spatial modeling, network analysis, 3D GIS
Geospatial Database Design
Database development, PostGIS, data management
GNSS Theory & Applications
GPS surveying, positioning, GNSS data processing
Research Methods
Research design, case study methodology
Geospatial Software
ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, advanced tools
400 Level Resources - Specialization & Research
Final year project, specialized topics, and professional development.
Research & Specialization
Final year project, environmental monitoring, advanced GIS applications, professional practice.
Access 400 Level ResourcesResearch Project
Original investigation and thesis
Environmental Monitoring
Remote sensing for environmental change
Urban GIS Applications
Urban planning, city analysis with GIS
Geospatial Data Science
Big data analysis, machine learning GIS
Web Mapping & GIS
Web mapping applications, cloud GIS
Professional Practice
Career preparation, industry standards
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score as set by JAMB and FUTA
- Subject combination: English Language, Mathematics, and Physics
- Five O'Level credit passes in no more than two sittings
- O'Level credits must include: English, Mathematics, Physics, and two other subjects
Direct Entry Requirements (100 Level)
- A'Level passes in Mathematics and Physics (minimum grade C)
- ND Upper Credit in Surveying, Geoinformatics, or related discipline
- HND in Related Geoscience or Technology field
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above