Geodesy and Geoinformation

The objective of geodesy is the documentation of the anthroposphere through the use of surveys and geoinformation, and the representation of the latter according to the task at hand. Geodata describe, order, and register human habitats according to particular characteristics, and also contribute to shaping and changing these habitats.

In addition to classic measuring instruments such as theodolites, laser scanners, and cameras, geodata is used in information systems, modern satellite technology and digital remote sensors. Geodesists develop automatic, computer-based procedures for the collection, processing, analysis and visualization of spatial information. The diversity of surveys ranges from global satellite-based surveys of the Earth through surveys of regions using airplanes to the terrestrial surveys of construction works and machines performed by engineers onsite. The geoinformation extracted from geodata provides citizens with the basis for legal clarity in the context of administrative and planning authorities and is prerequisite for creative, organizational and planning measures. Geodetic measuring procedures now play an increasingly significant role in catastrophe management, the monitoring of environmental risk, as well as in the exploration of the Earth system and of planets.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Geodesy and Geoinformation (PDF, German)

During the first and second semesters, focus is placed on the acquisition of fundamental knowledge. The emphasis is on mathematical, physical and legal foundations, as well as the techniques required for conducting surveys.

From the third to the sixth semester, the focus shifts to the scientific knowledge of engineering in all core areas of geodesy and geoinformation. This relates to the sensors used in engineering surveys, photogrammetry and remote sensing, higher geodesy and satellite geodesy, as well as the procedures undertaken in assessing the data recorded.

The program concludes with the bachelor's thesis, in which the methodological, disciplinary and practical skills acquired converge and are applied.

Within the context of the program, a five-week external internship must be completed

• Program structure: Overview of modules

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

As a graduate of the program, you have at your disposal a wide repertoire of foundational competencies relating to the discipline and its methodologies. These cover survey and remote sensing technologies, as well as geoinformation and spatial planning. You are able to document, analyze and visualize changes in the human environment. In the area of spatial informatics, you are able to apply specialist methods in order to solve problems. You possess sound knowledge of the collection, processing and visualization of precise geoinformation.

Within the context of the program, you acquire insight into the various areas of geodesy. You are familiar with the application of the relevant fundamental methods and instruments required for land and construction surveys, higher geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, satellite geodesy, cartography and spatial informatics, as well as land and urban development.

Furthermore, you have developed a deepened understanding of spatial dynamics. Given the program's interdisciplinary approach, you also have a grasp of the legal context in which you conduct your activities. You are just as familiar with concepts of spatial planning as you are with assessing sites and properties and with land regulation measures in rural and urban settings.

If you decide to embark on a career after completing the bachelor's program in Geodesy and Geoinformation, opportunities arise in the private sector, including surveying and planning consultancies, hardware and software development, automobile industry, as well as in state and local authorities responsible for surveying and land development.

How does the application process work? [Bachelor]

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

This is a program with unrestricted access.

There is no selection procedure. You will receive confirmation of your application 

• after submission of the online application and all documents in a formally correct manner by the deadline
• and after your documents have been reviewed. 

In detail:

• Unrestricted Admission

The online application process takes place through our application portal TUMonline.

The course requires an internship of in total five weeks at various appointments in industry, administration or research.

• Internship Office