Geodesy and Geoinformatics - Navigation and Field Robotics Track
(Master of Science)

Two people work with a robot in the park.

Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 Semester

Course Start

Winter semester, Summer semester

Language of Instruction

German

Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C1
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Admission

Unrestricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

The master's programme in geodesy and geoinformatics is divided into three study tracks:

Geomatics
Remote Sensing and GIS
Navigation and Field Robotics

Automated and autonomous systems have become part of our lives: examples of helpers in the home and garden include robot vacuum cleaners and robotic lawn mowers, while automated vehicle systems provide services such as traffic jam, lane, braking and intersection assistants. They are also used in the construction industry – involving the control of construction machines – and agriculture in the form of precision farming. Current developments focus on autonomous driving and the use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

Field robots must operate in the complex real world, i.e. outside laboratory or factory settings, in a safe, targeted manner. The successful technical development of such systems therefore requires sensing skills for positioning, navigation and environmental sensing. In addition, concepts for storing and structuring huge volumes of data from sensors are required, as well as the ability to evaluate and interpret this data using innovative filtering and AI methods.

The specialisation in “Navigation and Field Robotics” teaches these skills, placing an emphasis on environment scanning and modelling. This interdisciplinary programme combines aspects of geodesy (sensors, navigation, environmental sensing, evaluation methods, cartographic communication) with robotics technologies.

Further information for students on the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodetic Science

Course Content

Autonomous systems
Mechatronics
Data Science – focus on environmental data
Highly accurate maps
Navigation and GNSS
Robotics und computer vision
Sensors and measurement technology
Engineering surveying
Informatics and software development
Geodesy and geoinformatics

Course Structure

In the first few semesters students take foundation courses in geodesy and geoinformatics, computer science and robotics that are relevant to the degree programme. Compulsory lectures cover fundamental topics such as sensing, navigation, evaluation methods, software development and modelling. Students take different courses in the compulsory area, depending on the degree taken at the bachelor’s stage. Compulsory courses are supplemented by the compulsory elective area, enabling students to specialise at an early stage.

The fourth semester of the master’s degree programme is set aside for the completion of a master’s thesis within six months. Students who have passed all of the examinations and successfully completed the master’s thesis are awarded the master’s degree. Graduates are conferred the title Master of Science (M.Sc).

The master’s degree programme requires that students produce a great deal more independent scientific work than is the case at the bachelor’s stage. In this way, graduates are prepared for undertaking future research and development tasks in industry or research institutions.

Recommended Abilities

Besides meeting the formal requirements governing application and enrolment, students of Navigation and Field Robotics should be interested in subject-specific and research-oriented interrelations. The ideal students are also open to new lines of scientific enquiry, creative, open to criticism and responsible-minded. A sound knowledge of engineering, mathematics and programming is a prerequisite.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Navigation and Field Robotics Track are well equipped to work in general and mobile automation technology. The knowledge students acquire in the master’s degree programme is highly sought after, e.g. in the building and construction industry, in transport and logistics, and in agriculture and forestry. The degree also offers excellent opportunities in the context of autonomous navigation. Relevant career opportunities are in growing, forward-looking markets, all of which have a large demand for highly qualified experts.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: