These cutting-edge technologies help environmental and natural resource managers map geographical features, patterns, changes, and conditions for environmental decision-making, planning, and problem solving. Texas A&M University, through the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (Spatial Sciences Laboratory) and the Department of Geography, offers a degree in spatial sciences that combines a solid background in spatial science and environmental studies. This degree provides students with an advanced knowledge of the spatial sciences, experience in interpretation of aerial photographs and satellite images, as well as a broad understanding of computer applications and database management.
Through core coursework in spatial sciences and supporting courses students will learn to utilize the full potential of the spatial sciences in real-world problem solving. From real-time wildfire risk assessment, to crime analysis, the spatial sciences are fast becoming an integral part of modern resource management.
Career opportunities include forestry, urban planning, public health, homeland security, natural resource management, rangeland ecology, air and water quality management, environmental consulting, local to federal government regulatory agencies, oil and gas industry, bioenvironmental science, soil and crop science, transportation, business and local, state and federal government agencies, and many more.