Over the years, the department has had a strong interest in emerging technologies such as satellite positioning, geographic information systems and remote sensing. The work of the department has been primarily graduate in nature, the main activities being the conducting of research and the running of taught Master's degree programmes.

Recent developments in the field of geomatics have led to a demand for individuals with a broad range of computational, analytical and presentational skills. Using these skills and working with sophisticated computer packages, they can help to solve many social and environmental problems. In order to meet this demand, the department has introduced the undergraduate degree programme.

Supported by well-qualified faculty, the department has access to a variety of skills both within and outside UCL - for instance part of the MSc in GIS is taught by colleagues from Birkbeck College and staff from Kings College and Imperial College teach on the MSc in Remote Sensing. Part of the MSc in Hydrographic Surveying is taught by officers from the Port of London Authority.

The department has an international reputation for excellence as a result of the work of its staff and of former students. Alumni have played a major role in the geomatics industry and UCL’s alumni are in senior positions in national and international organisations. Staff have contributed to international research projects and programmes and have undertaken professional consultancy work in many areas of the world. Work on research and consultancy allows staff to bring in focus on the needs of industry into the classroom and to join up theory with practice.

Over the last five years, the department has been fully refurbished and more than half a million pounds have been spent on new equipment and software. The specialised 3D and stereo equipment of the photogrammetric laboratory has been upgraded frequently. New capabilities as e.g. a class room stereo projection system have been added to the portfolio.

Programmes
The department offers a range of programmes, from undergraduate level to PhD.

Undergraduate Degree
The department offers a BEng/MEng degree in Geoinformatics. The undergraduate degree programme (BEng) provides training in the fundamental mathematical, statistical and algorithmic background to geomatic engineering activities and puts this knowledge to practical use through the development of sophisticated computing technologies.