Geospatial Science

Major

Geospatial Science courses are taught with extensive hands-on use of digital technology in the Geographic Science Laboratory (GSL) and the field. Cadets use Global Positioning Systems (GPS), view and analyze satellite imagery, build map databases, and produce maps with state-of-the-art hardware and software.

Offered by the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.

Geospatial science has widespread applications across military, civilian, government, and private sectors. In the military, it plays a vital role in achieving information dominance on the battlefield through tools such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite imagery, real-time force tracking, sensor integration, and the management of extensive geographic databases. Beyond defense, geospatial technology supports disaster response by mapping damage, coordinating rescue efforts, and identifying safe evacuation routes. In civil engineering and construction, geospatial science is essential for site planning, infrastructure design, land surveying, and monitoring project progress with high precision.

What the Major Offers

Regardless of the application, geospatial science enables informed decision-making and effective action in complex, dynamic environments. Majoring in geospatial science equips Geospatial Science majors with the knowledge and skills to effectively leverage geospatial tools for various applications.

The major includes hands-on courses focusing on collecting, analyzing, and visualizing geographic information and data. Cadets collect geographic data using tools such as aerial imaging, drones, and survey instruments such as GPS, total stations, and lidar. They analyze this data using state-of-the-art software packages, including geographic information systems (GIS), such as Esri ArcGIS, to uncover patterns, relationships, and spatial context. Cadets learn to effectively visualize geographic information, transforming complex data into clear, meaningful insights about real-world issues.

This is a hands-on, application-driven major where cadets not only study theoretical concepts but also apply them to solve real-world challenges. Geospatial science connects data to location, integrating spatial and descriptive information to support mapping and analysis across science, the military, and virtually every industry.

Additional Major Benefits

Geospatial Science graduates receive a space enabler Additional Skill Identifier (ASI), 3Y, on their official military record. Additionally, branch engineers can receive the Geospatial Engineer Officer ASI, W2.

The Geospatial Science major offers an honors track that includes an independent research project.

The academy's Geospatial Science program is recognized as an NGA Center of Academic Excellence in Geospatial Science and is externally accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF). We work closely with partners at NGA, GRL, AGC, and ESRI to provide cutting-edge research opportunities and enhance cadet learning.

For Interested Cadets

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.

If you are also interested in exploring more about space science, this major pairs well with the Space Sciences minor.

This major includes 7 required courses and 6 optional courses.

IT/CYBER Requirement

Cadets in this major will satisfy the IT/CYBER requirement by successfully completing the IT/CYBER content in the core curriculum and CY305/355.

CY305 - CYBER FOUNDATIONS
CY355 - CYBER FOUNDATIONS - COMPUTING

Core Engineering Sequence

Cadets in this major may choose any authorized engineering sequence.

Writing in the Major

Cadets in this major satisfy the West Point Writing Program requirement by successfully completing writing requirements in the core curriculum and this course in the major.

GE477 - ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING

Required Courses

GE310 - GEOG INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GE373 - REMOTE SENSING
GE378 - CARTOGRAPHY
GE477 - ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING
GE478 - MILITARY GEOSPATIAL OPERATIONS
GE498 - ADV GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYS

AND

Spatial Data Acquisition Block (choose 1)

GE379 - PHOTOGRAMMETRY
GE380 - SURVEYING

AND

Foundational Geography Elective (choose 1)

GE205 - FOUNDATIONS IN GEOGRAPHY
GE340 - GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CULTURES

AND

Restrictive Environmental Analysis Elective

Choose 1 from a list of 11 courses

Complementary Support Course - Electives

Choose 3 from a list of 40 courses

To learn more, view the full Geospatial Science curriculum.

Cadets in this major can work with a Department of Geography and Earth Sciences (GEO) research center and engage in any number of domestic or international Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) programs, USMA-run academic internship experiences.

Examples of GEO-specific AIADs:

Helicopter Landing Zone Analysis (CO, AK, HI, Kwajalein Atoll)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (St. Louis, MO, and Washington, D.C.)
Army Geospatial Center (Washington, D.C.)
Geospatial Research Lab (Washington, D.C)
North Slope Unmanned Aerial Surveying (AK)
Combat Capabilities Development Command (MD)

Learn more about GEO’s internship opportunities.

Examples of research:

Detection of seasonal Arctic terrain change using a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)
Resolution analysis of helicopter landing zones
Eagle Valley Cemetery veteran tracking
Machine learning exploration of Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) for regional predictive analysis
GIS modeling of lead transport on firing ranges
Lidar scanner stability and accuracy assessments

Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences or the Center for Environmental and Geographic Sciences (CEGS).

The Geospatial Science major is accredited by the U.S. Geospatial-Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).