Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Technology - Geospatial Engineering Technology

The Bachelor Of Science In Technology - Geospatial Engineering Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in technology - geospatial engineering technology. The programme falls under the Engineering & Technology category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Surveying and Geodesy, GPS, GNSS and Total Station Technology, GIS and Spatial Analysis, Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing, Photogrammetry, LiDAR and Drone Mapping, Cartography and Web Mapping. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study GIS and Spatial Analysis, GPS, GNSS and Total Station Technology, Cartography, Web Mapping and Coordinate Systems, Engineering and Construction Surveying, Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Engineering and Construction Surveying, GIS and Remote Sensing, Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Technology - Geospatial Engineering Technology pursue careers as Land Information Officer / Geospatial Consultant, Drone Mapping Technologist / LiDAR Technologist, Engineering Survey Technologist / Construction Surveyor, GIS Technologist / Remote Sensing Technologist. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 396,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Surveying and Geodesy
GPS, GNSS and Total Station Technology
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Photogrammetry, LiDAR and Drone Mapping
Cartography and Web Mapping
Cadastral Surveying and Land Information Systems
Engineering and Construction Surveying
Coordinate Systems, Projections and Datums
Geospatial Engineering Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Engineering Mathematics and Computing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Engineering mathematics, computer programming, Python, R, databases, SQL, understanding computing, and supporting computing fundamentals.
Surveying and Geodesy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Surveying, land surveying, topographic surveying, cadastral surveying, geodetic surveying, engineering surveying, route surveying, construction surveying, geodesy, ellipsoids, geoids, gravity, unde...
GPS, GNSS and Total Station Technology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
GPS, global positioning system, GNSS, global navigation satellite system, RTK, real-time kinematic, DGPS, differential GPS, total stations, theodolites, levels, EDM, electronic distance measurement...
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
GIS, geographic information systems, ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS, spatial analysis, spatial statistics, network analysis, terrain analysis, understanding GIS, and supporting GIS engineering.
Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Remote sensing, satellite imagery, Landsat, Sentinel, image processing, image classification, understanding remote sensing, and supporting remote sensing engineering.
Photogrammetry, LiDAR and Drone Mapping
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Photogrammetry, aerial photography, drone mapping, UAV, unmanned aerial vehicles, DJI, Pix4D, Agisoft, LiDAR, laser scanning, terrestrial laser scanning, mobile mapping, understanding photogrammetr...
Cartography, Web Mapping and Coordinate Systems
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cartography, map design, map production, digital cartography, web mapping, web GIS, Leaflet, OpenLayers, Mapbox, coordinate systems, projections, datums, transformations, understanding cartography,...
Cadastral Surveying and Land Information Systems
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Cadastral surveying, land information systems, LIS, land administration, land management, land registration, cadastre, Survey of Kenya, National Land Commission, understanding cadastre, and support...
Engineering and Construction Surveying
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Engineering surveying, construction surveying, route surveying, setting out, deformation monitoring, volume calculations, DEM, digital elevation model, DSM, DTM, understanding engineering surveying...
Spatial Data Infrastructure, Economics and Research Methods
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Spatial data infrastructure, NSDI, KSDI, metadata, data standards, OGC standards, WMS, WFS, WCS, geospatial web services, mobile GIS, field data collection, spatial databases, PostGIS, engineering ...
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment at Survey of Kenya, a county government, construction company, mining company, or surveying firm, applying geospatial engineering technology skills.
Final Geospatial Engineering Technology Research Project or Dissertation
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final year geospatial engineering technology research project or dissertation, assessed through project demonstration and oral defence.

Specialisations

Cadastral Surveying and Land Administration
Focuses on cadastral surveying, land registration, land administration, cadastre, and supporting cadastral surveying.
Cartography and Web Mapping
Concentrates on cartography, map design, digital cartography, web mapping, web GIS, and supporting cartography and web mapping.
Drone Mapping and LiDAR
Focuses on drone mapping, UAV, photogrammetry, LiDAR, laser scanning, mobile mapping, and supporting drone mapping and LiDAR.
Engineering and Construction Surveying
Specialises in engineering surveying, construction surveying, route surveying, setting out, deformation monitoring, and supporting engineering surveying.
GIS and Remote Sensing
Concentrates on GIS, ArcGIS, QGIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery, image processing, and supporting GIS and remote sensing.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on surveying, GIS, or photogrammetry, followed by laboratory work, field practicals, surveying exercises, or drone mapping practicals. Students work on surveying computations, GIS analyses, satellite image processing, drone mapping projects, cadastral plans, engineering survey designs, cartographic designs, and geospatial research. Laboratory work for GIS and image processing, field practicals for surveying and GPS, drone mapping practicals, and industrial attachment at Survey of Kenya, a county government, construction company, or consulting firm provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Land reform — land administration reform and digital cadastre create demand for surveying and geospatial professionals.
Infrastructure development — construction and infrastructure projects require engineering surveying.
Drone mapping growth — UAV and LiDAR technology expansion creates new opportunities.

Against it

Equipment costs — surveying instruments, drones, and LiDAR are expensive.
Field-intensive — surveying involves significant outdoor work in various weather and terrain conditions.
Rapidly evolving — geospatial technology changes fast, requiring continuous learning.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses

Public200k to 396k

200k at Technical University of Kenya396k at University of Nairobi

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

TUK ~199.5K/yr (tukenya.ac.ke), UoN Eng ~396K/yr (topnews.ke). Private unverified.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some surveying firms, mapping organisations, and construction companies offer scholarships for geospatial engineering students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Student Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Student members of IEK pursuing accredited engineering programmes
KCDF More Girls for Engineering Opportunities
ScholarshipKenyan
Young women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing engineering
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
SponsorshipKsh 500,000
Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.
County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders with credit pass in Surveying, GIS, Geomatics, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

Mathematics
C (plain)
Physics or Geography
C (plain)
Chemistry or Biology or Computer Studies
C (plain)
English or Kiswahili
C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering surveying, GPS, GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, and cadastre.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, problem sets, and laboratory exercises throughout the semester.
Project / Practical Assessment
Practicum20% of the mark
Assessment of surveying computations, GIS analyses, satellite image processing, drone mapping projects, and cadastral plans.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum5% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment at Survey of Kenya, a construction company, or surveying firm. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.
Final Geospatial Engineering Technology Research Project or Dissertation
Research5% of the mark
Final year geospatial engineering technology research project or dissertation, assessed through project demonstration and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KISM registration may be required for surveying practice. Survey of Kenya regulates mapping and surveying standards.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. KISM registration may be required for surveying practice. Survey of Kenya regulates mapping and surveying standards.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Land Information Officer / Geospatial Consultant
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Manages land information, provides consulting, advises on geospatial solutions, and supporting land information and consulting.
Drone Mapping Technologist / LiDAR Technologist
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Operates drones, processes drone data, manages LiDAR, and supporting drone mapping and LiDAR technology.
Engineering Survey Technologist / Construction Surveyor
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Conducts engineering surveys, supports construction, manages setting out, and supporting engineering surveying.
GIS Technologist / Remote Sensing Technologist
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000
Processes GIS data, analyses satellite imagery, supports mapping, and supporting GIS and remote sensing technology.
Surveying Technologist / Cadastral Technologist
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Conducts surveys, prepares cadastral plans, supports land registration, and supports surveying technology.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as surveying technologists, GIS technologists, and drone mapping technologists. Geospatial engineering technology is in medium demand driven by land reform and infrastructure development. Starting salaries range from KES 50,000 to 90,000 per month, with experienced technologists earning KES 100,000 to 220,000. Survey of Kenya, the National Land Commission, county governments, RCMRD, construction companies, and consulting firms offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Megger Insulation Tester
TestingPrimary
For testing insulation resistance in electrical installations
Calibration Instruments
EquipmentPrimary
Pressure calibrators, temperature calibrators, and signal generators for instrument calibration
Oscilloscope and Multimeter
EquipmentPrimary
Electronic test instruments for circuit analysis, signal measurement, and fault diagnosis
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
EquipmentPrimary
Industrial computers for automating manufacturing processes, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Mitsubishi PLCs
SCADA and HMI Software
Software
Supervisory control and data acquisition software for process monitoring and control

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geospatial engineering is just about land surveying.
This programme covers surveying, GPS, GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, LiDAR, drone mapping, cartography, cadastral systems, and land information. It's a comprehensive geospatial technology discipline.
Surveying technologists only work for the government.
Graduates work for government, county governments, construction companies, mining companies, consulting firms, tech companies, and as independent consultants.
This field has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Land reform, infrastructure development, construction growth, mining, and drone mapping create demand for qualified geospatial engineering technologists.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.