Technology

Diploma in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

The Diploma in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in aerial and satellite imagery analysis, photogrammetric techniques, remote sensing technology and geospatial data processing. Offered at South Eastern Kenya University, the programme prepares students for technical roles in surveying, mapping, environmental monitoring and geospatial technology.

The curriculum covers introduction to photogrammetry, aerial photography, satellite remote sensing, digital image processing, geographic information systems, surveying and mapping, cartography, geodesy, spatial data analysis, GPS and GNSS technology, digital terrain modelling, remote sensing applications, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical geospatial technology skills.

Kenya's growing need for spatial data infrastructure, environmental monitoring, land administration and resource mapping creates demand for trained geospatial technicians. The programme responds to the need for personnel who can support mapping, surveying and remote sensing operations in government agencies, private surveying firms and environmental organisations.

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, field surveys, computer-based image processing sessions, software training, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in photogrammetry and remote sensing through practical sessions with GIS and image processing software.

Graduates pursue careers as photogrammetric technicians, remote sensing analysts, GIS technicians, surveying assistants and mapping technicians in government agencies, surveying firms, environmental organisations and geospatial technology companies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Technology or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in geography, technology and spatial data. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in surveying, mapping and geospatial technology.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 66,270
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: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Photogrammetry and Aerial Photography
Satellite Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
Surveying, Mapping and Geodesy
GPS and GNSS Technology
Spatial Data Analysis and Digital Terrain Modelling
Remote Sensing Applications and Research Methods
Industrial Attachment and Geospatial Technology Project

Modules

7 in the programme

Photogrammetry and Aerial Photography
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers introduction to photogrammetry, aerial photography, camera systems, photo interpretation, stereoscopy, parallax measurement, orthophoto generation and photogrammetric instruments.
Satellite Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers satellite remote sensing, electromagnetic spectrum, sensor types, image acquisition, digital image processing, image enhancement, classification and image interpretation.
Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers GIS fundamentals, spatial data models, vector and raster data, GIS analysis, cartography, map design, map projections and digital map production.
Surveying, Mapping and Geodesy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers surveying principles, ground surveying methods, geodesy, coordinate systems, datums, map projections, GPS and GNSS technology and digital terrain modelling.
Spatial Data Analysis and Remote Sensing Applications
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers spatial data analysis, spatial statistics, remote sensing applications in agriculture, forestry, urban planning, environmental monitoring, land use mapping and change detection.
Research Methods and Geospatial Technology Project
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods, technical report writing, data analysis and a geospatial technology project assessed through a report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and Field Practice
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment at a surveying firm, mapping agency, environmental organisation or geospatial technology company, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Digital Image Processing
Focuses on satellite image processing and analysis for careers as remote sensing analysts.
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Specialises in GIS technology and spatial data analysis for careers as GIS technicians.
Photogrammetric Mapping
Focuses on photogrammetric map production for careers as photogrammetric technicians.
Environmental Remote Sensing
Specialises in environmental monitoring applications for careers in environmental organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on photogrammetry or remote sensing principles, followed by a computer laboratory session on digital image processing or GIS software. Afternoon sessions may include a field survey exercise, GPS data collection, or a workshop on cartographic design. Students also work on geospatial technology projects and prepare for industrial attachment.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme provides skills in high-demand geospatial technology including GIS, remote sensing and GPS.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Technology or related degrees.
Geospatial skills are applicable across multiple sectors including environment, agriculture, urban planning and disaster management.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
The field requires comfort with technology, software and quantitative analysis.

What it costs

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

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public47k to 66k

47k at Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping66k at South Eastern Kenya University

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

KISM 46,500/yr, SEKU 66,270/yr (campus.co.ke). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans. The government may offer sponsorships through KUCCPS for TVET programmes.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in surveying, mapping or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

Mathematics
C-
Physics
C-
English
C-

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS and surveying.
Laboratory and Field Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in digital image processing, GIS software, GPS operation and field surveying through practical examinations.
Geospatial Technology Project
Project30% of the mark
A geospatial technology project on a remote sensing or GIS topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a surveying firm, mapping agency or geospatial technology company.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). Examining body is KNEC. The programme is offered at South Eastern Kenya University.

Accredited by

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). Examining body is KNEC. The programme is offered at South Eastern Kenya University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Photogrammetric Technician
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Processes aerial and satellite imagery, generates orthophotos and digital terrain models and supports photogrammetric operations in mapping agencies and surveying firms.
Remote Sensing Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 200,000
Analyses satellite imagery, conducts image classification and supports environmental monitoring, land use mapping and change detection in government agencies and organisations.
GIS Technician
High demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 190,000
Manages spatial databases, conducts GIS analysis, produces maps and supports geospatial data management in government agencies and private firms.
Surveying Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports surveying operations, operates GPS equipment, collects spatial data and assists with mapping and land administration activities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as photogrammetric technicians, remote sensing analysts and GIS technicians in government agencies, surveying firms and environmental organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Photogrammetry and remote sensing is just about taking aerial photos.
The field involves sophisticated digital image processing, spatial data analysis, GIS integration and geospatial technology, far beyond simple aerial photography.
Remote sensing has limited career opportunities.
Remote sensing and GIS skills are in demand across government agencies, environmental organisations, mining, agriculture, urban planning and disaster management sectors.
You need to be a pilot to work in photogrammetry.
Photogrammetric technicians work with digital imagery data, not aircraft. Drones and satellites capture the imagery, while technicians process and analyse the data.
This programme is the same as surveying.
While related to surveying, photogrammetry and remote sensing focuses on aerial and satellite imagery analysis and digital spatial data processing, which complements traditional ground surveying.