School of Environmental Sciences
Institute of Surveying and Geo-informatics
Bachelor of Science with Honours in
Surveying and Geo-informatics
Degree Designation: B.Sc. (Hons) Surveying and Geo-informatics
Introduction
Surveying and Geo-informatics is a technical field that combines traditional land surveying with modern geospatial technologies, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, photogrammetry, and spatial data infrastructure. Professionals in this field collect, process, analyse, and communicate spatial data for applications in land management, engineering, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Surveying and Geo-informatics at Njala University trains students in both classical surveying techniques and contemporary geospatial methods. Graduates are equipped for careers in cadastral surveying, topographic mapping, land information systems, geospatial analytics, and infrastructure development, serving both the public and private sectors in Sierra Leone and internationally.
Accurate spatial data is the foundation of evidence-based land management, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Sierra Leone needs skilled surveyors and geo-informatics specialists to drive its national spatial data infrastructure.
Rationale
Sierra Leone's development priorities — including land administration reforms, infrastructure expansion, urban planning, mining sector governance, and disaster risk management — all depend on reliable, high-quality spatial data. However, the country faces a significant shortage of trained surveying and geo-informatics professionals.
This programme addresses this gap by producing graduates who combine classical surveying skills with mastery of modern geospatial technologies such as GIS, GPS, drone-based surveys, and satellite remote sensing, enabling them to meet the evolving demands of Sierra Leone's spatial information sector.
Aims, Goals & Objectives
The programme aims to produce technically proficient graduates in surveying and geo-informatics who can contribute to land information systems, spatial planning, infrastructure development, and geospatial data management in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Land Surveying
Students develop competencies in cadastral, topographic, engineering, and geodetic surveying techniques.
GIS & Remote Sensing
Students apply GIS, satellite imagery, and drone-based mapping for spatial data collection and analysis.
Photogrammetry
Students use aerial photography and photogrammetric methods to produce accurate spatial models and maps.
Spatial Data Management
Students design and manage land information systems and spatial data infrastructures.
Engineering Applications
Students apply surveying and geo-informatics in infrastructure design, construction, and project monitoring.
Target Group
This programme is intended for students with strong backgrounds in mathematics, physics, and geography who are interested in spatial technologies, engineering, and land management applications.
Intended career pathways:
- Licensed land surveyors and geodetic engineers
- GIS analysts and geospatial data managers
- Urban and regional planners
- Mining, construction, and infrastructure sectors
- National mapping and cartographic agencies
- Postgraduate studies in geomatics and spatial sciences
Entry Requirements
General University Requirements:
Five credits at GCE "O" Level or WASSCE, including English Language, in not more than two (2) sittings.
Departmental Requirements:
At least grade 6 or better in five subjects, including at least two from: Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Engineering Science, Chemistry, or Further Mathematics.
Programme Structure
The programme is organised into eight semesters with a minimum of 126 credit hours for graduation, distributed as follows:
📅 First Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 | Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology & Microbiology | 3 | BIOL 102 | Introduction to Botany and Zoology | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3 | CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| MATHS 121 | Pre-Calculus | 3 | MATHS 122 | Introduction to Calculus, Applied Maths & Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | Forces, Motion and Thermal Physics | 3 | PHYS 102 | Radiation and Optics | 3 |
| GEOG 101 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 | GEOG 102 | Intro. to Human Geography & Geography of Sierra Leone | 3 |
| GEST 111 | English Language | 2 | GEST 112 | English Language | 2 |
| ICT 121 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 | ICT 122 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Second Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGI 211 | Introduction to Surveying and Measurements | 3 | SGI 217 | GPS and GNSS Positioning | 3 |
| SGI 212 | Engineering Mathematics | 3 | SGI 218 | Digital Terrain Modelling | 3 |
| SGI 213 | Introduction to GIS | 3 | SGI 219 | Land Law and Cadastral Systems | 3 |
| SGI 214 | Plane and Geodetic Surveying | 3 | SGI 2110 | Introduction to Photogrammetry | 3 |
| SGI 215 | Remote Sensing Fundamentals | 3 | SGI 2111 | Spatial Data Acquisition Methods | 3 |
| SGI 216 | Cartography and Map Design | 3 | SGI 2112 | Introduction to Land Information Systems | 3 |
| ENG 201 | English Language | 2 | ENG 202 | English Language | 2 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Third Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGI 3113 | Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis | 3 | SGI 3220 | Urban and Regional Planning Applications | 3 |
| SGI 3114 | Research Methods in Geomatics | 3 | SGI 3221 | Advanced Photogrammetry and 3D Modelling | 3 |
| SGI 3115 | Engineering Surveying | 3 | SGI 3222 | Land Administration and Property Management | 3 |
| SGI 3116 | Hydrographic Surveying | 3 | SGI 3223 | Environmental Monitoring with Remote Sensing | 3 |
| SGI 3117 | Climate Change and Geospatial Applications | 3 | SGI 3224 | Spatial Database Design and Management | 3 |
| SGI 3118 | Aerial Photography and Drone Mapping | 3 | SGI 3225 | Mining Surveying and Resource Mapping | 3 |
| SGI 3119 | Adjustment of Survey Observations | 3 | SGI 3226 | Group Seminar and Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 21 | Semester 2 Total | 21 | ||
📅 Fourth Year Courses
Semester 1 — Taught Courses
| Code | Course | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| SGI 4127 | Land Registration and Cadastral Law | 3 |
| SGI 4128 | Satellite Geodesy and Space Surveying | 3 |
| SGI 4129 | Geospatial Intelligence and Decision Support | 3 |
| SGI 4130 | Smart Cities and Urban Geo-informatics | 3 |
| SGI 4131 | Professional Practice and Ethics in Surveying | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Semester 2 — Completion Requirements
- Industrial Attachment
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Directed Readings
- Final Comprehensive Examinations
Assessment & Grading System
A five-point letter grading system is used in assessing students, following the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) guidelines. Continuous assessment includes class attendance and participation, assignments, field projects, presentations, and written examinations.
Grading Scale
| Marks (%) | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 75 and above | A | 5.0 |
| 65 – 74 | B | 4.0 |
| 50 – 64 | C | 3.0 |
| 40 – 49 | D | 2.0 |
| 30 – 39 | E | 1.0 |
| Below 30 | F | 0.0 |
Honours Classification (FGPA)
| Class | FGPA Range |
|---|---|
| First Class | 4.3 and above |
| Second Class (Upper) | 4.00 – 4.29 |
| Second Class (Lower) | 3.60 – 3.99 |
| Third Class | 3.00 – 3.59 |
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have acquired comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, including the capacity to:
Conduct cadastral, topographic, engineering, and geodetic surveys using both traditional instruments and modern digital equipment.
Apply GIS, GPS, and remote sensing technologies to collect, process, and analyse spatial data for land and resource management.
Use photogrammetric methods and drone mapping to produce accurate digital terrain models and orthophoto maps.
Design and manage land information systems and spatial data infrastructures for use in land administration and planning.
Provide technical geospatial support for infrastructure development, urban planning, and environmental monitoring in professional practice.
Teaching & Learning
A learner-centred approach incorporating theoretical instruction and practical hands-on exercises, including field group projects, seminars, laboratory work, and simulation exercises.
Resources Required
At least three core lecturers with specialised expertise in the programme disciplines. Essential physical resources include classrooms, laboratories, and field survey equipment.
Monitoring & Review
The programme is monitored according to Njala University and TEC Quality Assurance guidelines, and reviewed every five years to address the evolving needs of academia and industry.
📥 Programme Documents & Downloads
The following documents are available for download, providing full details of the programme specification, course descriptions, and institutional requirements.
Progression Requirement
To advance from one year to the next, students must achieve a Sessional Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 3.0 or higher, with no outstanding course requirements.