The Department of Geomatics and Geospatial Information Systems

The Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering (CCEED) constitutes one of the two departments making the School Civil, Environmental and Geospatial Engineering (SCEGE).
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Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems (GEGIS)

[/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_row data_shortcode_id=”vvca45s59o” data_width=”boxed” data_top_style=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_color=”default” data_padding_top=”50″ data_padding_bottom=”50″][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/4″ data_shortcode_id=”pcjmidgwn” data_bg_color=”#cccccc” data_color_overlay=”#d6d6d6″ data_border_style=”default” data_border_color=”#c6c6c6″ data_border_radius=”15px 50px 30px 5px” data_animation_delay=”0″][cmsmasters_image shortcode_id=”fau9g8v9g” align=”none” animation_delay=”0″]17719|https://www.jkuat.ac.ke/school/scege/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Nathan-Agutu-150×150.jpg|thumbnail[/cmsmasters_image][/cmsmasters_column][cmsmasters_column data_width=”3/4″ data_shortcode_id=”3l3cb7bstm”][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”fcaf0gf2ho” type=”h1″ font_weight=”900″ font_style=”default” text_align=”left” color=”#0c371b” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″] Chair of Department[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”yca02iuv4″ type=”h5″ font_family=”PT+Sans:400,400i,700,700i” font_size=”20″ line_height=”26″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” color=”#484848″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″] Welcome to the department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems (GEGIS). Over 80% of all data handled in the world today contains a spatial/location/positional component. In addition, there is a growing interest from various disciplines to integrate the spatial component into their daily business for instance air, sea and ground navigation. The students in the department are trained to know various methods and techniques of acquiring, storing, managing, processing, analysis, modeling and dissemination of geo-referenced spatial position or location based information geo-spatial information.[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”xe63t4s41f” type=”h5″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Dr Nathan O. Agutu (Chairperson – GEGIS)[/cmsmasters_heading][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsmasters_text]

 

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📐 What is Geomatic Engineering?

Geomatic Engineering (also called Geomatics) is a field of engineering that deals with gathering, analyzing, and managing geographic and spatial data. It combines traditional surveying methods with modern technologies like GPS, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), drones, remote sensing, and satellite imagery to map and understand the Earth and the built environment.

🧭 Main Areas of Geomatic Engineering:

  1. Land Surveying – Measuring land features to create accurate maps and boundaries.

  2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Managing and analyzing spatial data to support planning and decision-making.

  3. Remote Sensing – Collecting data from satellites or drones to monitor land use, vegetation, water bodies, etc.

  4. Photogrammetry – Creating maps or 3D models from photographs (often aerial).

  5. Geodesy – Studying the size, shape, and gravity field of the Earth.

  6. Hydrographic Surveying – Mapping underwater features for navigation or construction.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies Used:

  • GPS (Global Positioning System)

  • Total Stations (for precise measurements)

  • GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)

  • Drones and UAVs

  • Satellite imagery

  • Laser scanning (LiDAR)

🌍 Applications of Geomatic Engineering:

  • Urban planning and infrastructure development

  • Construction and building site layout

  • Environmental monitoring and management

  • Land registration and cadastral systems

  • Transportation and logistics planning

  • Disaster response and risk analysis

✅ Why It Matters:

Geomatic engineers play a key role in how we understand, build on, and protect the Earth’s surface. Their work supports sustainable development, smart city planning, and natural resource management.

 

🌍 What is Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)?

Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) are systems used to gather, manage, analyze, and visualize geographic (spatial) data. GIS helps people understand spatial relationships, patterns, and trends by linking data to specific locations on Earth.

🧩 Simple Definition:

GIS is a tool that connects maps with data, so you can answer questions like:

  • Where is this happening?

  • Why is it happening there?

  • What are the patterns or risks involved?

🔑 Main Functions of GIS:

  1. Capture – Collecting location-based data (e.g., via GPS, satellites, surveys).

  2. Store – Keeping data in organized digital formats.

  3. Analyze – Finding patterns, making measurements, or identifying relationships.

  4. Visualize – Creating maps, graphs, or 3D models.

  5. Interpret – Supporting decisions with location-based insights.

🗺️ Types of GIS Data:

  1. Spatial Data – Shows where something is (e.g., roads, rivers, buildings).

    • Stored as:

      • Vector data: Points (e.g., trees), lines (e.g., roads), polygons (e.g., land parcels).

      • Raster data: Images or grids (e.g., satellite images, temperature maps).

  2. Attribute Data – Describes what is at each location (e.g., population, soil type).

💡 Real-World Applications:

  • Urban Planning – Designing infrastructure and city layouts.

  • Disaster Management – Mapping flood zones, earthquake risks.

  • Agriculture – Monitoring crops and soil health (precision farming).

  • Health – Tracking disease outbreaks geographically.

  • Environment – Deforestation tracking, wildlife habitat mapping.

  • Logistics – Route optimization for delivery or transport.

✅ Example:

If you wanted to build a hospital, GIS could help answer:

  • Where is the population most in need?

  • Where are the existing hospitals?

  • What’s the best location to minimize travel time?

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The Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems (GEGIS) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the geospatial and geomatics fields.

🎓 Undergraduate Programs

  1. Bachelor of Science in Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems

    • This program provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in surveying, mapping, and spatial data management.

  2. Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Science

    • Focuses on the science of spatial data analysis and its applications in various sectors.

🎓 Postgraduate Programs

  1. Master of Science in Geospatial Information Systems and Remote Sensing

    • A two-year program aimed at professionals seeking advanced knowledge in GIS and remote sensing technologies.

    • Entry Requirements:

      • Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in a relevant field.

      • Alternatively, a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) degree plus two years of relevant experience or a postgraduate diploma in a related field.

    • Program Duration: 2 years

  2. Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Information Systems and Remote Sensing

    • A three-year research-oriented program for those aiming to contribute to the advancement of geospatial sciences.

    • Entry Requirements:

      • Master’s degree in a relevant field from JKUAT or any institution recognized by the University Senate.

    • Program Duration: 3 years

  3. Postgraduate Diploma in Geomatic Engineering

    • Designed for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in geomatics engineering.

    • Program Duration: 1 year

🌐 Additional Programs

  • Master of Science in Environmental Information Systems

    • Focuses on the application of geospatial technologies in environmental management and conservation.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Geoinformatics

    • A research-intensive program aimed at producing experts in the field of geoinformatics.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Geodesy

    • Specializes in the study of the Earth’s shape, orientation, and gravitational field.

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Staff name Details

Prof. Josphat Mwatela

PhD Specialization: Email: mwatelahzir@gmail.com Publications

Prof. Edward Hunja Waithaka

PhD (Earth & Planetary Sciences) Hokkaido University, Japan

Email: ewaithaka@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Nathan O. Agutu

PhD (Earth & Planetary Sciences) Curtin University, Australia

Email: nagutu@jkuat.ac.ke Publications
Dr. Thomas G. Ngigi

PhD (Earth and Human Environmental Science)

Chiba University, Japan Email: tgngigi@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Felix N. Mutua

PhD (Civil Engineering) University of Tokyo, Japan Email: fnmutua@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Charles O. Gaya

PhD (Geomatic Engineering) JKUAT, Kenya Email: cgaya@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Douglas E. Musiega

PhD (Earth & Planetary Sciences) Mie University, Japan Email: dmusiega@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Charles B. Wasomi

PhD (Geospatial Information Science) JKUAT, Kenya

Email: cwasomi@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Andrew T. Imwati

PhD ( Urban and Regional Planning) UON, Kenya Email: aimwati@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Mercy W. Mwaniki

PhD (Physical Geography) Bamberg, Germany

Email: mmwaniki@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr Ing. Benson K. Kenduiywo

PhD (Civil Engineering) TU Darmstadt, Germany Email: bkenduiywo@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Fridah K. Kirimi

PhD (Physical Geography) University of Bonn, Germany Email: fkirimi@jkuat.ac.ke Publications
Dr. Eunice W. Nduati

PhD (Earth & Planetary Sciences) Specialization: Email: enduati@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Pius K. Kirui

PhD (Civil Engineering) TU, Braunsweig, Germany Email: pkipngetich@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Benson O. Mbani

PhD (Natural Sciences) University of Kiel, Germany Email: bmbani@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Dr. Harison K. Kipkulei

PhD (Agricultural sciences) Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany Email: hkipkulei@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Ms. Nancy W. Mwangi

Msc (GIS & Remote sensing) Specialization: Email: nwmwangi@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Mr. Moffat G. Magondu

Msc (GIS & Remote sensing) Specialization: Email: mmagondu@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Mr. George C. Watene

Msc (GIS & Remote sensing) Specialization: Email: gchege@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Mr. Joshua I. Mwaura

Msc (GIS & Remote sensing) Specialization: Email: jmwaura@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

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Staff name Qualifications/Designation

Mr. Francis Mulefu (Chief Technologist)

MSc, BSc (GIS & RS) JKUAT, Email: fmulefu@jkuat.ac.ke Publications

Mr. Geoffrey Gichuru

MSc (ongoing), BSc (GIS & RS) JKUAT, Email: gmnkanatha@jkuat.ac.ke

Publications

Mr. Abel Nyaribo Kaburi

PhD (ongoing), MSc, BSc (GIS & RS) JKUAT, Email: akaburi@jkuat.ac.ke

Publications

Mr. Musa Martin Kioo

MSc (ongoing), BSc (GIS & RS) JKUAT,  Email: mkmusa@jkuat.ac.ke

Publications

Ms. Sarah Orado Mideva

BSc (GIS & RS), TUK,

Email: sorado@jkuat.ac.ke

Ms. Virginia Kariuki

BSc (GIS & RS), TUK,

Email: vkariuki@jkuat.ac.ke

Mr. Lazarus Kimuige

BSc (GIS & RS), JKUAT, Email: lkimuige@jkuat.ac.ke

Mr. Morris  Barasa Waswa

MSc, BSc (GIS & RS) JKUAT,  Email: mwaswa@jkuat.ac.ke

Publications

Mr. Edwin Amoth

Higher Diploma, Diploma (Photogrammetry), KISM : Email: eamoth@jkuat.ac.ke

Mr. Eric Wafula

Diploma (Land Surveying ), KISM Email: ewafula@jkuat.ac.ke

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Jan-April 2025 Timetable (Gegis Yr 1-5) – link

Jan-April 2025 Timetable (GIS Yr 1-4) – link

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To all our Dear First Year Students, Welcome to 2023/2024 Academic Year.
On behalf of administrative, teaching and technical staff, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all our first year students to the School of Physical Sciences (SPS). We will ensure you have smooth running academic development programme from all our two department.

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