Geomatics

Through space-based measurements using radio waves, down to micron level observations using lasers and optical techniques, we specialise in the science, engineering and modelling of measurements.

Our work

Our research is internationally recognised for its pioneering work in spatial data science and geospatial engineering. We focus on the capture, analysis, interpretation, and visualisation of spatial data to better understand built, natural and historic environments. 

Traditional techniques—such as surveying, photogrammetry, and geodesy— are integrated with cutting-edge technologies including remote sensing, LiDAR, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), satellite imagery, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Key areas of research include precise positioning and navigation, indoor and urban positioning systems, 3D modelling, smart cities and environmental monitoring. We play a vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, urban resilience, and sustainable development by leveraging spatial data for informed decision-making. The impact of our research is seen in contributions to public policy, urban planning, environmental management, and infrastructure monitoring.

Our application of artificial intelligence (especially deep learning and foundation models) to spatial and spatio-temporal data—leverages the strengths of both domains to unlock new insights across cities, transport, crime and the environment.

Strong collaborations with industry, government, and international research institutions enable the translation of theoretical advancements into practical, real-world applications—ranging from automated mapping and infrastructure assessment to augmented reality and autonomous navigation systems.

Our academic staff

Lecturer in Space Geodesy and Navigation 

 

Area of expertise

  • Orbital mechanics, particularly non-gravitational force modelling
  • Space situational awareness and space traffic co-ordination

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

 

 

Professor of Photogrammetry and 3D Imaging 

 

Area of expertise

  • 3D data acquisition and 3D data processing, including scene understanding

  • Geometric processing techniques and machine learning approaches to deliver automated acquisition and high-level analysis of 3D data

     

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

 

Professor in GeoInformatics

 

Area of expertise

  • Spatiotemporal data analytics
  • Multi-modal mobility digital twin systems

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

Lecturer (Teaching)

 

Area of expertise

  • Sidereal filters to both the GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations for applications in earthquake early warning systems.

Visit Dr Cowles' UCL profile for further information. 

Reader in Geographical Information Science 

 

Area of expertise

  • Spatial databases and approaches for handling large quantities of spatial data
  • Integration of 3D GIS and spatial databases, examining issues relating to topology and performance.

 

Selected publications 

See UCL profile for complete list.

Professor of Positioning and Navigation 

 

Area of expertise

  • Resilient positioning and navigation techniques for challenging environments
  • Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), inertial sensors and environmental feature matching

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

Associate Professor

 

Area of expertise

  • Analysis, modelling and forecasting of spatio-temporal data using machine learning methods. Particularly in the context of transport and mobility

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list. 

Professor (Teaching) and Vice Dean Education (Engineering Faculty) 

 

Area of expertise

  • Landscape archaeology, geovisualisation and applications of geomatics in the understanding of past environments, particularly in Egypt
  • Engineering education

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

Associate Professor

Lecturer in Marine Geospatial Science

 

Area of expertise

  • Hydrographic surveying with focus on the integration vertical datums across the land sea interface
  • Coastal habitat mapping

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

Lecturer in Reality Capture for Geospatial Science

 

Area of expertise

  • 3D LiDAR and photogrammetry mapping
  • Machine and deep Learning

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list. 

Professor of Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning

 

Area of expertise

  • Developing, testing and demonstrating imaging systems for the optical metrology of engineering, medical and heritage structure
  • Developing and demonstrating ubiquitous large volume optical metrology as a key enabler in the factories of the future

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

Professor of Space Geodesy

 

Area of expertise

  • The science and engineering of using satellites orbiting planets to measure dynamic characteristics, such as the gravity field, sea level and ice cap variations

 

Selected publications

See UCL profile for complete list.

Civil Engineering BEng
Geospatial Sciences MSc
Spatio-Temporal Analytics and Big Data Mining MSc