Explore Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping at UCL
A leading UK postgraduate UCL Geography course in remote sensing and environmental mapping, examining how data is collected across the terrestrial biosphere, atmosphere, oceans and cryosphere.
On this MSc, you will engage with the theories and practice of remote sensing, mapping, and data analysis. You will gain an understanding of the foundational principles, technologies, and applications that help address local, regional, and global challenges.
You will learn essential coding and data analysis techniques to interpret complex information and translate it into actionable insights. Alongside this, you will develop transferable skills such as written and verbal communication, preparing you for leadership roles in the sector and beyond.
Who is this course for?
Do
Apply if you’re curious about environmental applications
This MSc is ideal if you want to use remote sensing and mapping tools to tackle environmental challenges
Have a relevant academic background
A degree in environmental science, quantitative science, physics, or engineering provides an excellent foundation.
Bring applied subject expertise
Students from applied fields such as geography, forestry, and environmental management are also well-suited.
Don't
Worry about lacking technical experience
You don’t need prior knowledge of remote sensing. We’ll give you the skills you need to succeed.
Academic Staff
Course Convenor
Mat leads research making 3D laser measurements of trees and forests across global ecosystems (including urban). He collaborates widely, including with space agencies, planners, NGOs and policy-makers. His work has been featured widely in the media and in public exhibitions and museums. Mat is the Convenor of the MSc Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping.
Chris's research revolves around the use of earth system models to answer questions about past and future climate change. His ongoing work for the Palaeoclimate Model Intercomparison (Climate of the Past, 2020) forms part of the past climate communities contribution to the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change's 6th Assessment Report.
Eloise is a Professor of Physical Geography and the lead of the UCL Atmospheric Composition and Air Quality Research Group, where she works with complex models and observations from space-based and ground-based platforms to determine the influence of humans on air quality, atmospheric chemistry, ecosystems and human health.
Paul is based in the Faculty of Engineering, where he specialises in robust positioning and navigation technology, including Global Navigation Satellite Systems, motion sensing and systems based on opportunistic signals. He leads the Sensors and Location module.
Find out more
Watch Professor Jon French as he introduces the course:
Testimonials
Wanxin Yang, MSc Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping
Meet Wanxin, a graduate from our MSc Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping programme.
24 Jan 2024
Emily Yu, BA Geography with Social Data Science
Meet Emily, an undergraduate student in the BA Geography with Social Data Science course at the UCL Department of Geography.
04 Oct 2023
News from MSc Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping
UCL helps lead urgent call for coordinated research into the atmospheric impacts of spaceflight
Researchers at UCL Geography have helped lead a major international white paper calling for coordinated research into the atmospheric impacts of rocket launches and satellite re-entries.
09 Jul 2026
UCL researcher secures ARIA funding to transform ecosystem resilience monitoring
A project led by Dr Martin Mokroš has been awarded seed funding through the Advanced Research and Invention Agency's (ARIA) Engineering Ecosystem Resilience opportunity space.
15 Jun 2026
Unlocking the potential to quantify spacecraft pollution from space-based broadband imagers
Researchers at UCL Geography are using satellite imaging to track rocket pollution plumes and better understand the atmospheric impact of growing space launch emissions.
03 Jun 2026
Got questions? Get in touch.
Contact us if you have any questions about studying Geography at UCL.
Geography Admissions Team
Click to email. admissions.geog@ucl.ac.uk