Observing the Earth with Tech Stack: Bachelor’s Program in Geodesy and Earth Observation Relaunched

Starting in the winter semester 2026/2027, the TUM School of Engineering and Design (TUM ED) will offer the updated Bachelor´s degree program Geodesy and Earth Observation. We spoke with academic program coordinator Felix Müller about studying geodesy, career paths, and his own scientific journey.

Felix, what exactly is geodesy?

The term comes from ancient Greek and means “to divide the Earth.” Geodesy is the science of precisely measuring, modeling, and analyzing the Earth and near-Earth space. The field of Earth Observation is therefore very closely intertwined with the concept of geodesy.

What is the Bachelor’s degree program Geodesy and Earth Observation at the TUM School of Engineering and Design about?

The Bachelor’s program Geodesy and Earth Observation at TUM ED combines mathematics, computer science, physics, and environmental sciences. Those who study geodesy with us observe, measure, understand, and shape our planet.

For Earth observation, we develop and use sensors, satellites, and drones. We plan entire satellite missions to make changes visible. In the program, we combine all of this with computer science, data analysis, and AI for applications ranging from climate research to navigation.

How do satellites measure our Earth?

Satellites “see” the Earth using highly precise sensors such as radar, lasers, or multispectral cameras. They measure distances, movements, and changes with accuracy down to a few millimeters. This allows us, for example, to detect how glaciers move, cities grow, or sea levels rise. Geodesy ensures that this data is precisely referenced and correctly interpreted.

In teaching, you often refer to TUM students as “Digital Explorers.” Where does that come from?

Our students explore the Earth digitally rather than with a compass: using satellite data, algorithms, and models—sometimes off-the-shelf, sometimes self-developed. They discover patterns in the climate system, analyze natural hazards, or develop smart maps. This is exploration with impact—technological, societal, and sustainable.

What kinds of questions about the world can I answer after graduation?

The range of topics is huge, so many questions and answers come together:
How fast is Arctic ice melting? Where are landslides or floods likely to occur? How can cities be planned in a more climate-friendly way? Which positioning systems and navigation methods can make autonomous vehicles safer? What is the value of a house and the land it sits on?

In short: you help solve global environmental challenges efficiently and in a data-driven way—for example in geodynamics and climate research, property valuation and land development, industrial surveying such as tunnel construction projects, or through 3D visualizations of cities and navigation systems in transportation.

Why would you recommend this degree program?

Geodesy and Earth observation is an extremely versatile field that offers excellent career and development opportunities in both science and practice. Our students particularly appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the work. Studying geodesy enables a truly meaningful career: it combines technology, sustainability, and global impact. Geodesists create solutions and insights for societal challenges.

Who is this program exactly right for?

For anyone who wants to use technology meaningfully, is curious about our planet, enjoys analytical thinking, and wants to actively help shape the future. Or, put differently: for all Digital Explorers who want to understand the Earth in order to protect it better.

Do I need to be a math or physics genius?

Math and physics are important—but so are curiosity, teamwork, and the desire to create change. At TUM ED, instructors meet students where they are, with exercise sessions and personal support in small groups. Many discover only during their studies how exciting mathematics or physics can be for understanding the Earth.

What careers can I pursue with a degree in geodesy?

The range of career paths is broad. Our graduates work, for example, in climate research, engineering for satellite and aerospace projects, as geospatial data experts, in surveying offices, or as data scientists for environmental data. They are in demand among employers in industry and research, engineering and planning firms, energy and automotive companies, space agencies, tech companies, start-ups, municipalities, public authorities, and NGOs—both in Germany and worldwide.

Why is TUM a particularly good place to study geodesy?

TUM combines top-level research with practice-oriented teaching. It is one of Europe’s strongest research universities in engineering and among the world’s leaders in remote sensing.

For geodesy, this means close ties to current satellite missions, direct involvement in real research projects such as those in aerospace, state-of-the-art computing and measurement infrastructure, and an international, open study environment. The Bachelor’s program Geodesy and Earth Observation at TUM ED offers excellent professors, a very good student-to-faculty ratio, cutting-edge equipment, and an interdisciplinary, broad-based curriculum—the full thematic spectrum is covered. And after completing the Bachelor’s degree, graduates can choose from several consecutive Master’s programs. Another advantage: TUM is extremely well connected to the research and industrial landscape.

What teaching formats are offered? 

In addition to lectures, seminars, group work, and lab projects, the Bachelor’s program also includes field trips and outdoor experiments. Students can contribute according to their interests, whether in drone-based surveying or in interdisciplinary teams working on real-world challenges.

How international is the program?

TUM ED offers a fully internationally oriented degree program: courses are taught in English, students and instructors come from all over the world, we offer an excellent global network, and semesters abroad are actively supported. Earth observation is global by definition—this is also reflected in the program.

How practical is the Bachelor’s program?

From the very beginning, you work with real satellite data, maps, and programming tools. You often conduct measurements independently, analyze them, and create your own datasets. Students learn the entire process chain—from individual measurements to visualization. Field trips and software labs are an integral part of the curriculum, and theory and practice go hand in hand.

In research and teaching, we use state-of-the-art precision measurement instruments—a finely tuned tech stack ranging from laser trackers and drones to laser scanners.

What distinguishes geodesy from geography?

Geodesy is an engineering discipline. Students learn how to measure, model, and compute the Earth.

What role does AI play in geodesy?

Modern geodetic measurement systems are not unlike autonomous robots: they must make correct decisions to produce the most useful possible results. Satellites and drones generate massive amounts of data—quickly several gigabytes per minute. This data must be analyzed accurately, precisely, and efficiently. These are just two examples of why AI is developed and used in geodesy.

Some colleagues specialize in “Geo-AI,” which is why the topic also plays an important role in the program. Elective modules, in particular, offer opportunities to explore current developments in AI and machine learning using geodetic applications.

You studied geodesy at TUM yourself. What did you particularly enjoy, and what is your research focus?

I started my Bachelor’s in geodesy in 2009 and completed my PhD at TUM in 2021. What fascinates me most is how broadly our university is positioned thematically. My area of specialization is satellite altimetry, which uses radar and laser satellites to study changes in our oceans.

My focus is on the polar oceans, which are characterized by the continuous decline of land and sea ice due to global climate change. Analyzing satellite-based measurement data from these very remote regions using specialized algorithms in order to obtain reliable insights fascinates me anew every single day.

If prospective students have further questions about the Bachelor’s program Geodesy and Earth Observation at TUM ED?

Write an email to:

Felix Müller
Study counseling B.Sc. Geodesy and Earth Observation and M.Sc. Geodesy and Geoinformation
info.gg@ed.tum.de

More information about the program and applications can be found here:
www.ed.tum.de/ed/studium/studienangebot/geodesy-and-earth-observation-b-sc/

Application period for the winter semester:
May 15 – July 15