Mission

The School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) is dedicated to providing high-quality academic education and research in its scientific disciplines, contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and society. Its mission is to educate highly qualified scientists, engineers, and researchers who will contribute to the development of sustainable solutions and the resolution of contemporary challenges related to Earth and space observation and measurement, spatial planning and geographic information management, cadastre and land administration, environmental monitoring and management, and the planning and management of infrastructure projects.

A key pillar in the School’s development is the deep understanding and knowledge of the spatial properties of geographic space and their quality, as well as the ability to accurately describe and integrate geospatial information. This field has acquired new dimensions through the emergence of artificial intelligence and deep learning methods, satellite technologies, digital systems, autonomous aerial, terrestrial, and marine navigation systems, and knowledge-based technologies.

Overview

Over the past decades, the Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineer has been recognized and established as the competent engineer for activities covering geodesy, surveying, cartography, photogrammetry, remote sensing, cadastre, as well as spatial and urban planning, environmental, transportation, and hydraulic engineering studies and infrastructure projects.

The modernization of the School, reflected in the change of its title (2021) and the complete redesign of its curriculum (2024), is fully aligned with international developments and the standards of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). Its internationally recognized core field is Geomatics / Geoinformatics / Geospatial Engineering and encompasses:

• Determination of the size, shape, and dynamics of the Earth.
• Positioning, three-dimensional recording, and monitoring of natural and built features, infrastructure assets, and dynamic processes.
• Determination and delineation of public and private property boundaries.
• Collection, processing, and analysis of large-scale heterogeneous data using terrestrial, underwater, airborne, and satellite instruments and sensors mounted on manned or unmanned platforms.
• Design, implementation, and management of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Production and compilation of maps, diagrams, and, more generally, two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations of the real world as well as augmented and virtual reality environments.
• Study of the natural and social environment for the planning of urban and rural areas and regional development.
• Assessment of environmental impacts and the effects of climate change on natural and built environments, as well as on cultural heritage monuments.
• Planning, development, and reorganization of land ownership structures.
• Valuation of land and property assets and the management of geospatial information.
• Design, study, measurement, and management of construction and infrastructure projects.

In Greece, the professional rights of Rural and Surveying Engineers were initially defined by Law 4663/1930 and are currently regulated by Presidential Decree 99/25-10-2018 (Government Gazette 187A'/05-11-2018, Article 7).

Today, the School is a leading and internationally recognized educational and research institution. Its graduates excel both in Greece and abroad, playing a pioneering role in development, society, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation. They hold leadership positions in major scientific societies and academic institutions and have distinguished themselves through their contributions to science, academia, society, and professional practice.

The School will continue to educate, conduct research, and contribute to society while serving and advancing its scientific disciplines, as they evolve throughout its more than 100-year history. Through the measurement, analysis, visualization, and monitoring of terrestrial and space environments, the seas, and the built environment, it develops tools for the effective management of natural and built environments and infrastructure projects. By employing modern, integrated, and coherent approaches that leverage geospatial technologies and information, the School contributes to achieving the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to building a better world.