Research Group: Geospatial Engineering
Cutting edge research and innovative teaching across science and engineering.
Geospatial engineering is the study of the collection, analysis and interpretation of data relating to the earth's surface. Our work has many applications across the realms of science and engineering.
We carry out internationally leading research and teaching on all aspects of:
- geospatial measurement science
- Earth observation
- location-based data science
- spatial analytics
- geospatial modelling
- geographic visualisation

Our work has many applications across the realms of science and engineering.
Our origins are in the first Joint Honours degrees in Surveying, introduced by Newcastle University in 1967. We operated for many years under the names of Surveying and later Geomatics. Since 2019 we have been Geospatial Engineering.
Our research informs our highly-rated specialist BEng, BSc, MSci and PhD degree programmes. We educate the next generation of geospatial professionals. We enjoy excellent collaborative links with industry in both research and teaching. Our graduates are highly sought by employers.
As part of UKCRIC, we lead the Newcastle Urban Observatory - the largest set of publicly-available real-time urban data in the UK. We are also part of:
- the NERC COMET+ centre of research excellence
- the Innovate UK Satellite Applications Catapult NE centre of excellence
Research
Our research spans a very broad spectrum of cutting-edge technology development and applications. From the wilds of the Antarctic and oceans to the bustle of modern cities. It has a societal impact across science and engineering.
Our research falls under three themes:
- Geospatial Data Analysis and Modelling (GDAM)
- Earth Observation (NeoLAB)
- Geodesy
Industry links and impact
We work with partners from across the world on research programmes and education. Our partners come from a diverse range of organisations. This spans from academia to global leaders in industry and government. These collaborations enable us to:
- undertake our world-leading research
- maximise impact
- deliver cutting-edge teaching programmes
We are always interested in developing new connections with collaborators and partners. Get in touch if you are interested in exploring with us. Our links with industry include:
Geospatial Data Analytics and Modelling
We develop the data science and visualisation tools behind all analysis of location-based data.
Our research is both developmental and applied. We focus on the acquisition, analysis, simulation and visualisation of complex geospatial systems. Our research leads to better informed decision making and policy.
We have particular strengths in:
- environmental sensor networks and Spatial Internet of Things (IoT)
- large scale geospatial database architectures
- real-time geospatial data analytics and multi-scale spatial modelling
- visualisation of dynamic spatial datasets
Phil James is Professor of Urban Data and director of the world-leading Newcastle Urban Observatory. The observatory comprises over 3,600 environmental sensors across Newcastle upon Tyne. The sensors provide ‘open’ data for improved understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of the city.
We have developed outstanding spatial database architecture. This underpins the storage and management of real-time data feeds from sensor networks. We created the world-leading database NISMOD-DB++ for coupled interdependent infrastructure modelling.
Our expertise includes the visualisation of real-time flows and movements over spatial networks. We excel in the visualisation of BIM (Building Information Modelling). Our work on Digital Twins, from the building to the city scale, is leading-edge.
Our researchers have developed STRAIN. This is a generic framework for the dynamic visualisation of complex spatial simulation models.
Our technical work has been applied within UKRI-funded research. Recent and current research funding within our group includes:
Geodesy
Geodesy is the precise measurement and analysis of:
- the Earth’s changing shape and gravity field
- large-scale natural features and infrastructure
We refine the methods and application of high-precision GNSS methodologies. This provides us with a better understanding of the dynamics of the changing environment around us.
NEOLab
The Newcastle Earth Observation Laboratory develops innovative techniques in data capture. We use photogrammetry, laser scanning, synthetic aperture radar, and satellite image analysis
We investigate the methodological development and application of remote sensing, photogrammetry and laser scanning.
Earth Observation research focuses on data about the Earth’s systems. We use this data to assess the status of, or track changes in, the natural and built environments.
We use the latest remote sensing technologies, such as:
- satellite imaging
- airborne digital sensors
- unmanned aerial vehicles
- mobile mapping systems
- advanced ground-based instrumentation
These technologies provide detailed geometric and radiometric data at many spatio-temporal scales. Thus, we have unique insights into the Earth’s physical, biological and engineered systems.
Our activities include:
- sensor calibration and validation
- advanced approaches to measurement and monitoring
- novel algorithms for integrating multi-sensor data and assessment of new technologies
We apply our research in many fields, including:
- civil engineering
- precision agriculture
- natural resource management
- cultural heritage
- geohazards
We are supported by a diverse set of national and international funding bodies and industry, including:
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
- UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- EU Horizon2020 programme
- The Innovate UK Satellite Applications Catapult NE centre of excellence
Doctoral training
A key part of our PhD research training programme is our leadership of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Geospatial Systems. We are also part of the NERC IAPETUS and ONEPlanet doctoral training partnerships.
Teaching
Taught Programmes
Our Geospatial Engineering Undergraduate Programmes equip students with the professional skills they need to succeed while exposing them to real-world experiences.
We work with many partners from across the UK, Europe and the world on research programmes and education. Our partners come from a diverse range of organisations, from academia to global leaders in industry and government. These collaborations enable us to:
- undertake our world leading research
- maximise impact
- deliver cutting-edge teaching programmes
We are always interested in developing new connections with collaborators and partners. Get in touch if you are interested in exploring with us.
Our links with industry include: