Spatial Data Science as Minor

Discover the intersection of geography, technology, and data science.

The Spatial Data Science (SDS) Minor equips you with the skills to analyze and visualize spatial data to solve real-world problems and tackle some of society's most pressing challenges. Whether you're passionate about environmental science, urban planning, or geospatial technology, this program is your gateway to impactful science and a competitive edge in your career.

Spatial Data Science is offered as a minor programme of 30 ECTS credits at Bachelor's and Master's level.

30 ECTS credits Minor in Spatial Data Science

Transform your studies with spatial insights:

• Expand your scientific expertise with geospatial tools for climate modeling, biodiversity mapping, or natural hazard assessment.

• Deepen your GIS and programming skills to analyze and address interdisciplinary challenges with an open science approach.

Stand out in your career:

• Gain hands-on experience with in-demand tools such as Python, ArcGIS and QGIS.
• Open doors to careers as GIS analysts, urban planners, environmental consultants, or data scientists.

Work across disciplines:

• Bridging natural sciences, computer science, and societal challenges to make a tangible impact.

• Monitor climate change impacts: Analyse changes in glaciers and assess the impact on ecosystems.
• Plan sustainable cities: Use geospatial data to address urban challenges like traffic and green space planning.
• Conserve biodiversity: Identify and protect ecological hotspots through mapping and spatial analysis.
• Analyse natural disasters: Model floods, wildfires, and other hazards to mitigate their impact.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of spatial data
• Learn together in hands-on exercises and projects
• Internalise spatial thinking, open science and the lifecycle of data
• Program for spatial analyses with Python
• Discover the possibilities of GIScience and remote sensing
• Use spatial data in an ethically reflective way

Your journey will include the following courses:

• SDS 110 - Fundamentals of Spatial Data (starting in 25HS)
• GEO 113 - Earth Perspectives: Introduction to GIScience and Remote Sensing
• GEO 123 - Cartography & Geovisualisation
• SDS 210 - Programming with Spatial Data (starting in 26FS)
• GEO 243 - Spatial Analysis with GIS
• SDS 320 - Spatial Data Analytics (starting in 26HS)

You can find more information about the courses here: 30 ECTS Minor in Spatial Data Science

Do I need programming experience?

• No prior programming experience is required! We start with the basics and build your skills step by step.

What career opportunities does this Minor open up?

• The Minor prepares you for careers in environmental consulting, urban planning, GIS analysis, climate research, and more.

Can I combine this Minor with any major?

• Not quite yet. The Minor in Spatial Data Science cannot be combined with a Major in Earth System Science (Master’s level) or Geography (Bachelor’s or Master’s level). However, students in these programs can consult the student advisory service to include Spatial Data Science modules in elective or optional areas of their curriculum.

• Have questions? Reach out to our program coordinator (hendrik.wulf@geo.uzh.ch) for personalized guidance.

• Ready to start? Sign up for our courses in the Module Booking
  portal and embark on your Spatial Data Science journey! Our newly designed Minor will be launched in the fall semester of 2025.