- NODE member registration can be found at the bottom of this page -

Curious about the GIMA programme?

If you are curious about the admission procedure, you can find information by clicking the link or searching for the master program on the website of Utrecht University. If you are curious what topics the Msc. G.I.M.A. touches upon, you can find examples of Msc. Thesis subjects on the website of the University of Twente.

The program of Geographical Information Management & Applications touches upon a variety of topics such as spatial databases, data visualization, spatial data infrastructures, and a wide range of spatial analysis methods. The program takes you through modules curated by four universities, each having their own vision on spatial data, its implications and its uses. From spatial data availability, storage, manipulation, calculations, linking, visualization, communication and analysis, to the management of Geographical Information itself and projects relying on it. To create space for students to see the whole process of spatial data management & applications, all of these subjects are discussed. But to allow students to become an expert in the subjects that interest them most, they can choose to do projects to gain in depth knowledge on that subject.

The first year of the GIMA program is divided into 3 Trimesters, 2 modules per trimester. 4 of the modules consist of multiple tasks, seminar & case studies which have been prepared for the students in advance. These will provide them with the knowledge for the last quarter and second year of their MSc. In the 2 last modules, students will choose a specialization. In module 3, students write a business plan for the solution to a real case study. This is done for companies & organizations such as the Port of Rotterdam and ProRail. Finally in module 6 students write a thesis in a group of 4 students. They formulate the research themselves, but are guided by subjects presented by teachers at all 4 universities.

A lot is possible in the Msc. program, but to make the program most usefull to yourself as a student, it is important to reach out and take initiative.

The Committees of NODE

As NODE is still a young and small organization, it does not host as much different committees as might be expected from a student association, nor does it need a large amount of them. Outside of a board, NODE consists of an internal committee and an external committee. A short description of both is provided below.

Internal Committee

The internal committee of NODE takes care of the more informal activities organized for GIMA students. To involve all students as much as possible, these will mostly be organized in the contact periods at the four universities GIMA students visit around the year. These activities can vary from a relaxing BBQ to an intense pubquiz.

External Committee

The external committee takes care of the formal activities that also serve as a calling card for GIMA as a master program and NODE as an organization. The most important of these is GIS Career Day, a symposium and company market where students, teachers and companies can share knowledge and experiences. Additionally NODE is involved in multiple Missing Maps events and company visits each year.

Submit your ideas to the current board!

Do you have ideas for a fun next event, merch or any other miscelleneous thoughts to share with NODE? Let us know! You can do this by filling in the form below.

Best practices from (former) GIMA-students for making the most of your MSc!

Are you in doubt if GIMA is the right MSc programme for you? We’ve collected some best practices from former first-year GIMA students, which could help you in making a decision.Think about your learning goals: Why are you thinking about studying GIMA? Think about your motives. Do you want to broaden yourself in geoinformation management and become a future geo-management specialist? Do you want to apply specific coding skills in the building of GI-applications? Or are you more interested in the analyzation of geo-information for the support of spatial policies or in scientific work? All are valid reasons for studying GIMA, however you should be aware that GIMA covers a broad range of topics in the GI-field. Also be aware that there is a lot of flexibility in what you would like to learn in some of the courses’ projects. Thinking beforehand in what you would like to master yourself in, could help you in making the right choices for projects in the course of the year. (Also don’t forget, GIMA is not the only Dutch GI-master, inform yourself also of the programme of Geomatics (TU Delft) or Geo-Information Sciences (Wageningen University & Research)).