每个学科的学习计划应包括获批准的400级和500级论文，总分60分，并且通常应包括一个以上学科的论文。经相关系主任或课程主任批准后，可能会包含400到500篇论文中不超过相关应用科学硕士（MAppSc）表中指定的论文的20分的论文。地理信息系统研究如何捕获，整合，建模和可视化空间信息（详细说明对象的地形位置的数据）。这包括诸如卫星遥感，摄影技术和全球定位系统（GPS）以及信息科学等领域。
GIS have revolutionized the way that spatial data are used many aspects of our everyday lives are connected with GIS in one way or another, from the obvious Google Earth and mobile location technologies to morning mail delivery, our electricity supply, through to weather forecasts every evening.GIS are fundamental to urban and regional planning, wildlife management, using business intelligence in commerce, tourism, public health, traffic management, and a host of other applications.It is a multi-billion-dollar worldwide industry, with opportunities almost anywhere in the global economy. It is an area of study that is truly cross-disciplinary.<br>There are diverse opportunities for GIS graduates throughout New Zealand and worldwide. Youll gain the specialist skills needed to work as a GIS or Remote Sensing operator, analyst or manager.You may end up employed by a large corporation, working in local, regional or the national government, or equally, you could work for a consultancy firm. This kind of work tends to have plenty of variety, and opportunities for domestic and international travel.You might be identifying the geographical distribution of endangered plant, animal or bird species. You could work for a regional council, analysing the risk of landslips or flood mitigation, or advising on planning issues. You will also be in an excellent position to launch your own business after you have gained some experience in the spatial information industry.