DIT Bolton Street's geosurveying cert/diploma course supplies graduates to the mapping industry in its widest sense, according to Frank Prendergast, assistant head of surveying. "We are the only undergraduate course in the country which specialises in all of aspects of information gathering, to do with mapping, for both the mapping and the geographical information systems industry," he says. In geographical information systems, maps and spatial information about the environment are combined in digital form, he explains.

Graduates of the course may end up in the GIS, mapping, mining or construction industries. "Ideally, applicants should be scientifically minded with a good aptitude for maths," says Prendergast. "B in pass level Leaving Cert maths or higher would be a good indication. There is a high level of computer technology and surveying measurements using both electronic and satellite technology."

So, the geosurveying course would best suit students who have a liking for science, maths, technology and the outdoor life.

Most graduates will go directly into employment but an increasing number are continuing their studies, usually on similar courses in Britain, which give exemption. The DIT is considering continuing the course to degree level as four-year degree level courses are common in most other European countries.