Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science in Geoinformatics

SDG Alignment for Master of Science in Geoinformatics

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Geoinformatics at Khon Kaen University is designed to create high-level professionals who can integrate geoinformation science and technology for sustainable development. The program's philosophy, which focuses on producing "technologists and innovators" skilled in spatial data science, remote sensing, and GIS for solving complex national and international problems in resource management and urban planning, is deeply aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a powerhouse for SDGs related to environmental stewardship, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Advanced coursework in urban planning, smart city development, natural resource management, and disaster management equips students with the tools to monitor ecosystems, plan sustainable urban growth, and build resilience to climate-related hazards. Furthermore, the program is a key enabler of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as geoinformatics is a critical technology for modern infrastructure and industrial efficiency. It also supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through applications in water resource management. As a graduate-level program, it is a direct contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education), and its emphasis on thesis research and collaboration with various agencies fosters the multi-stakeholder partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

▶

Alignment Summary: This master's program provides high-quality, specialized education in a cutting-edge scientific field. It ensures students acquire advanced technical and research skills for employment and lifelong learning in the geospatial industry through a research-intensive curriculum, including a mandatory thesis.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 891	Seminar in Geoinformatics	Promotes lifelong learning opportunities by providing a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge research and develop advanced presentation skills (Target 4.3).
CP 378 998	Thesis	Represents a capstone research experience, equipping students with superior technical and research skills that are highly relevant for innovation and high-level employment (Target 4.4).

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

▶

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to the sustainable management of water resources. Students learn to use advanced geospatial technologies to analyze watersheds, monitor water quality, and manage water-related ecosystems, supporting integrated water resource management.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 741	Geoinformatics for Water Resource Management	Directly supports the implementation of integrated water resources management at all levels by teaching students to apply geospatial analysis to water systems (Target 6.5). This also aligns with the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems (Target 6.6).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

▶

Alignment Summary: By equipping students with high-demand skills in a technology-driven field, the program promotes job creation and economic productivity. Graduates are prepared for careers that contribute to innovation and the development of a knowledge-based economy, fostering sustainable economic growth.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 998	Thesis	Through industry-relevant research, this course contributes to diversifying economic productivity and fostering innovation (Target 8.2).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

▶

Alignment Summary: Geoinformatics is a key driver of innovation. This curriculum provides the core competencies for developing and utilizing geospatial technologies, which are essential for building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and enhancing scientific research across numerous sectors.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 731	Advanced Geographic Information System	Provides advanced skills for developing and managing the spatial data infrastructure that is critical for modern industry and sustainable development (Target 9.1).
CP 378 711	Advanced Remote Sensing	Enhances scientific research and technological capabilities by teaching advanced techniques in data acquisition and analysis, which fosters innovation across industries (Target 9.5).
CP 378 761	Geoinformatics Programming	Fosters innovation by providing the skills to create new software and tools for geospatial analysis, supporting sustainable industrialization (Target 9.B).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

▶

Alignment Summary: This program is directly aligned with creating sustainable cities and communities. It provides students with the advanced skills needed for urban planning, smart city development, and managing cultural and natural heritage, thereby contributing to making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 742	Geoinformatics for Urban Studies	Directly addresses integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management through the application of advanced geospatial technologies (Target 11.3).
CP 378 743	Geoinformatics for Smart City	Focuses on developing the technological solutions needed for smart and sustainable urban development, contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanization (Target 11.3).
CP 378 745	Geoinformatics for Cultural Heritage	Supports efforts to protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage by providing tools to monitor and manage these assets, a key component of the 'Sustainable practices' metric (Target 11.4).

SDG 13: Climate Action

▶

Alignment Summary: The program provides essential tools for climate action. Students learn to use remote sensing and GIS to monitor climate-related hazards, assess vulnerability, and plan for adaptation, which strengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 744	Geoinformatics for Disaster Management	Directly contributes to strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters (Target 13.1).
CP 378 712	Environmental Remote Sensing	Improves education and awareness-raising on climate change impact reduction and early warning through the use of satellite imagery and data analysis (Target 13.3).

SDG 14: Life Below Water

▶

Alignment Summary: The curriculum supports the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. Geospatial technologies taught in this program are crucial for monitoring coastal erosion, mapping marine habitats, and managing marine resources sustainably, thereby contributing to the health of life below water.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 741	Geoinformatics for Water Resource Management	Provides the tools and techniques to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from land-based activities (Target 14.1 & 14.2).

SDG 15: Life on Land

▶

Alignment Summary: This program is essential for the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. Students learn to apply geoinformatics to monitor deforestation, manage forests, combat desertification, and conserve biodiversity, directly contributing to the protection and restoration of life on land.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 742	Geoinformatics for Natural Resources and Environmental Management	Directly supports the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, including forests and mountains (Target 15.1).
CP 378 712	Environmental Remote Sensing	Provides skills to monitor ecosystems and biodiversity, which is crucial for taking action to halt biodiversity loss (Target 15.5).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

▶

Alignment Summary: Geoinformatics is a collaborative field that relies on data sharing and partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. This program fosters these partnerships through its research-intensive thesis work, preparing students to contribute to multi-stakeholder efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 378 998	Thesis	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical sustainability challenges (Target 17.17).
CP 378 891	Seminar in Geoinformatics	Promotes knowledge-sharing and dialogue on best practices, enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16).