Geography is the study of place and location, exploring how we interact with, alter and manage the physical environment. Yes, geography is about maps-but it is much more. At NIU, you can choose from two emphases: geography or geomatics (land surveying). Students also practice the craft and build additional skills through research and internships. ou can earn the B.S. or B.A. degree with emphasis in geography by selecting electives from GIS and mapping science, natural environmental systems, urban-economic systems, or area studies, or by sampling from across our entire curriculum. We also offer the B.S. degree with emphasis in geomatics, which blends the traditional land surveying practices with today's technology -- Geographic Information Science (GIS), cartography, remote sensing and spatial analysis.ou can earn the B.S. or B.A. degree with emphasis in geography by selecting electives from GIS and mapping science, natural environmental systems, urban-economic systems, or area studies, or by sampling from across our entire curriculum. We also offer the B.S. degree with emphasis in geomatics, which blends the traditional land surveying practices with today's technology -- Geographic Information Science (GIS), cartography, remote sensing and spatial analysis.