The study programme focuses on different aspects of analogue and digital representation of all the phenomena taking place in the landscape spheres of the Earth. It deals with the traditional component-based approach to cartography, as well as the complex solutions of problems within the framework of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing in the era of Big Data. Students are trained to understand both theoretical and practical uses of cartographic visualization in cartographic modelling of selected phenomena. The attention is paid to the issues of data quality and critical selection of data from different resources following the individual requirements of different groups of users. Adaptable electronic cartography, cartographic generalization in digital environment, creation and utilization of national spatial data infrastructures and European and global spatial data projects, such as Global Map, GSDI, Digital Earth, United Nations Geographic Database, Future Earth, Group of Earth Observations(GEO), and the activities of Global Earth Observation System of Systems(GEOSS) also form an important part of studies. The doctoral students are also acquainted with web cartography and telecartography. Besides the aspects related to the content and technologies, attention is also paid to security and legislative aspects of spatial data processing. In relation to the basic documents of the Czech Republic and the EU information policy and the creation of the information society the students deal with the utilization of geographic information, including the information obtained from volunteers (Volunteer Geographic Information - VGI) within the portals of public administration and local government, as well as private or study portals that are part of the implementation of the Geoinfostrategy of the Czech Republic.

The doctoral degree programme of Geography builds upon the knowledge of students obtained in the Master's degree programme of Geography and Cartography. It focuses on deepening and broadening of knowledge, ability and skills in the specialized branches of geographical and cartographic research with the emphasis on the studies of causative relations and connections in a broad complex of the studied phenomena and processes. An important part of studies is also the active mastering of new knowledge obtained mainly from foreign literature and participation in the specialized lectures in their own institutes as well as in other institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad.

The students are encouraged to use modern methods and technologies for data collection, processing, and evaluation of geographical data using existing possibilities of computer data processing and methods of remote sensing.

Also the methods of the integration of structured data (eg. via spatial data infrastructures - SDI, the national spatial data infrastructure - NIPI) or data collected by volunteers (VGI), their interpretation and visualization with regard to the characteristics of a particular user are of a prime importance. The objective of the study programme is to equip students with a deep theoretical knowledge and educate them as outspoken scientists who are able to work in the areas of theoretical as well as applied scientific research. The students are encouraged to formulate scientific problems independently, obtain relevant data, and perform their qualitative and quantitative evaluation. They also select the suitable methodology and evaluate the obtained results regarding the analytical and synthetic perspectives with respect to the creation of the alternative scenarios of the development of geographical phenomena and processes in space and time. The attention is also paid to the virtual geographic environments (VGE) and the possibilities of a closer union and engagement of people with the virtual reality.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• demonstrate deep theoretical and practical knowledge, work ethic and skills
• master a wide range of methods used in geoinformatics, and analytical, web, and adaptable electronic cartography, telecartography and remore sensing, especially the methods of cartographic generalization, cartographic visualization, and methods of data p
• enter, cooperate, and supply data and information for the Czech, European, and global spatial data projects
• constructively react to the requirements related to the utilization of geographic information essential for the information/knowledge-based society, especially in creating the national geographic information infrastructure of the Czech Republic and the p
• demonstrate the knowledge of analytical and web cartography, as well as the use of information technologies in solving both scientific and practical tasks
• integrate geographical data, analyse and interpret them
• adequately define and solve scientific problems related to the study of processes and phenomena in the Earth's landscape regarding the individual components of sustainable development

The obtained knowledge gives the graduates a good opportunity to find employment in research institutions, universities, and the Academy of Sciences, as well as in applied research in a wide range of institutions and centres that collect, process and provide spatial information (cadastral and regional offices, government offices, institutions dealing with ecology and economics, institutions addressing issues of disaster risk reduction and early warning systems, and others) as well as a wide range of business activities.

The standard duration of studies is eight semesters. To be admitted to the final state examination, students must earn credits determined in the study plan of required, selective, and elective courses.

The doctoral state examination has two parts: the defence of a thesis and an oral examination.