Geosynthetics are manufactured from polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geotechnical engineering related material as an integral part of a man-made project, structure, or system. The geosynthetics that are used for many environmental engineering application industries are geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, erosion control blankets and mats, geosynthetic clay liners, geocomposite drainage materials, and geonets. Those concerned with the analysis, design, installation, and performance of geosynthetics focus on specifications, design methodologies, construction techniques, long-term performance, and economics.

Geosynthetics have been and continue to be used in all facets of the civil and environmental engineering applications including construction of roadways, airports, railroads, and waterways. The principal functions performed by geosynthetics are filtration, drainage, separation, reinforcement, provision of a fluid barrier, and environmental protection.