The Role of Certification in GIS&T Education

Abstract

Geographic Information Science and Technologies (GIS&T) have today become critical components of the global cyberinfrastructure. The increasing demand for specialized geospatial education and training opportunities was responded by the rapid development of academic certificate programs and also plenty of vocational courses. Unfortunately, the GIS education both formal and informal is highly variable by quantity and quality in many countries. It requires the certification of education. One of the first national-wide GIS certification is organised by URISA in USA, which is based on self-certification process applying benchmarks for main 3 areas -education, experience and contribution to the profession. In the Czech Republic both the standardisation of relevant higher education as well as improved certification of vocational training are required. It is planned to establish a national educational board and to develop appropriate certification programmes. For certification of professional development the competency-based model is preferred.

A Synergetic Talent Training Mode for Cultural Heritage Digitalization—A Case of GIS

“…Therefore, not only the typical attributes of informatic specialties but also the properties of applied specialties can easily be observed in the GIS specialty at the same time [17]. So, emphasis on the continuous professional skills training is an international way that can help those who will launch the career in GIS industries [13].…”

“…Geographic Information System and Technology (GIS&T), rising in the 1960s, has been viewed as one of the most critical parts of the global information infrastructure industries [13]. As well known that GIS&T is also seen as an emerging strategic industry based on the earth science, computer science, information science, survey, and remote sense & technology, etc.…”

A Framework for an Open Source Geospatial Certification Model

“…The following sections summarize some existing certifications. For further examples see Horak (2015).…”

“…The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI, https://www.gisci.org/) was implemented in 2003 with representatives from Urban and Regional Systems Association (URISA), Association of American Geographers (AAG), University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) (Wikle, 2014 Their body of knowledge (BOK) provides a basis for the assessment of the applicants' competencies to the GISCI program (DiBiase et al, 2006, Horak 2015. One individual can achieve the certification if she/he has met all required standards in terms of experience, education, and contribution (Somers, 2004).…”

A Framework for an Open Source Geospatial Certification Model

“…Their body of knowledge (BOK) provides a basis for the assessment of the applicants' competencies to the GISCI program (DiBiase et al, 2006, Horak 2015. One individual can achieve the certification if she/he has met all required standards in terms of experience, education, and contribution (Somers, 2004).…”