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Geospatial Technology in a Multidisciplinary Academic Center Because the technical evolution of the geospatial technologies has led to new and exciting approaches to problem solving in technology fields, the Center of Multidisciplinary Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology has developed six geospatial technology courses and is currently proposing a BS degree that focuses on developing, advancing, and studying the application of geospatial technology.

The Center has been the home for numerous certificate programs and BS and MS degrees in Arts and Sciences that encourage students to build personalized degree programs based on concentrations drawn from across the Institute. These geospatial technology courses are available to all university students and have been attracting students from a variety of majors. Because of the depth and breadth of geospatial applications, the design of the new BS program proposal integrates topics in Geographic Information Science as delineated in the UCGIS Book of Knowledge1 with general education, professional minors and free elective choices.

In a world where computing, network access, and data sensors are ubiquitous, today’s students and researchers are already capitalizing on the abundance of raw data. The capability to effectively summarize and draw inferences to transform this raw data into useful knowledge is critical in many undergraduate curricula. The pressing global issues in today’s world that these students will face upon graduation require extensive measurements as well as the location and changes of those measurements over time. The underlying mathematics, sciences and technologies used in collecting, transforming, and communicating this data are vital components.

Introduction

This paper describes a proposed Bachelor of Science degree in Geospatial Technology to be offered by the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies in the College of Applied Science and Technology. This degree will educate a new generation of students who can combine spatial thinking, problem solving, and creative thinking skills with technical skills on effective use of the varied approaches to Geospatial Technologies (GTs). Achieving this combination will allow students to achieve maximum successes in their careers or research disciplines.

Background technologies and the anticipated future of the field

Geospatial Technologies (GTs) have evolved from initial beginnings as simple computer-based map making tools to complex visual and computational environments. GTs are used world- wide in diverse application domains ranging from community planning to the exploration of outer space. The increased use of GTs has led the development of new tools, techniques and theory that have imbued GTs with new forms of geographic visualization, support for spatial thinking, and opportunities for research and education. It is an exciting time for GT research and education. Industry standard, commercial desktop Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms such as ArcGIS2 by ESRI Inc that were once the hallmark of GTs are now being complemented by freely available virtual globe software such as Google Earth3 and NASA Worldwind4. The easy-to-use functionality of virtual globe environments provide users with rich interactivity and visualization capabilities that are allowing millions of people to develop

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Johnson, G., & Tomaszewski, B. (2010, June), Geospatial Technology In A Multidisciplinary Academic Center Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16248