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Do you have skills or a profession?(geographic information system education)
The GeoPlace.com Web site and GeoWorld have hosted ongoing feedback regarding the debate on GIS Certification (see "Is GIS a Part of Mapping" and "Defending GIS Certification," June 2005, page 7 as well as www.geoplace.com/hottopics/giscertification).
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Discussion about whether GIS is a tool or a profession that should be accredited echoes the recent white paper from the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA), "What Is GIS: A Profession, Niche or Tool?" Both debates have a long history and point to a recurring problem of differentiating between technology skills or domain-specific application.
Quantifying Expertise
The need to define a skill set logically begins in academia, where the next generation of practitioners acquires expertise that hopefully matches employers' needs. Academic programs that train GIS practitioners are broadly divided between domain-specific skills (e.g., foresters) vs. GIS-specific training (e.g., a master's degree in GIS).
The National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis developed a Core Curriculum in GIS (www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/giscc), dating back to 1990, that seeks to outline the broad knowledge set for GIS instruction. And the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science is in the process of defining a model curriculum in Geographic Information Science and Technology (www.ucgis.org/priorities/education/strawmanreport.htm) that's designed as a baseline for undergraduate programs.
The academic instruction outline is somewhat in contrast with professional certification efforts. The GIS Certification Institute, a spin-off from the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, has an express purpose of certifying the skills of GIS professionals (www.gisci.org).
- GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).(endorsement of geographic information...
- Magazine article from: GEO World March 1, 2005 700+ words
The North Carolina Geographic Information Coordinating Council became the first state to endorse the GISCI certification program. www.gisci.org
- Taylor Staff Earn GIS Certification.
- Magazine article from: Michigan Contractor and Builder September 8, 2008 700+ words
...P., of Wade Trim's Taylor, MI office, recently earned their geographic information systems professional (GISP) certifications. Overseen by the GIS Certification Institute, the certification program recognizes GIS professionals...
- GIS Certification Institute implements GISP renewal process.(newsline)
- Magazine article from: Point of Beginning November 1, 2008 700+ words
The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) in September...mandatory renewal requirements for Geographic Information Systems Professional certification...For more information on the GIS Certification Institute, visit www.gisci...
- GIS certification: what's the point? Peter Batty finds flaws in U.S. attempts...
- Magazine article from: GEO: connexion Batty, Peter December 1, 2003 700+ words
...primary job responsibility involves the design and use at geographic information systems' Not to put too fine a point on it, the scheme...its rationale. One of the principal arguments against GIS certification can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ...
- GIS certification: what's the point? Pt. 2; Scott Grams takes issue with the...
- Magazine article from: GEO: connexion Grams, Scott March 1, 2004 700+ words
...possible. If Mr. Batty wants to offer his critique on GIS certification that is fine. In fact, GISCI feels that dissent can only...www.urisa.org) and certification manager for the GIS Certification Institute (www.gisci.org). He can be contacted by...
- GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).(MISC.)
- Magazine article from: GEO World August 1, 2005 700+ words
GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) released the inaugural issue of its online semiannual newsletter, The GISC-Eye, which was prepared by the...
- GIS Certification Institute.(PEOPLELINK)(Appointed Scott Grams as Program...
- Magazine article from: GEO World June 1, 2005 700+ words
Scott Grams, previously certification program director, was named the first executive director of the GIS Certification Institute. www.gisci.com
- GIS Certification Institute, Park Ridge, Ill.(Business News)
- Magazine article from: GEO World May 1, 2004 700+ words
http://www.gisci.org At the close of its second month of operation, the GIS Certification Institute announced that a total of 120 individuals are Certified GIS Professionals.
- GIS certification: what's the point? Pt. 2;... while an only slightly repentant...
- Magazine article from: GEO: connexion Batty, Peter March 1, 2004 700+ words
Scott Grams points out a factual error in my article on GIS certification. While it does not affect any of the arguments I advanced, I agree with him that it is important to present the facts correctly...
- GIS Certification Institute.(turningpoints)
- Magazine article from: Point of Beginning April 1, 2006 700+ words
As of January 25, 2006, two years after its formal opening, the GIS CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE (GISCI) certified 1,016 GIS professionals (GISPs).
Source: HighBeam Research, Do you have skills or a profession?(geographic information system...