Abstract
Assessing Virginia's Geospatial Workforce and Educational Needs
Track: Designing Curriculum and Degree Programs for Higher Education
Author(s): George McLeod, James Wilson, John McGee, Thomas Allen
The implementation of geospatial products and services in Virginia can be described as nothing short of "explosive". This follows national trends. Recent reports suggest that the demand for geospatially literate workers is increasing so rapidly that the workforce needs are not being met.
Virginia has a solid foundation to develop quality geospatial educational programming supported by various software license agreements to with Esri which provide ArcGIS in every public middle and high school, community college, and 4-year college/university in the Commonwealth. However, a more targeted strategy to deliver geospatial education is warranted.
Old Dominion University and the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program conducted an extensive geospatial survey to assess the existing & future geospatial workforce needs, and to target the development of geospatial educational programs in the Commonwealth to meet these needs. Results from the survey will be provided, and a geospatial educational plan, based on the survey, will be presented.
George McLeod
Old Dominion University
Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences
2835 Croix Ct.
Virginia Beach , VA 23451
US
Phone: 757-406-4447
E-mail: gmcleod@odu.edu
James Wilson
Old Dominion University
Georgaphy
Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk 23529
US
Phone: 757-683-3852
E-mail: jwwilson@odu.edu
John McGee
Virginia Geospatial Extension Program
Forestry
307C Cheatham Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg 24061
US
Phone: 540-231-2428
E-mail: jcmg@vt.edu
Thomas Allen
East Carolina University
Georgaphy
East Carolina University
Greenville , NC 27858
US
Phone: 252-328-6624
E-mail: allenth@ecu.edu