Education in geomatics with GRIFINOR
Kolar, Jan
The unique properties of geographic information technologies, which are important in many levels of modern society, have crystallized into the definition of a new discipline taught at universities. Education of undergraduate geographers as information technologies professionals however brings in more practical questions such as; what are the most efficient practices in this education; what are the main obstacles when delivering the actual teaching and directing students and how to possibly avoid them? This article aims at answering these questions. A concrete example of project-oriented approach is described, which supports the education in geo-information technology (geomatics). This article is based on the research software platform GRIFINOR for data management, visualization, and exploration of geographic information in three-dimensions. The text introduces the GRIFINOR platform as a modern media technology, which relies on the original task of surveying and mapping redefined in terms of digital content and IT. GRIFINOR's current status is presented, as well as a brief overview of its research contributions in the field of geomatics. In the second part of the article are identified some important obstacles inherent to an education in geomatics. It is explained how GRIFINOR may help to alleviate these obstacles. Freedom in teaching fundamental concepts of the geo-information technology and in studying these elementary components of geomatics with the students is pointed out as an important aspect in this context. An important part of the article also gives concrete examples of skills that students can practice and concepts that can be taught using GRIFINOR. The platform is available as a distribution, which opens opportunities to implement concrete exercises focused on particular concepts of geomatics. The characteristics of the distribution are described in the article. Through the article it is argued that the use of GRIFINOR in education directly supports a number of important roles that, according to related works, need to be played by geomatics professionals. With such properties GRIFINOR is considered as a suitable means for teaching master students in new programmes in geomatics at Aalborg University and at Charles University in Prague.
Event: Scientia Est Potentia : Knowledge is Power
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