Leveraging the Geospatial Technology Competency Model to Align Higher Education

Curricula with Workforce Needs

David DiBiase, CMS, GISPPenn State University National Geospatial Technology Center

National Geospatial Advisory CommitteeWashington DCDecember 8, 2010

Sponsors include the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program [DUE #0801893]. Author’s opinions are not necessarily shared by NSF.

2000-2003: Original GTCM

2005-2006: IndustryDefinition Workshops

2004-2006: GIS&TBody of Knowledge

2008: Skills in Professional Geography

2008-2010: New GTCM

62% of survey respondents agreed that Technical Competencies specified in the GTCM are inadequate.

DOLETA Competency Modeling Initiative

Competencies needed in many occupations and

industries at national scale

Competencies needed for various occupations within

an industry

Competencies needed for various occupations within

an industry sector

Competencies required for particular occupations identified

by DoL partners (e.g., GeoTech Center)

Requirements for specialized degrees, licensure, or certification

(e.g., GISCI)

Knowledge areas required for particular occupations identified

by workforce analysts

Management competencies

GTCM-based Curriculum Self-Assessment Tool

What NGAC can do:

1. Endorse voluntary self-assessment of higher education curricula relative to workforce needs identified by the U.S. Department of Labor

2. Ask GeoTech Center to develop scalable online self-assessment tool

Leveraging the Geospatial Technology Competency Model to Align Higher Education

Curricula with Workforce Needs

David DiBiase, CMS, GISPPenn State University National Geospatial Technology Center

National Geospatial Advisory CommitteeWashington DCDecember 8, 2010

Sponsors include the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program [DUE #0801893]. Author’s opinions are not necessarily shared by NSF.