National Geospatial Advisory Committee

GEOSPATIAL WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION

Background & Overview Report

Dave DiSera

Carolyn Merry

NGAC Meeting

April 2, 2014

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

NGAC Products & Activities Workforce Development Whitepaper approved by NGAC

January 2012. The National Science and Technology Council’s Committee

on STEM Education issued a 5-Year Strategic Plan on Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education in May 2013 which was reviewed by the NGAC Subcommittee in 2013.

The NGAC subcommittee also reviewed: The NRC Report: Future US Workforce for Geospatial

Intelligence The DOI STEM Education and Employment Pathways

Strategic Plan The STEM Workforce Challenge: The Role of the Public Workforce System in a National Solution for STEM

December 11, 2013

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

Key Findings/Learnings Federal STEM Plan is at a strategic level, does

not reference specific programs or disciplines Other back-up documentation used to develop the

Plan may include references DOL related material show that federal agencies

are recognizing GIS as a STEM component - acknowledgement is a breakthrough 

THE DOI STEM Plan references GIS and programs for employment in GIS related fields

Follow-on work regarding the NGA Report findings and recommendations continues

December 11, 2013

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

Challenges There is no clear and broadly accepted definition for what

constitutes the “geospatial industry” or a “geospatial workforce”. (http://www.profsurv.com/magazine/article.aspx?i=71204)

A clear continuum which establishes a clear educational path to credentialing to classified employment does not exist No CIPS/Degree codification exists at the collegiate level While GISP is growing, it lacks broad employer-based support NAICS and similar job codes do not exist

Many educational, certification, and employment classification efforts are in place or underway which place specialization before and above generalization in an effort to meet limited, niche-oriented workforce demands.

Lack of cohesive identity and industry unity = lack of funding How to apply/extend/interface with the Geospatial

Competency Model

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

Impact of Challenges on Federal Gov.

Observations that need to be validated with a broader group: Difficulty in identifying, listing, and filling geospatial

contracts, services, and positions Loss of leadership and the resultant ability to

proscribe standards of practice globally The creation and growth of geospatially oriented

activities may be stunted Collaboration and cooperation across the Federal

enterprise is limited due to lack of common ground

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

Geospatial Workforce SWOT Analysis

Strengths:1.Clear understanding of workforce development pathway2.Sense of identity and ownership which fosters cohesiveness and leadership3.Clarity with respect to Geomatics, surveying, information technology, and allied fields (de-confliction)

Weaknesses:1.Many benefit from current confusion (special interests able to manipulate current system)2.Development of a clear identity may disturb traditional models/owners3.Some who are considered geospatial may fall outside new boundaries

Opportunities:1.Linkage to STEM and similar “new” funding sources2.Platform from which we may lead globally3.Creation of Community focus to solve “big problems”4.Better collaboration through shared understanding

Threats:1.Opposition from those benefiting from current ambiguity2.Inertia associated with breaking from past3.Ambiguity/challenges associated with creating and potentially codifying definitions4.Failure to define soon will result in absorption by other areas

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

Initial Actions for the Geospatial Community to Consider Dialogue with the broader federal and geospatial

communities to better define the geospatial industry and discuss policy recommendations.

Review and revise NAICS Codes to better fit jobs with substantial activities rooted in geospatial

Assess the geospatial Generalist to Specialist education and certification/credentialing

Assess the CIP/degree code for geospatial included in the definition of STEM education

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

2014 Guidance: Geospatial Education & Workforce Development

The FGDC seeks continuing feedback and input from the NGAC on the issues of geospatial education and workforce development, including the following: Identify opportunities to leverage recent professional

GIS certification initiatives by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Provide input as needed on the implementation of the Administration’s STEM strategic plan (government-wide, or within specific agencies, as appropriate).

04/20/23