Oregon Institute of Technology D Department t t off Geomatics G ti A GIS Degree That Merges GIS with Surveying Presented By John A. Ritter, Ph.D. Oregon Institute of Technology
Presentation Objectives 1.
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Acquaint A i you with i h the h Oregon O Institute of Technology and specifically f ll with h the h GIS d degree options within the Geomatics Department at OIT Discuss the uniqueness of these degree offerings Outline the ‘Next Next Steps’ Steps intended for the program
Timeliness of GIS Degree Option
GIS is one of 127 occupations cited for demonstrated growth potential by the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Ad i i t ti Administration (A (April, il 2009) • GIS emphasis areas of interest:
The overall Th ll employment l t off surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying and mapping technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average Occupational Outlook Handbook, 200820082009 Edition
• Opportunities will be best for surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists who h have a bachelor’s b h l ’ degree d and d strong t technical t h i l skills. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos040.htm#emply
About OIT
OIT is one of 7 Schools in the Oregon University System (OUS).
• Eastern Oregon University • Oregon Institute of Technology • Oregon State University • Portland State University • Southern Oregon University • University U i it off O Oregon • Western Oregon University
OIT is located in Klamath Falls, OR; within the Klamath hydrologic basin – an environmentally a o a y significant location
About OIT
Student body of approximately 3200 Only public institution of technology in the Pacific Nortwest Average A student t d t to t faculty f lt ratio ti off 15:1 98% graduate placement rate
About OIT
Major areas of focus: • Engineering
Civil Computer Hardware/Software Electrical Geomatics Manufacturing Mechanical Renewable Energy Systems
• Health H lth Technologies T h l i
Nuclear Medicine Pre--Nursing/Med/Vet Pre g/ / Vascular Ultrasound
• Applied Sciences
Applied Mathematics Environmental Science
The OIT Geomatics Department
BS Degree g in Geomatics • Surveying Option • GIS Option
GIS Minor also available • Frequently used by majors in Environmental Science
The goal of the Geomatics degree/Surveying option is to prepare students d ffor professional f l licensure and professional practice. • Active involvement with industry partners. partners • Participation in real world projects.
GIS Service Center (1997) Senior S i practicum ti (1948)
• Emphasis on handshands-on lab work. • All faculty have a minimum of 10 years of industry experience prior to teaching at OIT.
The OIT Geomatics Department
The OIT Geomatics Department is the only y ABET accredited professional surveying degree program in Oregon and Washington • 60% of cadastral surveyors for U.S. Bureau of Land Management are graduates of OIT’s surveying program
OIT GIS Degree Option
Courses C h have been b maturing/evolving t i / l i since 1996; initially part of Environmental Sciences program Courses C ttransferred f d tto Geomatics G ti Department in 2006 to form GIS degree option ESRI Virtual Vi t l Campus C courses employed l d as focused segments within courses
OIT GIS Degree Option
Uniqueness of the OIT GIS Option • The OIT GIS option provides graduates with a strong fundamental background in surveying technology/methods/theory • Provides a symbiotic relationship between surveying and GIS options. • Integration of surveying and GIS more fully prepares students for the expanding discipline
OIT GIS Degree Option
Uniqueness of the OIT GIS Option • Course work/examples closely related to recent, and/or current contract work
Fire District tax assessment mapping Road Atlas construction City Sewer CAD/GIS conversion and attribution 911 applications pp
OIT GIS Option – Student Projects
OIT is located in close proximity i it tto severall local, state, and federal agencies desiring GIS products • This close p proximity y and working relationship results in several opportunities for student GIS projects
OIT GIS Option – Student Projects
Individual and/or senior i projects j t enable students to delve into complex issues and analysis q techniques
OIT GIS Option – Map Competition
First place in ‘Student/Cartography’ Student/Cartography division at 2009 InterMountain GIS Conference
OIT GIS Option – Map Competition
First place in ‘Student Student Division’ Division at 2009 GIS In Action Conference
The OIT Geomatics Department
‘Next Steps’ for the OIT GIS option • Intent to offer Master’s Master s degree in GIS, beginning in the Fall term of 2010