Spatial science education praxis benefits employees and employers

Abstract

Professional education must enable students to determine learning opportunities to suit their personal and professional needs in preparedness for meeting work environment policy, technology and application challenges. The diverse needs for professional practice within the geospatial (surveying and mapping) profession have defined a requirement for new approaches and multiple varied work oriented learning opportunities. In 2005, the University of Southern Queensland enhanced its unique suit of undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD study options, from which individuals can choose to enter the dynamically changing spatial science profession, emphasising the time, study mode and qualification levels flexibility. The opportunity to choose on-campus and off-campus delivery modes of study, or a combination of these, realises the dilemmas facing both emerging professionals and employer's needs. This paper will concentrate on examining the major criteria and benefits of the new user-defined technical and professional education Spatial Science programs developed at the University of Southern Queensland. It will also demonstrate the diverse range of the graduate's professional skills, problem solving techniques, lateral thinking, teamwork and communication attributes required in meeting the challenges in spatial science employment.