An Australian Needs-Based Curriculum For Geomatics Education

Abstract

This thesis developed and analysed the framework and principles for a curriculum which would prepare Australian geomaticans for the 21st century. Necessary professional qualities were defined and provided data to develop principles and consider implications of the curriculum A review of Australian and overseas literature revealed the need for a geomatics' needs-based, open access curriculum. A synthesis of the contemporary geomatics' industry and wider educational and societal needs and trends provided the construct for the remainder of the research. Qualitative phenomenographic research methodology was used to collect data from a broad spectrum of the geomatics' population across Australia. Data analysis revealed 'integrated' and `specialisation' routes for professional education, concerned with providing geomatics' services with responsible outcomes for the client, the professional and society. It also revealed the geomaticans to be paraprofessionals, and specialist professionals, with professional relationships and credentials.