Possibilities of Introduction of Remote Sensing Within the
Science Stream Curricula in Colleges and Univesities of India*
P. Jothimani
GPS/GIS Systems Division,
Hitachi Zosen Information Systems Co., Ltd.
7-37-10, Nishi-Kamata, Ota-Ku, Tokyo 144, Japan
Tel : + (03)-5711 5325 Fax : + (03)- 5711 5371
Email : jo@gps.hzs.co.jp
Abstract
It has been widely accepted that Indian Space Program has emerged as a successful frontier of technology. Department of Space is making efforts to provide opportunities for training personnel in government/institutions to adopt the technology in their efforts to use satellite data. It is also generally believed that Remote Sensing education is yet to takeoff in a comprehensive manner. There are course offered in Geography /Geology faculties and new courses are started in Civil Engineering faculties but opportunities offered are restricted due to the criterion of the eligibility and curricula orientation. Unless efforts are streamlined in the existing curricula with inter-disciplinary perspective, the balanced nourishment of multi-disciplinary remote sensing specialists, shall become an uphill task in the future. As an attempt towards this effort, this paper outlines the various components of the academic settings and curricula organization within the science stream of the colleges and universities. This is attempted through the comparative analysis of the academic and applied components of Remote Sensing. The existing problems are outlined and possible options and suggestions also recommended.
Introduction
India, one of the emerging economics in Asia wit a scientific tradition in ancient and medieval periods, has considerable scientific and technical manpower potential. Early eighties had witnessed transformation of scientific knowledge of outlining social, political, economic and cultural aspirations of the society that has yielded in working out scientific and technical programs to achieve these goals (Rahman, 1974). Remote Sensing technology and its utilization through the available data, including Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS)1C, have gained the attention of administrators, and planners. Earth observations through remote sensors, viz., photographic cameras, Electro-optical sensors/scanners, imaging tubes and devices and microwave systems that can be operated from different platforms like free-lift balloons, aircraft and spacecraft has made phenomenal contribution towards initial efforts in natural resources and spacecraft has made phenomenal contribution towards initial efforts in natural resources survey mapping, monitoring and management. (Pischaroty, 1984; Sahai et al, 1986; Joseph, 1986). The development of human potential specialized in remote sensing technology and its application areas is of great importance so as to achieving these goals (Deekshatulu and Rajan, 1984; Chandrasekhar et al, 1992; Gopalan et al, 1992). The approaches to introduce remote sensing as a subject within the existing curricula in the universities (Jothiani, 1986) and other strategies for training at various levels including he schools and universities (Gupta et al, 1992) & 1994) emphasize the ongoing efforts. The research and training institutions under the Department of Space like NRSA (including Indian Institute of Remote Sensing) and Space Application Centre (SAC/ISRO) are already offering specialized training courses suited for in-service personnel. Short-term basic level courses are also offered at CSRE in IIT-Bombay and in some more universities. The Regional Remote Sensing Service Centers (RRSSC's) provide opportunities for using facilities like compute etc. There are opportunities for young scholars from universities to visit and carry out thesis/dissertation research work at various centers of Indian Space Research Organization, other autonomous institutions like National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad and Physical Research Laborator, Ahmedabad under the guidance of the university professors/scientists. Since these do not offer ample opportunities for young approach in educational curricula is worth considering. Thus this paper attempts to find, analyze and suggest way to streamline procedures that could pave ways for introduction of Remote Sensing in universities and colleges in India.
Approach and Methodoogy
- to outline the subject orientation in the existing science stream curricula with different aspects of remote sensing.
- to compare the academic components vis-à-vis application areas and to evaluate its relevance for inclusion to the existing science stream
- to suggest a possible approach with RS as a main and optional subject
- to recommend the possibilities of the implementation of the approach.
