GIS Education in GCC Region
The courses offered are:
- Managing a Versioned Geodatabase
- Advanced Analysis with ArcGIS
- Working with ArcGIS Network Analyst
- Introduction to ArcIMS
- QA/QC for GIS Data
University Of Qatar, Scientific And Applied Research Center (SARC), Remote Sensing Unit (RSU) is also offering Professional course focusing on application of remotely-sensed data from aircrafts and satellites to geological mapping, drainage basins, land-use pattern, coastal studies and other natural resource studies.
Saudi Center For Remote Sensing, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Remote sensing applications, supporting National Development Plans and academic research in education. Providing data from NOAA 9 and 10 for weather forecasting
The GIS Center, Dubai Municipality has done some important activities and practices including arranging and conducting training in all aspects relevant to the optimal integration and use of GIS in the functioning of the government.
It gives training courses in standard GIS applications and in applications developed specifically for their workflows. It also helps all user departments in the use of the intranet application, “DUGIS”, for their daily tasks. UAE University is also offering Master of Science in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems. The MSc is designed to provide a unique educational opportunity in this subject area, and improve the understanding of the field of Remote Sensing and GIS, together with its implications and societal ramifications.
Ambiguities, difficulties and solutions
In the region main difficulties in GIS and remote sensing education that has been existed and partly existing is:
- Correct usage of complex GIS and remote sensing softwares was difficult especially for those who have a little experience of computers with mother tongue is not English.
- Importance of using satellite imagery and GIS for development was not clear to governmental decision makers,because of this it has been very difficult to justify training courses on these topics.
- The lack of faculty educated and having updated knowledge in GIS. Most departments have just one faculty member who teaches GIS related courses.
- Though GIS programs show similarities in curriculum , the type of the institutions show different characteristics. Most of the Research-extensive, Research-intensive Universities offer GIS education while most of the community colleges do not involve GIS at all.
- Specialized GIS degree programmes offer concentrated studies, but may not be appropriate for students approaching GIS from an applications area or for those without the time for, or interest in completing an additional degree.
Suggestions and proposals
- Necessary curriculums should be established in a consistent and suitable manner, which will satisfy country's requirements in all different levels.
- To arrange for trainings graduated staff in post-graduate levels at well-known institutes in the world.
- Application oriented trainings should also be arranged for students approaching GIS from an applications area.
- Introduction of specialized education programmes is not enough to reduce lack of GIS experts. For these reasons, the universities should develop online education opportunities.
- Training is to be provided to staff to keep them updated with latest technologies.