Geospatial Technology (GST) Program at Southwestern College
Southwestern College

Ken Yanow kyanow@swccd.edu 619/421-6700

 

Southwestern College  received a grant from the National Science Foundation in August 2008 to develop and establish a comprehensive program in Geospatial Technology (GST). GST is the specialized set of information technologies (such as aerial photography, remote sensing, surveying, and global positioning systems) that supports a wide variety of uses, including data acquisition, data storage and manipulation, image analysis, and geovisualization display and output. The Earth Science and Physical Science Departments at SWC, along with faculty from disciplinary divisions across the entire campus, are increasing the professional opportunities for residents of the SWC District while supplying the local science and industry sectors with highly qualified geospatial technicians.

The core of the GST program is the implementation of three new courses emphasizing hands-on experience with the hardware, software, and techniques employed in science, industry, and academia and the incorporation of GST learning modules into other existing courses. Other valuable services of the program are: 1) professional development for college and high school faculty in GST theory and applications; 2) placement of community college students into baccalaureate programs and undergraduate GST research projects; and 3) placement of students into professional, paid internships. The GST program is promoting the intellectual development of a community of learners who are underserved and in need. With the college's student enrollment of greater than 80% ethnic minorities, not only is the Southwestern College GST program providing quality technicians to a regional workforce in need, it is also increasing the number of technical employees from underrepresented groups.