Educating GPS/GIS technicians of the future

The use of the Global Positioning System and geographical information system (GPS/GIS) technology is growing at an astounding rate. It is estimated that an additional 150,000-trained GPS and GIS technician is needed in the United States alone. This projection may be underestimated since in the next decade virtually every vehicle on the highway, ship on the sea, and plane in the sky will be using the GPS/GIS technology. This paper is about the development of an innovative two-year, associate degree curriculum in GPS/GIS with the help of the National Science Foundation to meet this need. The impact of this curriculum will play an integral part in the development of lifestyles in the decades to come. This technology will affect virtually every individual in the world.