Building geomatics and land surveying pathways: addressing workforce needs through program development, student outreach, and professional development opportunities

Southwestern College received a $998,759 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) effective August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028. The award funds the development and implementation of a comprehensive Associate of Science (AS) degree in Geomatics and a Land Surveying Certificate program at the institution's Chula Vista, California campus. The project addresses documented workforce shortages in geomatics—a multidisciplinary field integrating surveying, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, mapping, and emerging technologies for geospatial data management and analysis. The curriculum integrates advanced technologies including GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and drone technology, with emphasis on industry-aligned competencies to support the San Diego region's infrastructure development, environmental resource management, and urban planning sectors.

Beyond degree and certificate program development, Southwestern College will establish dual-enrollment pathways for high school students, deliver professional development opportunities for educators, and conduct student outreach through summer academies to build regional awareness of geomatics education careers. Palomar Community College District, a sub-awardee, will collaborate in establishing the comprehensive AS degree in Geomatics and Land Surveying Certificate program at Southwestern College. These integrated initiatives aim to enhance workforce readiness, create accessible educational pathways for underrepresented student populations, and contribute to addressing the national shortage of skilled geomatics and land surveying professionals.

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by addressing the workforce shortage in geomatics and land surveying. Geomatics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates surveying, GIS, remote sensing, mapping, and emerging technologies to manage, measure, analyze, and visualize geospatial data. Land surveying, a sub-discipline of geomatics, is the practice and science of measuring and mapping the earth's surface and its features. Geomatics disciplines are essential for infrastructure development, environmental resource management, and accurate spatial data collection for industries such as construction, urban planning, environmental science, and others. This project will establish a comprehensive associate of science (as) degree in geomatics and a land surveying certificate program at southwestern college (SWC) in SAN diego county. As the region experiences rapid growth, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals in geomatics. By aligning curriculum with industry standards and providing hands-on training, the project will enhance workforce readiness and contribute to the local economy. The new programs will offer accessible, industry-aligned pathways for students, preparing them for high-demand careers and addressing workforce shortages. The goals of this project are to develop and implement geomatics and land surveying programs at SWC, establish a regional vision for geomatics education, and raise awareness by offering professional development opportunities for educators and engaging high school students through summer academies. The scope of the project will include the development of a curriculum that integrates advanced technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, lidar, and drone technology. Additionally, the project will establish dual-enrollment pathways for high school students, pursue abet accreditation for curriculum standards, and align courses with california's statewide course identification numbering (c-ID) system to ensure seamless transferability between institutions. The project will continually study the effectiveness of the project including pedagogical reviews, assessment of student learning outcomes, and analysis of program impact. The evaluation will inform the continuous improvement of the curriculum and instructional methods. Results of the project and created materials such as learning modules will be disseminated through SWC's website, conferences, and through NSF ATE center networks including the geotech center and the national center for autonomous technologies (ncat). This project is funded by the advanced technological education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation's economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.