**2. Methodology**

4 Emerging Informatics – Innovative Concepts and Applications

spatial, temporal, radiometric and spectral resolutions. So, users can apply satellite images in wider areas of application. In the field of surveying, advancements in surveying instruments such as electronic distance measurement, total stations, data collectors, 3D laser scanners and automatic level have boosted the applications of surveying in varying areas. In navigation satellite technology, wide area differential GNSS systems are nearly covering the whole world leading to improved accuracy and availability (Fig. 1). In GIS technology, GIS applications have become ubiquitous. They are available on desktops, notebooks, tablets and mobile phones. The trend is towards multidimensional visualization of geospatial data especially with the availability of digital terrain model (DTM) data and light detection and ranging (LIDAR). The drive towards more integration of geospatial technologies within the geospatial domain and with other related domains (such as information technology and telecommunication) (Xue et al., 2002) has further enhanced the growth and development of

The current development and expected growth of geospatial technologies have earned it a place as one of the emerging technologies (Gewin, 2004). New job opportunities are being created as geospatial market expands to new areas of applications. The global annual revenues of geospatial market were estimated at \$5 billion in 2003 (Gaudet et al., 2003) and the revenues are expected to continue to grow. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) in its ten-year industry forecast estimated revenues for its geospatial domain at \$6.5 billion for this year (Mondello et al., 2004). The expanding geospatial market requires adequate education and training to develop a workforce that will

Despite the increasing utilization of geospatial technologies in different fields, many geomatics departments in colleges and universities are facing the challenge of low student intake and retention. Quite a number of studies (Hunter, 2001; Konecny, 2002; Mills et al., 2004;

geomatics applications.

Fig. 1. Global wide-area differential GNSS systems

meet current and future market demand.

The sections of the article that discuss the trend in geospatial applications, importance of geospatial technology for higher education and the challenges of geospatial education are based on review of literature. The final section on the adoption of active learning method is based on questionnaire survey, course assessment and teacher's observations. The questionnaire survey was completed by 16 students that enrolled in Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing courses. The questions were aimed at getting feedback from students on the adoption of active learning method. The questionnaire contained seven items with a five-point Likert scale (Highly Agree to Highly Disagree). The questionnaire was composed of the following items:


The course assessment is based on students' grades for each of the courses. The course assessment for the semester was compared with the previous semester when active learning method had not been vigorously adopted. Also, teacher's observations on changes in the performance of students were documented.
