CURRICULUM IN PHOTOGRAMMETRY - A WORLD CONSENSUS
(An Invited Paper)
Sanjib K. Ghosh
Laval University
1355 Pavillon Casault, Laval University
Québec, G1K 7P4
Canada
Commission VI
ABSTRACT
Photogrammetry continues to play an ever increasing role in the world of
mapping sciences. Its present needs and future trends are analyzed. Vari-
ous levels of education are identified. A realistic annual rate of student
intake is considered. Various conceptual models are discussed. The associ-
ated areas of science and technology and their roles in the wide academic
structure are indicated. A pattern of courses and its arrangement is sug-
gested in view of the current need in the world and of the changing techno-
logical developments.
SOMMAIRE
La photogrammétrie continue à jouer son rôle toujours croissant dans le
domaine des sciences cartographiques. On y analyse ses besoins actuels
ainsi que ses tendances. Les niveaux divers d'éducation sont identifiés.
On y considère un taux annuel d'admission des étudiants qui est réaliste.
Des modèles conceptuels divers sont élaborés. Les domaines scientifiques
et technologiques associés et leurs rôles dans l'immense structure academi-
que sont indiqués. Un modèle des cours et sa disposition a été suggéré.
Ceci est élaboré en considération des besoins à travers le monde et en vue
du développement technologique en constante évolution.
INTRODUCTION
Poincaré, the famous scientist of France wrote a century ago that science
is built up with facts like a house is built with stones; but a collection
of facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house. This con-
cept would lead us to our premise. Our cameras and sensors as well as in-
struments and computers are admirably efficient in collecting facts. But
unless we understand their significance and have appropriately trained peo-
ple to do the job, the "heap" of facts would not provide us our "home".
Photogrammetry may be considered as an independent discipline, although it
is still an important component in the complex system of modern Surveying
and Mapping (S&M). Recent United Nations' studies (1983) on the status of
mapping in the world and the efforts of the ISPRS Working Groups VI-1 and
VI-7 (on Inventory and Education, respectively) indicate that photogramme-
try has reached an effective level of efficiency and would remain for years
to come the most efficient base technique for producing topographical and
other maps with the use of aircraft and satellite base imageries. This
technology must be maintained, understood and utilized with care until some-
thing better comes forward, if at all, to replace it for use in S&M.
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