The changing face of cartographic education and training

Abstract

This paper discusses the issue faced by many cartographic departments and programs around the world. That is the weakening of cartography as a discipline in its own right and the dispersal of cartographic theory and practice into many and varied education programs representing allied disciplines. The general public has little awareness of the connection between the study of cartography and the new spatial information technology that they use daily. The GISciences industry had become fragmented as it searched for identity in this rapidly changing environment. University programs were feeling the impact of these changes through the reduction in those seeking careers in cartography. This paper first discusses the growth of digital cartography. Second, the impact of changes on the GISciences industry is discussed. Third, the impact of the changes on cartographic education and training is discussed and specific points are emphasised using case study examples for individual programs from Hungary, Brazil and Australia