Building Capacity in Satellite-Based Earth Observation and HQP Training: Canada as a Use Case

Abstract. Remote sensing (RS) and especially earth observation (EO) have been used extensively for decades in environmental monitoring, infrastructure asset management, urban planning, emergency response, mapping and many others. The pace of technology advancements in big data, cloud computing, Geospatial AI (GeoAI) and Geospatial Foundation Models (GeoFM) causes a paradigm shift on how to and who can maximize the potential of remote sensing technology. This shift challenges traditional geomatics curriculum and pedagogical methods. Additionally, the gap between geomatics graduates’ skills and market needs is widening. The pace of disruptive technology advances like GeoAI and GeoFM can be challenging to match with developments in geomatics education content or suitable pedagogical methods and formats. To address these skills gaps in geomatics courses and courseware, an initiative has been developed between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Carleton University, involving more than a dozen different partners spanning industry, government, academia and NGOs. We have been gathering information through qualitative and quantitative techniques to obtain insights about the soft and hard skills that are valuable and/or lacking in contemporary geomatics graduates, to forecast trends and future needs, and plan how to optimize the introduction of new technology and techniques into the educational content. Based on the mapped feedback, university-level geomatics courses are being redeveloped and updated, and novel course modules, mini-courses and micro credential programs are being developed and tested.