Examining the perspectives of practitioners toward a geospatial technology competency model

Abstract

This study is intended to provide insight into geospatial practitioners' viewpoints toward the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM). These viewpoints are significant since business professionals use workplace competencies for job analysis, professional certification, and defining workforce requirements. The research sought to determine the views held toward a set of geospatial competencies and provide the field with an understanding of how practitioners perceive these competency statements. Sixty-one participants sorted 42 cards (with geospatial competency statements) on a scale of −5 to 5 and completed two short surveys with demographic and open-ended questions. The data were evaluated using factor analysis, descriptive statistics, and a combination of high, low, and distinguishing statements to provide meaning to the viewpoints.