The development of GIS education in the UK and Turkey: a comparative review

Abstract

Much of the literature on degree-level education in Geography is concentrated on 'western' countries such as the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. This paper, in contrast, includes a strong focus on Turkey. Its aim is to compare the development of Turkish education in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with the UK experience. While identifying some common features, the paper also highlights important differences, particularly the extent to which Engineering, rather than Geography, has led GIS education in Turkey. The paper examines the reasons for this, and in reflecting on the possible relevance to Turkey of the UK experience, it sets out some potentially valuable ways forward in which Turkish Geography could strengthen its role in GIS provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]