UNIGIS, as a worldwide network of universities, is cooperating since almost 30 years in the design and delivery of distance learning programs in Geographical Information Systems and Science. Once a year all UNIGIS Institutions meet for their General Assembly, which is organized annually by a different member institution. This year the meeting was held from November 8-9, 2019 and hosted by NOVA-IMS in Lisbon.
The main purpose of this annual meeting is to coordinate, further develop and sustain the quality of the study programs offered through the different UNIGIS Institutions around the globe. They are cooperating and working together to ensure that UNIGIS will remain what it always has been: the most successful worldwide academic network for lifelong GIS education.
On Friday morning, reports of each UNIGIS Site were the starting point for discussions on topics of elearning, curriculum development, new resources and educational materials as well as marketing actions and sharing best practice.
The afternoon was dedicated to a joint session with Industry partners. Benjamin Schnitzer, Channel Sales Manager Central Europe, Hexagon Geospatial, was giving an overview of Software and learning ressources offered to UNIGIS students and introducing the new licensing platform. Subsequently, Michael Gould, Esri Global Education Manager, joined the meeting virtually. Besides giving insights to Esri´s teaching and learning material this was an excellent opportunity to discuss administrative and software related questions. Finally Keith Peterson, Product Manager Geospatial at trimble and also an UNIGIS alumni, presented news on trimble products.
The joint dinner was an excellent opportunity to further discuss on various topics and strenghten this lively network. Finally important decisions and nominations have been made on Saturday.
Thanks to Prof. Marco Painho and his team for organizing this very nice and fruitful meeting!