- Is there a need for a certification program for LiDAR professionals?
- Would this solve the issue of a lack of a trained work force?
- A GIS certification program could be the model.
Can the case be made for a certification program for LiDAR professionals? Engineers, surveyors and architects, as well as many other professions, have a system in place for certifying the capabilities of members of their profession. I often here that one of the factors affecting the growth of the 3D laser scanning business is the shortage of trained professionals. As I have discussed in the past the educational institutions, in general do not appear to be stepping up to the plate.
Perhaps the best model for this would be the GISP – GIS Professional certification program which is administered by the GIS Certification Institute – GISCI. As of the end of June there were approximately 4500 people who had been certified by GISCI. I am surprised that this number is not larger as it seems I see people who use this designation quite often.
If we think this is a good idea we may want to get started on it – it took over 10 years to go from an article recommending the need for certifiction to the GISCI being organized.
Could the comsumate LiDAR professional be certified via ASPRS? ASPRS is taking a strong lead in attempting to set accuracy and reporting standards. It also looks like testing for Certified Photogrammetrist and other certifications at ASPRS is starting to address the field, albeit a small percentage of the test subject matter at the moment.
Does this fall under the categories of remote sensing and/or photogrammetry as radar has? I think that these are valid questions that will, of course, generate more complex discussions. For instance, should photogrammetry as a field encompass these other technologies? Since the vast majority of Photogrammetrists now deal with LiDAR (and sometimes radar) in addition to photography in their daily work load, is the label “Photogrammetrist” too specific of a label nowadays?
Even with the number of “LiDAR only” shops out there, there is a definite trend in the industry lately of large, multi-discipline companies absorbing the traditional photogrammetry/map companies as the original pioneer/owners sell off, retire and buy their yachts. This means that there will be a need for professionals to have knowledge that covers more than just aerial photography or just LiDAR. Look at the definition of Photogrammetry: the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment, through processes of recording, measuring, and interpreting images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant energy and other phenomena.
We can infer from this that LiDAR could fit into this definition with little or no modification.
With that said, the range of techonology and sensors available now may create a need for folks to be specialized and certified by sensor/data type, at least initially until the individual has enough experience to rate a certification that encompasses it all (such as CP). The base knowledge of a Photogrammetrist definitely helps one to understand aerial mapping, whether LiDAR, radar, or photography. But it does not give one the understanding of what to look for in a LiDAR boresight process or the understanding of the wave guide form used for transmitting radar. With these complexities, maybe it is time for sub-certifications at ASPRS, or a comprehensive overhaul of the existing certifications to be more sensor type specific.
Regardless, using ASPRS as a starting point may allow this idea of LiDAR certification to progress quickly (as compared to the GISP). It looks like the framework and professional knowledge is there; it just may need a little push.
Of course, meant to say “consumate” not “comsumate”.
I agree with Harold, to me ASPRS is the natural home for lidar certification. ASPRS deals with remote sensing from planetary to close-range (not generally medical), and I see lidar as being remote sensing from planetary to close-range.