Geographic information systems and remote sensing data, nowadays having a very wide use around the world, are also being used especially in public and private sector institutions, universities in our country. However, especially in public institutions, although benefiting from the in GIS technology is extremely important; GIS cannot be used effectively enough due to lack trained personnel to work in this context.
In accordance with the scope of authority received by "Preparation of Professional Standards Cooperation Protocol" that had signed between Vocational Qualifications Authority (VQA) and our General Directorate; draft occupational standards for GIS Operator (Level 4) and GIS Specialist (Level 6) were prepared by GISGD and was presented for opinions of interested parties (the relevant public institutions, workers, employers and professional organizations, universities, and so on.) In line with the received comments and recommendations, prepared final draft standards were sent to the VQA in order to be examined in the VQA sector committee. Approved standards have been published in the Official Gazette dated 06.06.2014 with no. 29022.
Concerning published standards; "National Qualifications" documents preparation process that is based on national or international standards, used for learning and assessment purposes, including the knowledge, skills and competencies that the individual must have; was initiated with “National Qualification Preparation Cooperation Protocol", which was signed with VQA on 31 July 2014.
In this context, studies were initiated with education given by the authorities of VQA on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at the Conference Hall in the Söğütözü Campus of our Ministry. VQA Proficiency Preparation Team consists of our esteemed academic staff from our institutions and universities had attended to the said training.
As a result of these processes, based on the criteria in the National Qualifications that has defined by organizations authorized by the VQA, awarding "Professional Certificate" will be started by measuring and evaluating the individual's knowledge and skills.