Surveying body of knowledge
Greenfeld, Joshua
A profession is founded on knowledge, skills and education. The required knowledge, skills and education to practice within a profession should be defined in a body of knowledge of that profession. Defining a body of knowledge can be done in general terms such as outlining skills, attitudes and knowledge that will enable an individual to become and remain a professional expert. The other way to define a professionss body of knowledge is to compile a detailed list of theories, methodologies, technologies and procedures that have to be mastered for present professional practice. It can be easily argued that perhaps the body of knowledge should be developed using both approaches. Using both approaches the body of knowledge will consist of a macro level body of knowledge with conceptual long term definitions and a micro level body of knowledge that defines the current needs for professional practice. The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) and the North American Surveying Educators organization have embarked on an important task of developing a body of knowledge for surveying. Currently the body of knowledge committee is developing one general body of knowledge and five specific ones in the areas of positioning, imagery, GIS, land development and law. The paper summarizes the current status of this body of knowledge.
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