PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING & REMOTE SENSING
September 2019
613
ASPRS Mapping Scientist vs. Technologist...what should I apply for?
ASPRS offers multiple certifications at two different levels, Mapping Scientist and Technologist. These include specialty areas
of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, GIS, Lidar, and UAS. The most common question asked to the ASPRS Certification com-
mittee is “what certification level is right for me, Scientist or Technologist?”.
ask ASPRS...
Scientist Certifications
(includes Certified Photogram-
metrist) are appropriate for applicants whose work involves
the exercise of professional judgment frequently based on
knowledge acquired through higher leaning, generally of a
non-routine character. The term implies one who has a broad
knowledge of the geospatial sciences to a degree which sup-
ports the review and analysis of work being done, as well as
a thorough understanding of the underlying theories, princi-
ples and systems supporting the work being performed. Ad-
ditionally, said individual has the knowledge and ability to
both plan and perform and/or direct all such operations in
the category; this person is responsible for work performed
by those under him/her. The review committee looks for a
broad industry exposure, external to the employment realm,
that gives validation and credibility to the activity, skills,
knowledge, and mastery of the specific certification catego-
ry being pursued. This is usually categorized as a combina-
tion of higher education, outside teaching, publication, and/
or independent industry engagement related to the specific
specialty certification being pursued. This can include the
performance of research and development, conference pre-
sentations, professional society activity (ASPRS or other so-
cieties) workshops and specialty courses or the publication of
articles related to the specialty area being considered.
Technologist Certifications
are appropriate for appli-
cants whose work is primarily routine and of a technical
nature yet demanding a high degree of skill. Such work is
pre-professional when performed by a trainee who, having
completed courses of specialized intellectual instruction and
study, is seeking to attain professional status. Such work is
professional when the applicant has advanced to a position
of leadership in the performance of production related tasks,
to include the supervision of others. The term implies that
the applicant can perform all such operations in the category
and this person may be responsible for work performed by
those under him/her. Note: Regarding those applicants who
have already attained other credentials (e.g. state licensed
Land Surveyors or Engineers) either certification is suitable
to demonstrate skills required to perform tasks in the spe-
cialty area.
Ask ASPRS… is a new column published in
PE&RS
where ASPRS will respond to common reader and mem-
ber questions on industry trends, certification, mentorship, education, professional development opportunities,
and other questions related to the pursuit of the profession. Questions should be submitted to Rae Kelley at
.
Too young to drive the car? Perhaps!
But not too young to be curious about geospatial sciences.
The ASPRS Foundation was established to advance the understanding and use of spatial data for the
betterment of humankind. The Foundation provides grants, scholarships, loans and other forms of aid to
individuals or organizations pursuing knowledge of imaging and geospatial information science and
technology, and their applications across the scientific, governmental, and commercial sectors.
Support the Foundation, because when he is ready so will we.
asprsfoundation.org/donate
