I have been thinking about general perceptions and the acronyms RPLS vs. GISP and the meaning of it all.
One thing that stands out to me is that being a RPLS is an actual license from the state and this license affords the holder the privilege to do a variety of tasks that only a RPLS can legally perform.
On the other hand, GISP is more of a certification and is not really a license in any way. As far as I know there are no tasks in the world that legally require a GISP certification. That being said, the GISP certification will certainly open the door to various jobs or positions where the employer wants to know that the applicant is qualified.
I think surveyors have traditionally looked at this RPLS license as their meal ticket, an opportunity and a set of products that once licensed, only they could supply. Associations work hard to keep as many survey products as they can inside the legal unbrella.
Whereas the GIS camp has a much broader vision and dream for how maps can alter and affect the world, on how to get the most power out of maps for the end user.
Neither is better, just different situations and context.
Both acronyms have the word "professional' included but I am sure that the context of the word is varied depending on who you talk to.
Oh well, just some ramblings and observations....no big whoop.
From a previous post http://www.radiosandysprings.com/showpages/ACSM.php
ACSM radio hour talked about this very issue. Second half of the hour talks about the difference between SOME GIS work vs Survey work (in florida).
It was a good listen.
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. Typing class 9th grade!
There's certifications and there's certifications. In Commerce Business Daily, I recall some minimum qualifications for Surveying and Mapping contracts that required either: 1. Professional Engineer license, 2. Professional Land Surveyor license, or 3. Certified Photogrammetrist by the ASPRS. Althought nowadays there's several states that license Photogrammetrists, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has accepted the ASPRS certification of Photogrammetrists as sufficient professional standing for negotiated contracts rather than bids. I have done several under that caveat in the 1970s and 1980s.
However, I have not seen the same acknowledgement/recognition for Certified Mapping Scientists (GIS/LIS). The GISP is a Mickey-Mouse version of the one administered by the ASPRS which is C.M.S. - quite a difference.
The GISP thingy is soon to require a written examination. Golly!
I always thought that the "P" in "GISP" was for "Professional" but was recently told by a GISP that it's "Practitioner"... To each his own, but if you take it that way, it does distinguish from your RPLS, doesn't it?
> I always thought that the "P" in "GISP" was for "Professional" but was recently told by a GISP that it's "Practitioner"... To each his own, but if you take it that way, it does distinguish from your RPLS, doesn't it?
According to GISCI, "A GISP is a certified geographic information systems (GIS) professional."
I think the practitioner who told you otherwise may need to have his stats reviewed.
Dang!!! You just beat me.
From what I understand, South Carolina is the first state to license the GIS, I think the first one was just licensed this year...or last.
> From what I understand, South Carolina is the first state to license the GIS, I think the first one was just licensed this year...or last.
What are you referring to exactly? Can you elaborate? Who gives the license and who receives it?
Not disputing what's out there, just passing along what I was told. It was Janet Jackson, otherwise known as "GIS Janet" from her articles in CE News and Professional Surveyor who told me that it was "either/or".
https://verify.llronline.com/LicLookup/Engineers/Engineer.aspx?div=50
This is the board. Check under "Type" of license
more info:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/c049.htm
It appears to be a tier type lic. or one that falls under the Surveyors board. I was told about this Wednesday when I had to, once again, return to Virginia and finalize a project. It was a Boundary survey I needed to set the final pins on. The Boundary was owned by a state board member and he mentioned it during the field work.
Ref: 49-104 (7)
Not to stir the pot, but I know a recently certified GISP who, frankly, was quite liberal in listing their acceptable "qualification activities". Was certified no questions asked. I'm suspicious 'ya pay yer $250', embellish your resume', and BINGO you're a GIS Professional!
I mean really, organize a GIS Day, and get points toward certification?