A geospatial summer camp at the University of Missouri–St. Louis provided high school students with hands-on experience in emerging technology. The four-day camp welcomed 22 students from over 20 high schools, each receiving a $200 stipend for their participation.
The camp showcased various geospatial technologies, with students like Caleb Craig controlling Titan, an agile robotic dog, through the university’s halls. Craig, along with other students, delved into cutting-edge technology, exploring GIS tools and virtual reality applications.
Lucie Wildman and Shreya Sadhale, among the attendees, immersed themselves in the Geospatial Advanced Technology Lab, using 3D maps and VR headsets to explore global cities and landmarks. The camp aimed to expose students to Geographic Information System tools and foster interest in the geospatial field.
Gizelle Cota, an assistant teaching professor, stressed the importance of early exposure to GIS, noting the industry’s growth in the St. Louis region. Reda Amer, the director of the Geospatial Collaborative, highlighted UMSL’s role in nurturing geospatial talent and its collaboration with industry leaders like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
Throughout the camp, students engaged with industry professionals, learned GIS software tools, and tackled spatial challenges. The program aimed to spark students’ interest in geospatial technologies and prepare them for potential careers in the field.
For many students, like Sadhale and Wildman, the camp provided a gateway to exploring geospatial studies further in college. Craig, influenced by his family ties to the field, found the camp enriching and insightful, connecting with industry leaders and envisioning future opportunities.
Amer emphasized the camp’s impact in nurturing students’ curiosity and enthusiasm for geospatial technology. The camp’s success lies in exposing students to a rapidly growing industry and fostering a new generation of geospatial professionals.
As geospatial technology continues to evolve, programs like the UMSL Geospatial Science Summer Camp play a vital role in shaping the future workforce. By providing hands-on experiences and industry insights, the camp equips students with the skills and passion needed to thrive in the dynamic field of geospatial technology.
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