NW Missouri Times

Students at Northwest Missouri State University are gaining practical experience in topographic map production through a partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The collaboration, now in its third year, offers geography students career-based experience by allowing them to edit and update 1:50,000 scale topographic maps using computer software. This partnership enhances NGA's map production to address national security challenges.

The NGA, a major GIS employer, provides geospatial intelligence to policymakers and various security agencies. Its maps assist in operations ranging from military training to disaster relief. Northwest, one of two universities partnering with the NGA, also offers students internships and employment opportunities in GIScience.

Dr. Brett Chloupek, an associate professor of geography at Northwest, highlighted the professional development aspect of the program: “It is the exact same work role and the exact same thing that newly hired employees at National Geospatial Intelligence would be doing.” Since 2022, the partnership has trained 15 student cartographers, enabling them to produce many topographic maps.

Kyra Kamp, a Northwest graduate now working as a geotechnical services analyst, emphasized the program's benefits: “The NGA partnership helped me as a student get real-world experience on actual projects before leaving school.” Nikki Welch, another student participant, aims to work for the NGA post-graduation and shared her positive experience: “At first, I did not think I would like it but after the first couple of months, I found that I really did and loved it.”

Eligibility for the partnership requires students to complete certain courses with satisfactory grades. The map-making process is a collaborative effort involving students, faculty, staff, and the NGA.

Northwest offers various degree programs in GIScience through its Humanities and Social Sciences Department. Interested individuals can find more information about these programs on the University's website.