Dear Alan,
I've read over the white paper "Research-based GIScience Graduate Education" and made a series of suggestions and edits.  I hope it is clear.

Art
 

Geographic Information Science Graduate Education

Introduction [Substitute]

The purpose of this initiative is to outline the ways in which graduate education can be enhanced by taking advantage of rapidly developing technology in the geographic information sciences.  This new technology now makes it possible to conceive of a much wider array of research problems than was possible only a few years ago.  For example, the ability of geographic information systems to organize huge amounts of spatial data allows for understanding and the solution to environmental problems, which are characterized by many and complex variables and heterogeneous land surfaces.  We propose to create an inventory of current national capabilities in GIS,  identify academic areas and locations where research using this technology exist, to develop advanced programs of study and research, and suggest new areas where technological improvements would move GIS forward.

Background

(First paragraph as is.)

[Substitute for remainder of section follows]

Geographic information science attracts researchers from a number of fields.  Not only are geographers and cartographers involved in this area, but a truly interdisciplinary array of scientists from various engineering, mathematical, computer, and social science fields has emerged.  The challenges are considerable to develop curricula for this quickly changing area.  What types of courses should be offered?  What types of research should be emphasized?  For what types of post-degree occupations are students being prepared?  These and other questions about graduate education need constant monitoring.

National Needs

(As is.)

Linkages

(As is.)
 

Immediate Action Items

(The following are edits to each of the items that are in bold face.)

(1)  Compile a list of graduate level courses and gather their syllabi.  Match this list with our previously identified key research issues (see white papers on UCGIS research agenda).  Identify scientific and other educational objectives of each course type.

[Omit (2) and include strategies with (1)]

(3)  Develop short courses and course prototypes for advanced topics in geographic information science at both the Master's and Ph.D. level.  Make these available on-line.

[Omit (4) and include strategies with (3)]

(5)  Pay special attention to analytical courses that aim directly at confirmatory spatial analysis, such as spatial statistics.  Adapt courses to the needs of the various audiences and research challenges.

[Omit (6) and include strategies with (5)]

(7)  [Include all of this in (1) above.]

(8)  Identify the directions new technologies should take the field of geographical information sciences.

(add strategies and requirements to meet this goal)
 

[omit bibliography]