What?

Geospatial, or location-based, technology utilizes information tied to a specific geographic place. This information is used in a variety of fields to understand patterns and relationships that affect decision-making. The primary goal of OPENGATE is to improve location-based knowledge in the workforce, and increase the adoption of geospatial technologies statewide to enhance economic development.

Why?

In 2015, a survey of top Arkansas employers indicated an increasing demand for workers with location-based skills in industries like agriculture, transportation, environmental conservation, real estate, marketing, public health and safety, and more. As reliance on location-based data and technology grows, workers with geospatial skills become more valuable and competitive in the hiring process.

How?

Introducing location-based technologies to your students using your existing curriculum is easy! Many of your lesson plans already include spatial components, and sophisticated geospatial tools are more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. Get inspired by our instructional materials and resources, and contact an OPENGATE Partner to find out about trainings and opportunities in your community.

Opening Pathways to Employment through Nontraditional Geospatial Applications in Technical Education, or OPENGATE, is funded through the National Science Foundation as a collaboration between five partner institutions in the University of Arkansas system. The goal of the three-year project is to increase access to education in location-based technologies to prepare students for employment in a wide variety of industries.

Traditionally, the primary job market for professionals with strong geospatial backgrounds has been limited to large urban areas, but surveys among regional employers in Arkansas have shown an interest in increasing the number of employees with knowledge of location-based services in addition to their industry-specific expertise. The integration of these additional skills will help to increase the efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability of businesses and government in the rural heartland.

OPENGATE offers professional development seminars for K-12 educators, develops geospatial content for community college curriculum, and integrates industry and education through the annual Partnership Conference in Little Rock, AR.