Abstract

Spatial and town planning is a complex process caused by the interaction between natural and social systems at different temporal and spatial scales. That is the reason, why it is difficult to introduce this subject to students studying disciplines other than spatial or urban planning. The main problem is to define goals, the scope and expected educational effects. The second step is to choose the appropriate teaching and assessment methods. In this paper authors introduce the spatial and urban planning issues presented to students of engineering course at Geodesy and Cartography, Gdansk University of Technology. Firstly, in order to gain a better chance in labour market, some of students of Geodesy and Cartography decide to continue their studies on Spatial Economy. As engineers associated with the land use planning community have backgrounds in different disciplines, some students also decide to join them. They are employed in spatial planning offices due to their knowledge in the creation of maps and map data, data processing using Geographic Information System (GIS), projecting complex land consolidations and other abilities. On the other hand, students are expected to be potential investors and users of the spatial space. Thus the main goal of teaching spatial and urban planning is to prepare students for both better competitiveness in labour market and public engagement in planning. To achieve the goals, a variety of learning activities have been introduced. The issues of spatial and urban planning are being introduced not only during the single courses but also during group and individual practices in cooperation with Gdynia Spatial Planning Office (SPOG). Each year, a few students also prepare their diploma projects referring to both geodesy and spatial or urban planning.

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