OSGEO Newcastle

David Fairbairn

Introduction

Being fascinated both by the look and the value of maps, I have wide-ranging interests in cartography, from assessing map use strategies in navigation to quantifying the information content of historic mapping. 21st century cartography is redefining this ancient art/science and opening up significant opportunities in geospatial data handling. My current projects on crowdsourcing, generalisation, and the interface between images and maps reflect this: I am keen to work collaboratively in these areas.

Background

I have been a member of staff at Newcastle University since 1978 and thus have considerable experience in teaching and researching in subject areas which have changed beyond recognition in the decades since then.  My teaching has always focussed on mapping and the handling of geospatial data.  The nature of the discipline of cartography, which covers a vast range of human activity and enquiry, including measurement science, data processing, information technology, image analysis, graphic production, socio-economic and environmental applications, institutional policy, aesthetics, history, and culture, is an essential adjunct to the Newcastle approach to the subject of 'geomatics'.  It is this area of the School's activity to which I contribute.  My specific research interests are therefore highly varied and are reflected by the topics of my current projects listed above.

Responsibilities

I have been Degree Programme Director for the two undergraduate degree courses in Geomatics since the mid 1990s and have been Admissions Tutor for the same programmes (and now also for the FH82 BSc Physical Geography degree) for 22 years.

Qualifications 

My qualifications include an undergraduate BA degree in Geography from University College London; a postgraduate Diploma in Cartography from ITC, The Netherlands; and an MSc (obtained by research) and a PhD, both from Newcastle University. 

Memberships 

I am a Fellow of the British Cartographic Society. 

Industrial experience 

I have previously been employed both in academia (as a Research Associate at Reading University) and in the commercial world (as an Atlas Editor for George Philip Ltd.).