By Shahabuddin Amerudin
The Geoinformatics program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students for careers in geospatial technology, mapping, and surveying. As part of the program, students are required to use GIS software to analyze and visualize geospatial data, which requires a computer with adequate specifications to handle the demands of the software.
To ensure that their students are equipped with the appropriate technology, the Geoinformatics program at UTM has suggested minimum and recommended specifications for computers to be used by their students. The minimum specifications include at least 8GB of RAM, an Intel i5 processor, and a 2GB dedicated graphics card. However, the recommended specifications include at least 16GB of RAM, an Intel i7 or higher processor, and a 4GB dedicated graphics card.
While these specifications may seem high, they are necessary to ensure that students can complete their coursework effectively and efficiently. For example, running software such as ArcGIS can require a lot of memory and processing power, and a computer with inadequate specifications may cause delays or even crashes, resulting in lost work and frustration.
To help their students make informed decisions when choosing a computer, the Geoinformatics program at UTM has also provided guidance on cost-benefit analysis. They recommend that students consider the total cost of ownership, including both the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses such as maintenance, upgrades, and repairs, when making a decision.
Additionally, the program encourages students to consider the balance between performance and cost when choosing a computer. While a higher-end computer may provide better performance, it may come at a higher cost that may not be justifiable for a student on a tight budget. Therefore, students are advised to choose a computer that provides enough performance to meet their current and future needs without breaking the bank.
By providing clear guidelines and recommendations, the Geoinformatics program at UTM is ensuring that their students are equipped with the appropriate technology to succeed in their coursework and future careers. The program recognizes the importance of having a computer with adequate specifications to handle the demands of GIS software and is preparing their students for success in a rapidly evolving field.
In conclusion, the Geoinformatics program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia provides a case study for how universities can guide their students in choosing the appropriate computer specifications for GIS coursework. By providing minimum and recommended specifications, as well as guidance on cost-benefit analysis, universities can ensure that their students are equipped with the appropriate technology to succeed in their coursework and future careers. As the field of GIS continues to evolve, it is important for universities to stay up to date with changes in technology and software requirements to ensure that their students remain competitive and prepared for the demands of the industry.
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). Choosing the Right Computer Specifications for GIS Students: A Case Study of the Geoinformatics Program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6314 (Accessed: 9 April 2023).
