The University, the Market, and the Geodetic Engineer or: Norms for Academic Communication

In Europe, universities have existed for more than 800 years. The university is the place in society for higher learning and related research. Through the ages, the universities have enjoyed a remarkably freedom relative to religious and secular powers. In recent years, the objectives and practises of universities have changed profoundly, largely due to an increased emphasis on market norms. The changes within university teaching of geodetic engineers may be seen from the above perspective. Several fora for deliberations on the education exist, including the Commission 2 of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), and The European Council of Geodetic Surveyors. However, the paper takes its point of departure from the activities of the Joint European Project "Education in Land Information Systems", co-ordinated by Faculty of Geodetic Engineering, Delft University of Technology, and a subsequent project, which concerned the education of geodetic engineers in Slovenia. The body of the paper presents a selection of ideas that shaped the university through the centuries, with a view to balance the present interest in advancing market-directed behaviour.