April 23, 2014

Geomatics students in Switzerland

Exploring industry achievements abroad

Twenty geomatics students enjoyed an enriching trip to Switzerland.

There was lots of learning – and more – for Alexandra Liddell and 20 other students from the geomatics department at the Schulich School of Engineering who visited Switzerland. They had been selected for the geomatics annual trip in Switzerland, a ten-day tour of Swiss Engineering achievements in the geomatics field.

“The purpose of the trip was to enrich our geomatics engineering education,” explains Liddell. “The trip allowed us to learn about geomatics in another country, as well as the past and the future of the profession.”

During the trip, students were able to get an in-depth look at renowned facilities and institutions in Switzerland, including the Leica Geosystems in Heerbrugg, the ETH Zurich Technical Institute, and the EPFL Institute in Lausanne. Each stop on the trip exposed the students to the various aspects of geomatics engineering in Switzerland and the opportunity to cultivate professional relationships with Swiss engineers.

In addition to touring in Geneva, Interlaken, and Zurich, students used their free time to explore the surrounding Swiss cities, like Bern, Lucerne, and Basel. Through these explorations, students were able to visit Swiss landmarks and experience a wide range of cultural activities.

“A particular memory of mine from the trip was walking inside of the Munster of Bern, which is a cathedral in the city,” recalls Liddell. “It was a Swiss Reformed Cathedral and the most beautiful cathedral I have ever seen.

“These experiences, and the contacts made in the process, provided a lasting benefit for the participants in all of our future endeavours,” says Liddell.

The geomatics Switzerland trip is open to all geomatics engineering students.