The Hans Klinkenberg Memorial Scholarship

• Program: Geology

This Award shall be known as the HANS KLINKENBERG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Hans Klinkenberg (1922-1974) was a well-known and respected field surveyor, mathematician, foreign advisor, and professor. Born and educated in The Netherlands, he and his family immigrated to Canada in 1948. Two years later, he joined the Legal Surveys Division of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys (now the Department of Natural Resources), during which time he earned his Dominion Land Surveyor (DLS) and Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) Commissions. Three years later, in 1953, he transferred to the Geodetic Survey of Canada. In 1954, after completing the many and difficult examinations in higher surveying, he earned the prestigious status of Dominion Topographical Surveyor (DTS). During the next fifteen years, he progressed through several more responsible positions. In 1966, Hans accepted a United Nations appointment as an expert advisor to assist the Saudi Arabian government with its many survey problems. By 1967, he has been appointed Assistant Dominion Geodesist. During this time in the Geodetic Survey, he authored a number of papers on surveying subjects and for several years taught evening courses in surveying at Carleton University. While Chief of the Mathematical Adjustment Section, he assisted in the design and implementation of computer programs for the design, analysis and adjustment of survey networks used widely in Canada and many other countries. In 1971, he was appointed chair of Commission II on Professional Education of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). In the same year, he became assistant to the Director of Map Production and played a significant role in organizing the 1972 Conference of the International Cartographic Association (ICA). His organizational and leadership skills were recognized by his election in 1972 as President of the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Astronomical Society and as Chair of the International Section of the Land Surveys Committee of the Canadian Institute of Surveying, predecessor to the Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG). In the fall of 1972, Hans was lured into the academic community, which recognized his broad knowledge of surveying and geodesy. He accepted the Chair of the Faculty of Geodesy at Laval University for a two-year term. Then, in the fall of 1974, Hans accepted a teaching post at the newly formed Erindale College, University of Toronto. He loved teaching and his infectious enthusiasm and concern for people and community were invaluable. Hans enriched the lives of all those who came in contact with him, and Canada, his adopted country, is a richer place because he was here.

The purpose of the Award is:

• to assist in furthering the education and training of students in the field of Geomatics, which includes surveying, photogrammetry, cartography, geodesy, hydrography, and other related disciplines, and
• to promote and increase knowledge, skill and proficiency in the Geomatics profession in Canada.

The Award shall consist of a certificate and a cheque, the amount of which will be determined by the Board of Trustees and will be based on the interest accrued on an annual basis, but likely will be not less than $1000.00.

A decision shall be made annually on the number of Awards and the disbursement of same.

History

Founded in 1882, the Canadian Institute of Geomatics has evolved to be a non-profit scientific and technical association and represents the largest and most influential geospatial knowledge network in Canada. Over 50% of its members are senior managers and researchers in government, private sector, academic and NGO organizations.