Over the past decade or so, the issue of offshore labor being used to execute photogrammetric mapping projects has risen to the forefront and been the subject of much debate. At issue is the impact that the practice has had on the industry in general and whether it threatens the viability of North American-based firms. One look at the offshore business model from the perspective of the local mapping firm suggests a total destruction of the work value. Bid results might show a whopping discount of 70 percent of the standard domestic rate; the mapping firm that employs solely local technical staff cannot compete at this level. The proprietor is forced either to find non-public bids to shore up his workload, adopt an offshore model himself, or shut the doors. From an industry standpoint this may be dangerous, as a net outflow of technical talent leaves North America vulnerable to loss of industry. As we have seen in the current economic downturn, jobs are a key component to economic sustainability. From the perspective of the local government, offshore contracting has vastly reduced the cost of geospatial data to the taxpayer. But is this saving viewed in its full context? Let's look at an example.
展开▼
