Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Global Positioning System (GPS)

PDF presentation:  Managing a GIS/GPS Certificate Program (2163.35 KB)

Traditionally, maps have been used to explore the Earth and analyze its resources. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, as an expansion of computer-based cartographic science, has enhanced the efficiency and analytic power of traditional mapping. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology provides spatial data that are essential to GIS operation. Over the past years, GIS and GPS have become closely integrated and are increasingly being used by government agencies and businesses that use spatial information.

Many occupations use GIS and GPs for applications ranging from resource allocation to market analysis. Some of the leading industries that use GIS and GPS are: surveying and mapping, urban and regional planning, civil engineering and transportation, parks and recreational services, utility services, emergency response systems, agriculture, forestry, environmental management, retail business, property and real estate.

As a GIS/GPS student you will learn to:

• compile spatial data from a variety of sources including field survey, published reports and remote sensing resources
• organize, manage, update and analyze spatial information using the current industry-standard software
• design and update maps and databases by applying additional knowledge of spatial feature representations
• analyze geographic relationships among varying types of data, present information to users and seek solutions to spatial issues/problems

Students will complete several projects and create a portfolio of their work.