Geographic Information Systems

Coordinator:	Binita Sinha
	925-969-4214
	BSinha@dvc.edu
	PS-231
Division:	Physical Science and Engineering
Division:	925-969-4231
Directory:	Faculty and staff for physical science/physics/astronomy/geology/geography

Possible career opportunities in geography

Geography is an interdisciplinary study focusing on the spatial relations of physical, cultural and economic systems of our world. As such, geographers are employed in a wide array of fields in many capacities such as: city/county planning; surveying; cartography; aerial photographic interpretation; remote sensing; environmental studies; meteorology; GIS (geographic information systems: and GPS (global positioning systems). Geographers are employed by private sector firms, government and non-profit organizations. Many career options may require more than two years of college study.

Cultural geography careers include geography education at many levels, analyst, consultant and planner. Most career options require more than two years of college study.

Associate degree and certificate program information

Gainful employment reports

Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning Systems

In compliance with the October 2010 Gainful Employment regulations published by the U.S. Department of Education, the Contra Costa Community College District is providing the following information for the District’s Career Technical Education programs that offer Certificates of Achievement: program costs, normal time for completion, average loan debt incurred by students enrolled in the program, completion rates, and potential careers fields for program graduates.

GEOG class schedules

Return to Physical Science/Physics/Astronomy/Geology/Geography Department page

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

PDF presentation: Managing a GIS/GPS Certificate program

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.

GIS program requirements and courses pdf of geography catalog offerings, including GIS/GPS

Geospatial courses

Course number	Course name	Offered in (semester)	Course outline	Serves as
GEOG-124	Thinking and Communicating Geospatially	spring	124 course outline	elective
GEOG-125	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	spring, fall	125 course outline	core course for all degrees and certificates in GIS-GPS
GEOG-126	Advanced Geographic Information Systems	spring	126 course outline	core course for all degrees and certificates in GIS-GPS
GEOG-129	Field Data Acquisition and Management	fall	129 course outline	core course for all degrees and certificates in GIS-GPS
GEOG-160	Introduction to Remote Sensing	fall	160 course outline	core course for all certificate of achievement and AS degree
GEOG-162	Maps and Cartography	spring	162 course outline	core course for all certificate of achievement and AS degree