Geographic Information Systems
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
GEOG class schedules
To see the current or upcoming classes, please use the searchable schedule.
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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 (term) | 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 |
DVC registration information
- Admissions and Records Office
- Career Center
- Steps to Enrollment
- GIS organizations
- GIS jobs
- Geospatial data
- Tutorials and educational resources
- Student projects
- DVC lab resources
- Publications
Contact information
| Coordinator: |
Binita Sinha 925-969-4214 |
| Division: |
Physical Science and Engineering 925-969-4231 |
| Directory: | Faculty and staff for physical science/physics/astronomy/geology/geography |