Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Overview
Assiniboine’s eight-month Geographic Information Systems (GIS) advanced diploma is a specialized technology program that focuses on techniques that allow users to capture, store, analyze, and present geographic data in user friendly interfaces such as interactive maps and dashboards.
Graduates learn how to collect and analyze geographic data, create maps and visualizations, and use GIS technology to solve real-world problems across any industry.
GIS has become an essential tool in a wide range of fields, including environmental management, urban planning, transportation, public safety, public health, and many others.
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Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply fundamental GIS concepts and tools to analyze and manage geospatial data.
- Use GIS industry standard ESRI software to create maps, dashboards and other visualizations that effectively communicate spatial information to the public.
- Interpret and analyze geospatial data using a variety of analytical techniques and methods so the data can be positioned in such a way as to tell a story to the intended audience.
- Collect, process, troubleshoot and integrate geospatial data from multiple sources into a cohesive GIS project.
- Design and implement a GIS database that effectively manages spatial data.
- Use GIS to solve real-world problems in a variety of fields.
- Effectively communicate GIS findings to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Apply basic cartographic principles to design effective maps for a variety of purposes.
- Demonstrate an understanding of GIS ethics and best practices, including data privacy, accuracy, and integrity.
- Work effectively as part of a team to complete a GIS project, including project planning, data management, analysis, and visualization.
Examples of jobs that graduates from the program can do:
Graduates can work almost anywhere including government, private industry and community organizations. There are job opportunities in agriculture, forestry, watershed and environmental management, land use planning, natural resource management, health care monitoring, statistics and analysis, emergency response, transportation and more.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy:
- An eight-month program to build upon your previous education and career interests.
- Advancing your career through learning a transferable technology skill that every industry employs.
- Work with interdisciplinary teams to solve real world problems using cutting edge technology.
- Learning to operate specialized computer hardware and software and peripheral equipment to model, manage, analyze and display data.
- Enjoy working with computers to customize geographic information and convey digital information in visual ways.
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
- Be able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
- Exercise judgment and decision-making, considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Monitor and assess individual performance, and to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Work in a structured environment, such as an office but could also be required to collect data in an outdoor setting.
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Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Two-year diploma or university degree.
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
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We understand that a fulfilling career in environmental technology is not only for those who already hold academic qualifications. If you're at the beginning of your journey and do not have a diploma or degree, consider exploring other similar programs at Assiniboine.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
- Surveying
- Remote sensing
- GIS
- Cartography
- Photogrammetry
- Government
- Utilities
- Mapping
- Software & app development
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Criminology
- Architecture
- Engineering
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
Tools & Supplies
As a registered student, you have access to the ArcGIS Student Edition (1 year) of the current version. It will include all necessary Extensions. It is important to note that ArcGIS is a commercial software package that is restricted to personal use by the student. It is unlawful for anyone to use this software package to generate personal or corporate profit or revenue.
All other software will either be trial versions or Open Source and can be downloaded and installed as required.
Students will need access to some office-type software (Microsoft Office, Office 365 or another Open Source office suite). Students can obtain a Microsoft license at a reduced price through Assiniboine's IT Services. Specific instructions on software will be provided in the courses.
Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies
Program Checklists:
Textbooks:
Supplies:
ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own smartphone for use on-campus. The smartphone must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
| Credits | 60.0 |
| Tuition | $3,570 |
| Course Fees | $2,180 |
| Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $510 |
| Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $620 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
| Credits | 60.0 |
| Tuition | $15,710 |
| Course Fees | $2,180 |
| Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $510 |
| Required Health Insurance | $750 |
| Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $620 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
Courses
To graduate with a Geographic Information Systems advanced diploma, students must successfully complete 60 credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.
Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Spatial Analysis (GEOS-0017)Prerequisite: GEOS-0026 GIS Analysis; GEOS-0021 GIS Database Management |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Cartography (GEOS-0018)Corequisite: GEOS-0026 GIS Analysis |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Geomatics Applications (GEOS-0019)Pre-requisitie: GEOS-0024 GIS Project Management |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
GIS Analysis (GEOS-0026)Prerequisite: GEOS-0018 Cartography |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
GIS Database Management (GEOS-0021)Co-requsite: GEOS-0023 GPS Applications |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
GIS Project Management (GEOS-0024)In this course, students will explore how geospatial data is created, shared and stored. Topics will focus on data management, conversion, and manipulation within a geospatial context. Initial focus is on data transfer, sources of digital geographic data and geographic data formats. Students will progress into advanced database solutions, including theory and design of a relational database. Interface design principles of data input, complex queries, relationship classes, topological rules, hierarchical geospatial data layers, domains and classes are applied to spatial and non-spatial data. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
GIS Server (GEOS-0020)Pre-requsite: GEOS-0026 GIS Analysis |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
GPS Applications (GEOS-0023)Co-requsite: GEOS-0021 GIS Database Management |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Programming for GIS (GEOS-0016)This course introduces students to GIS programming software to create applications using the graphical user interface (GUI). Students develop visual and event-oriented approaches to programming. Instruction covers the development interface, the use of most available controls and their properties, cutting-edge interface design methods, debugging techniques and programming tips. This integrates GIS programming skills in a variety of different situations such as custom geoprocess analysis and web integration. |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Remote Sensing/Image Analysis (GEOS-0025)Prerequisite: GEOS-0026 GIS Analysis, GEOS-0018 Cartography |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Program Details
