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.

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. 

Elevate Awards

Full-Tuition Awards Available!

The Elevate Award is a full-tuition award that supports university or college graduates looking to enhance their professional skill sets by pursuing an advanced diploma program. Up to 20 full-tuition Elevate awards are granted annually to domestic students (Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents). Awards are limited; apply to the program today!

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Admissions

  • 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 requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program. 

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Surveying
  • Remote sensing
  • GIS
  • Cartography
  • Photogrammetry
  • Government
  • Utilities
  • Mapping
  • Software & app development
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Criminology
  • Architecture
  • Engineering 

Tools & Supplies

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.

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 the ACC IT Services.

Specific instructions on software will be provided in the courses.

Program Checklist and Textbooks/Supplies

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. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Geographic Information Systems Advanced Diploma 60 $3,400 $1,920 $470 $620

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Geographic Information Systems Advanced Diploma 60 $15,270 $1,920 $470 $750 $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
The course builds on the foundational GIS knowledge and skills acquired at the introductory level and guides students in the development of increasingly sophisticated spatial and geostatistical analyses. Students will learn how to perform different types of spatial analyses, identify the types of questions different analysis approaches can answer, critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of different approaches, and gain a better understanding of the use of capabilities of spatial analysis. Students will apply model building tools to advanced geostatistical methods. Spatial modelling and analysis techniques like spatial interpolation, multi-criteria decision making, Fuzzy Logic, predictive modelling, regression, network analysis, routing, site selection and data mining skills will be explored.

6 credit(s) No No No
Cartography (GEOS-0018)

Corequisite: GEOS-0026 GIS Analysis
The course introduces students to computer-assisted cartographic methods and processes. Emphasis is on map design and cartographic communication using computer-assisted cartographic techniques. Students examine multimedia cartographic visualization prospects. Cartographic ethics are observed and adhered to during the various cartographic products generated.

6 credit(s) No No No
Geomatics Applications (GEOS-0019)

Pre-requisitie: GEOS-0024 GIS Project Management
Co-requisite: GEOS-0017 Advanced Spatial Analysis
This course is divided into two distinct phases that will integrate knowledge of data, GPS, remote sensing, and GIS analysis for use in a wide variety of applications. In the first phase of the course, learners apply foundational knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses to complete a wide range of geospatial applications using data from areas such as forestry, resource management, agriculture, civil/infrastructure, disaster management, land reclamation, mining, water management, LiDAR, site selection, UAV/Drone analysis, and/or open source geospatial software among others. In the second phase, learners have to complete one of two options: i) create a geomatics skills portfolio, which is a great resource for demonstrating skills to employers and can continue to grow as your career progresses, or ii) develop an industry based GIS proposal and work plan for a specific GIS analysis project. Each of these options will act as a culminating experience of the GIS advanced diploma program.

6 credit(s) No No No
GIS Analysis (GEOS-0026)

Prerequisite: GEOS-0018 Cartography
Students explore the basic principles and theories related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications. Students apply these principles to different industry management situations using a variety of GIS software packages. Using fundamental GIS concepts, students explore the vector and raster data analysis geoprocesses. Various methods of spatial data manipulation and interpolation are implemented along with grid cell analysis.

6 credit(s) No No No
GIS Database Management (GEOS-0021)

Co-requsite: GEOS-0023 GPS Applications
In this course, students 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 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 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
Co-requisite: GEOS-0017 Advanced Spatial Analysis
This course familiarizes students to the use of GIS cloud and server resources. Students evaluate and implement systems using three cloud service models (infrastructure, platform, and software services). The setup of server and cloud services for creating maps, managing spatial data, and processing spatial data will be accomplished. Students explore a range of open source and close source (proprietary) GIS industry service systems. This course integrates GIS programming skills in a variety of different situations such as custom geoprocess analysis and web integration.

6 credit(s) No No No
GPS Applications (GEOS-0023)

Co-requsite: GEOS-0021 GIS Database Management
This course introduces students to the application of tools related to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Decision-making as it relates to Global Positioning System (GPS) implementation is stressed. Students learn proficiency in operating a variety of GPS equipment, mission planning, data collection, data accuracy, documentation, processing and field techniques. Students are exposed to innovative GPS equipment and mapping techniques. Emphasis is placed on data collection, quality and 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
This course implements the fundamental skills and principles involved in acquiring, manipulating, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting remotely sensed data. The data is presented or integrated with other data forms for direct implementation within a GIS. The students learn to manipulate digital and non-digital images using a variety of software packages. An overview of digital image processing techniques for commercial and research-based remotely sensed earth resource monitoring systems is provided. Emphasis is on the use and interpretation of passive (optical) satellite imagery using both automated and semi-automated information extraction. Learners are introduced to microwave sensing (radar). Various standard image enhancements, formats and analysis procedures are practiced.

6 credit(s) No No No

Program Details

Length
8 months
Program Start
September
Credential
Advanced Diploma
Credits
60
Course Load
Full-time
Program Details
On Campus
Open to International Students
Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment
204.725.8712
1.800.862.6307 ext 6685 (toll free)
Program Information Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next program information session?

Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.