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Geographic Information Science for Resource Management


Location(s):  Prince Albert   

Geographic Information Science for Resource Management is a certificate program. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use modern technology to automate, integrate, analyze and communicate spatially-based information. You will develop skills and acquire knowledge through a hands on approach to GIS software and related skills and technologies.

These include:

  • mapping and compassing

  • air photo interpretation

  • Global Positioning Systems

  • remote sensing and image analysis

  • computer programming

  • database design

Length: 34 weeks

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Career Opportunities

Graphic Information Science (GIS) is a relatively new field in which the job prospects are expanding 15% to 20% every year. GIS is becoming the fastest way to link spatial data (maps) with attribute data (database tables) to use for managing wildlife, fisheries, forestry, forest fire control, evidence collection for conservation officers and many other non-resource based industries.

Graduates are prepared for employment as entry level GIS technicians in a variety of settings including:

  • natural resource based industries

  • First Nations industries

  • consulting and environmental agencies

  • government agencies

  • municipal agencies (infrastructure GIS management)


For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

  • data analysts
  • gis mapping technicians
  • gis specialists
  • gis technicians
  • gps operators
  • mapping cartographers
  • remote sensing analysts

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


  • Grade 12

  • Minimum 65% average in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 (combined)

  • Minimum 65% average in Math A30 and Math B30 (combined) *

  • English Language Requirement


Note

  • Computer literacy is recommended.


*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

  • Minimum of 60% in Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or in Foundations of Math 30 or in Pre-Calculus 30
    (replacing Math A30 and B30 above)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

80Arithmetic
75Elementary Algebra
80Reading
80Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies plus a minimum of 65% in the mathematics requirement


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
    • Lab instruction
      Home Study
      Online
      Shop/Lab
      Work Experience
    • Your four-week work experience will be with an organization that uses GIS. Some work experiences will be in locations other than Prince Albert so you may need to budget for additional transportation and accommodation expenses.

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.



Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.



Semester 1
expand/contract all

  • COMP 176  Introduction to Microsoft Access 1

    • You will study the basic features of Access. You will create simple tables, queries, forms and reports. You will also modify database elements such as fields and records.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   CDBM 190    COAP 197    COAP 345    COMP 120    COMP 284   

  • COMP 376  Principles of Database Design

    • You will be introduced to the principles of database design and implementation in the context of data handling for a Geographic Information System (GIS) project. Your studies will focus on the relational database model.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    COMP 176 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

  • GIS_ 101  Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 1

    • You will achieve a basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts and principles. You will learn how to display spatial data, work with tables and create a map layout using ArcGIS for desktop.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   GIS 350    GIS 440   

  • GIS_ 102  Introduction to ArcMap

    • You will explore modules and capabilities of ArcGIS software for desktop. You will practice geoprocessing tasks using ArcMap’s modelbuilder.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 101 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

  • GIS_ 103  Data Input for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

    • You will collect data of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You will use data input techniques and hardware to create new data sets pertaining to georeferencing, error checking and adding attribute data. You will also survey existing GIS data sources. Your studies will focus on working with various data formats using AutoCAD.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 401 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

  • GIS_ 104  Introduction to Python

    • You will be introduced to the basics of programming using Python software. Your studies will include creating scripts and programs.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • GIS_ 310  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Hardware

    • You will gain hands-on experience using various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) hardware including computers, plotters, digitizing tables and printers.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • GIS_ 351  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Field Trip

    • You will participate in an off-campus field trip to explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in resource management. You will gain an understanding of where and how GIS is applied to analyze and understand industry-based situations.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

  • GIS_ 362  Three-Dimensional Analysis

    • You will perform advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis using three-dimensional modeling.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • GIS_ 363  Basic Statistics and Geostatistics

    • You will receive an introduction to basic elements of statistics (including the organization and reporting of statistical data, sampling, measures of central tendency, dispersion and regression). You will use Geostatistics to estimate data values for locations that cannot be sampled directly. You will establish and use models of spatial correlation to interpolate unknown data values.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

  • GIS_ 401  Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 2

    • You will build on the skills and concepts learned in GIS 101 (Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 1). You will input data and examine how coordinate systems and scale relate to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You will learn spatial analysis techniques and apply your skills in a resource management project.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   GIS 440   

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 101 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

  • GPS_ 110  Basics of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

    • You will be introduced to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for resource managers. You will gain hands-on experience navigating using handheld GPS receivers. Your studies will include entering GPS data into various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) file formats. Using handheld and survey-grade receivers, you will practice advanced data collection techniques.




    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • MAPS 101  Introduction to Mapping and Compassing

    • Your studies will focus on mapping systems. You will interpret maps and develop skills in ground and map measurements. You will learn the basics of internet mapping software.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   MAPS 340   

    Semester 2

  • COMM 116  Communication Skills

    • You will be introduced to the fundamentals of professional conduct, public relations, letter writing, interoffice communication, oral presentations and job search skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 341   

  • GIS_ 105  Vector Analysis

    • You will study the analytical capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using the vector data model. You will apply topological overlay, buffering and proximity analyses of points, lines and polygons to resource management scenarios.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 401 Minimum Grade of 60

  • GIS_ 106  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Programming

    • You will be introduced to the elements of geoprocessing and modelbuilder. You will learn how to work with ArcGIS more efficiently by creating programs to automate repetitive tasks.



    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 101 Minimum Grade of 60 and GIS 104 Minimum Grade of 60

  • GIS_ 302  Introduction to Mobile Geographic Information Systems
    (GIS)

    • You will learn how to integrate Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You will study intermediate theories and the principles of geodesy including positioning methods, errors and error management. You will practice your skills by completing a project from the planning stage to final data output.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • GIS_ 361  Raster Analysis

    • You will study the analytical capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using the raster data model. You will study raster analysis techniques that include Boolean and arithmetic grid overlays, neighborhood and zonal functions, surface representations of elevation, density, distance and proximity.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 401 Minimum Grade of 60

  • GIS_ 372  Introduction to Visual Basic

    • You will be introduced to programming using Visual Basic software. You will practice your programming skills by using software functions and creating programs.




    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • MAPS 301  Cartography

    • You will learn to apply cartographic principles of map design and produce a professional quality map with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    MAPS 101 Minimum Grade of 60

  • MAPS 302  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Internet

    • You will develop Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications for the internet. You will practice your skills by developing an internet web page.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    GIS 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and MAPS 301 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

  • PROJ 287  Project Management

    • You will be introduced to project management. You will examine the basic theory of project planning and control, from project initiation to project close out. You will apply research techniques and various tools to practice project management theory in a variety of projects. You will practice skills using project management software.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

  • SYST 401  Remote Sensing 1

    • You will be introduced to satellite imagery. Your studies will include remote interpretation techniques for natural resource management applications.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   SYST 340   

  • SYST 402  Remote Sensing 2

    • You will learn important image processing and analysis techniques for remotely sensed data. The techniques include geocorrection, enhancements, filtering, vegetation indices, classification and mosaicking. Your studies will include analyzing lidar imagery.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    SYST 401 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

  • WORK 301  Work Experience

    • You will consolidate your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills in an approved employment setting. You will complete and report the results of a project relating to resource management in the context of your work placement.

    0.0 Credit Units
    120.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Work Experience -Individual

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