Geographic Information Systems Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

This certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and automated mapping technology, utilizing Earth resources data satellites, aerial photography, and computerized data banks of spatial data.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Science

Department

Geographic Information Systems

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Science, Engineering, Math

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Entry-level technician in the field of GIS, automated cartography (geoinformatics/geo-visualization), and remote sensing for science, government, and business applications.

  2. Scanning, hand-digitizing, and collecting global positioning systems (GPS) cartographic data as a means to create a base map.

  3. Entering textual and numerical information as a means to create a tabular database.

  4. Integration of raster data layers, including remotely sensed imagery, and vector data layers, including points, lines, and polygons.

  5. Basic GIS map analysis, including descriptive spatial statistics, inferential spatial statistics, and spatial autocorrelation.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

13 units
GEOG 130 or GIS 130

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including the history of automated mapping. The course includes a brief introduction to basic cartographic principles, including map scales, coordinate systems and map projections. GIS hardware and software are explored, as are various applications of GIS technology used in environmental science, business and government. (This course is also offered as GIS 130)

Course Details:

    OR

    This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including the history of automated mapping. The course includes a brief introduction to basic cartographic principles, including map scales, coordinate systems and map projections. GIS hardware and software are explored, as are various applications of GIS technology used in environmental science, business and government.(This course is also offered as GEOG 130)

    Course Details:

    1. Transfers to CSU
      2. GIS 133
      GIS Cartography and Base Map Development
      This course introduces the nature of cartography, standard cartographic conventions, and graphic symbology. Map projections, scale, types of thematic maps, and map accuracy are reviewed. Current industry standard techniques used in GIS base map development are employed, including production and presentation techniques of professional quality maps.

      Course Details:

      1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
        2. or
      2. Prerequisite: GEOG 130
      GIS 135
      Spatial Analysis with GIS
      This course is an introduction to spatial analysis with fundamental concepts and analytical procedures used to simplify complex spatial modeling.  Specific methods covered include spatial queries, buffering, overlay, interpolation, network analysis, surface analysis, and spatial autocorrelation.

      Course Details:

      1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
      Elective Courses - Minimum of 4 units
      This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GIS 100).

      Course Details:

      1. Transfers to CSU
        2. OR
        This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GIS 100).

        Course Details:

        1. Transfers to CSU
          2. OR

          This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GEOG 100).

          Course Details:

          1. Transfers to CSU

            2. This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GEOG 100).

            Course Details:

            1. Transfers to CSU
              2. The Global positioning system (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system comprised of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the principles of the GPS and to demonstrate its application to GIS. GPS basic components are covered, including satellites, ground control stations, antennae, and receivers. GIS background or work experience in the field are recommended to succeed in this course.

              Course Details:

              1. Departmental Advisory: GIS 135
              The Global positioning system (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system comprised of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the principles of the GPS and to demonstrate its application to GIS. GPS basic components are covered, including satellites, ground control stations, antennae, and receivers. GIS background or work experience in the field are recommended to succeed in this course.

              Course Details:

              1. Departmental Advisory: GIS 135
              This course involves supervised training, in the form of on the job employment that will enhance the student's knowledge in the selected field of study. The student's major and job must match. For paid work, 75 hours = 1 unit; for volunteer work, 60 hours = 1 unit. Students may earn a total of 16 units toward graduation in Work Experience 098 courses. See department for specific guidelines. 

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 135
              2. Corequisite: GIS 135
              This course involves supervised training, in the form of on the job employment that will enhance the student's knowledge in the selected field of study. The student's major and job must match. For paid work, 75 hours = 1 unit; for volunteer work, 60 hours = 1 unit. Students may earn a total of 16 units toward graduation in Work Experience 098 courses. See department for specific guidelines. 

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 135
              2. Corequisite: GIS 135
              Students with previous course work in GIS may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of GIS. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
                2. or
              2. Prerequisite: GIS 131
              Students with previous course work in GIS may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of GIS. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
                2. or
              2. Prerequisite: GIS 131

              2nd Semester

              10 units
              GIS 134
              Data Acquisition and Management
              This course addresses the interpretation and understanding of a variety of data formats available in GIS. It introduces the fundamental concepts of primary GIS data creation and discusses quantitative techniques for collection, classification, and management of geographical data.

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
              GIS 136 or GIS 137
              This course introduces students to the various GIS techniques deployed to help government, businesses, and consulting firms to operate in a constantly changing social, physical, economic, and political environment. Government agencies and businesses today face challenges that force them to think beyond traditional, non-geographic approaches to problem solving.  Students are introduced to data integration, maps, and GIS outputs.

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 135
              OR
              This course provides hands-on training in advanced applications of GIS using ArcView and ArcInfo, and a review of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for customizing ArcGIS. It includes introduction to ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, and building maps and models for publishing to the web. Students will learn to build web applications with GIS capabilities using Application Service Provider (ASP).

              Course Details:

              1. Prerequisite: GIS 135
              Elective Courses - Minimum of 4 units
              This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GIS 100).

              Course Details:

              1. Transfers to CSU
                2. OR
                This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GIS 100).

                Course Details:

                1. Transfers to CSU
                  2. OR

                  This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GEOG 100).

                  Course Details:

                  1. Transfers to CSU

                    2. This class is an introduction to maps, images and geospatial techniques and technologies. The technologies covered in this course include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all of which aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (This course is also offered as GEOG 100).

                    Course Details:

                    1. Transfers to CSU
                      2. The Global positioning system (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system comprised of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the principles of the GPS and to demonstrate its application to GIS. GPS basic components are covered, including satellites, ground control stations, antennae, and receivers. GIS background or work experience in the field are recommended to succeed in this course.

                      Course Details:

                      1. Departmental Advisory: GIS 135
                      The Global positioning system (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system comprised of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the principles of the GPS and to demonstrate its application to GIS. GPS basic components are covered, including satellites, ground control stations, antennae, and receivers. GIS background or work experience in the field are recommended to succeed in this course.

                      Course Details:

                      1. Departmental Advisory: GIS 135
                      This course involves supervised training, in the form of on the job employment that will enhance the student's knowledge in the selected field of study. The student's major and job must match. For paid work, 75 hours = 1 unit; for volunteer work, 60 hours = 1 unit. Students may earn a total of 16 units toward graduation in Work Experience 098 courses. See department for specific guidelines. 

                      Course Details:

                      1. Prerequisite: GIS 135
                      2. Corequisite: GIS 135
                      This course involves supervised training, in the form of on the job employment that will enhance the student's knowledge in the selected field of study. The student's major and job must match. For paid work, 75 hours = 1 unit; for volunteer work, 60 hours = 1 unit. Students may earn a total of 16 units toward graduation in Work Experience 098 courses. See department for specific guidelines. 

                      Course Details:

                      1. Prerequisite: GIS 135
                      2. Corequisite: GIS 135
                      Students with previous course work in GIS may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of GIS. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

                      Course Details:

                      1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
                        2. or
                      2. Prerequisite: GIS 131
                      Students with previous course work in GIS may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of GIS. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

                      Course Details:

                      1. Prerequisite: GIS 130
                        2. or
                      2. Prerequisite: GIS 131