Geographic Information Systems

This course is an introduction to GIS theory, history and application. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how geospatial features are represented and captured as data and how these data can be managed, analyzed and presented using state-of-the-art GIS tools. Hands-on expertise will be developed with ESRI’s ArcGIS software.

This course will build upon the fundamentals of GIS theory by examining geodata models, data management and metadata, cartography, advanced analysis, 3D modeling, batching and scripting, and accessing, importing, and translating data. The lab portion of this course will focus on the use of Python scripting for automating ArcGIS and its extensions.

This course will integrate both lecture and lab time to cover the foundations of remote sensing and engage in specific applications such as image classification and multi-spectral analysis.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of spatial data and data management principles. With a focus on data specifically in BC and in relation to federal, provincial, municipal, regional and industry, students will learn about the variety and types of data and datasets commonly used. Topics include the ethics of data use, access to BC data, data translation and management tools and data management principles.

This course provides an introduction to Autodesk's computer-assisted design and drafting software for GIS students. Students will learn the fundamentals of the drafting environment, including setting up their workspace, utilizing common tools, creating and modifying drawings, and crafting print layouts.

This course will frequently touch upon the differences and similarities of CAD and GIS as well as when and how GIS professionals will use CAD in their career and how transitions between the two environments may occur. GIS students should gain appreciation of the complementary technology that CAD offers.

Cartography is the art and science of map making and map use. Preparation of high quality maps that readily reveal land management, planning, environmental or other concerns is critical to ensure that important messages are conveyed in an easily interpretable fashion. This course introduces the concepts and methods of cartographic communication, design, and geovisualization. Mapping fundamentals will address subjects such as coordinate systems, projections, datums, cartographic generalization, map types, and map design considerations. Virtual cartography and other topical methods of conveying geoinformation, such as computer atlases, web mapping, and 3D-4D visualization will also be explored.

A venue to showcase your work or business is important, no matter what your profession. This New media course consists of a series of workshops designed to build skills using some popular New media industry tools, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CamStudio, and an Open Source CMS; Wordpress.

In addition to creating New media products, we will also explore social media tools and their benefits. Learning these tools will provide you with a strong foundation from which you can build your own website, hosting your own interesting media outputs to showcase your work.

This course will introduce the fundamental concepts of Global Navigation Satellite Systems with specific emphasis on Global Positioning System (GPS) and the applied technologies for GPS data collection and GIS integration. Through interactive instruction and hands-on course exercises, students will work with a variety of GPS tools and field collection techniques to learn how to create, edit, update and manage geographic information. Emphasis areas will include familiarity with GPS receivers, GPS processing software, data collection standards and cartography.

Selkirk College offers GIS 329 Visual Basic Programming to students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s programs in Geographic Information Systems. GIS329 Visual Basic Programming introduces fundamentals in programming, user-interface design, and software development to novice programmers.
Students will use Visual Basic 2008 Express in their programming tasks.

Building upon the skills introduced in Introduction to Remote Sensing I, this course will cover topics in the biophysical, geophysical, and human activity applications of remote sensing as well as change detection, object-oriented analysis, and active and passive imaging. Lectures will be integrated with labs emphasizing practical experience in remote sensing software applications using PCI Geomatica and Definiens.

This course consists, in part, of an independent project designed and conducted by groups of students to foster a team approach in executing a remote sensing project. Each group will identify a project to be approved by the instructor during the first week of the class. Students are expected to work as a team to complete their chosen project. The teams will periodically discuss project progress and demonstrate provisional results to the instructor.

As an integral part of GIS, the associated relational database system is used for query and analysis operations that aid in solving spatial problems. This introduction to relational database systems includes topics of; database models, structured query language (SQL), database design, data definition, data dictionaries and linking databases.

The purpose of this course is to introduce both conceptual and practical aspects of designing and developing first, a relational database, and second, a geodatabase. The course will provide an overview of common foundational design methodologies for both a relational database and a geodatabase. Included in this overview, the course will cover database design and implementation using Access 2007, Oracle and ArcSDE.

Prerequisites:

Knowledge of current and relevant developments/trends in the GIS profession is essential for new practitioners to
achieve success in the marketplace and their world. This seminar course will explore old, new, and emerging
topics including research methods, professional ethics, certification, life-long learning, entrepreneurialism,
presentation skills and other aspects of professionalism.

This course investigates the full range of Internet and intranet mapping, including static maps, online data, and web map (image) and feature services. Most of the emphasis of the course will be on the use of ESRI's ArcGIS Server software to serve maps over the Internet. Free mass media applications Google Earth and Google Map applications will be introduced. Web map OpenGIS Counsortium standards and freeware server and viewer software will be discussed.

The course curriculum will be delivered using lectures and hands-on class exercises. Students will install and configure software, author, administer, design and manage interactive Web Mapping projects through a number of lab assignments, and through a term project. The term project will be the development of a site which will be served through the campus intranet and/or through the SGRC public servier.

The course requires prior knowledge of GIS theory, BC datasets, and ArcGIS software which students have previously acquired in ADGIS courses GIS 302, 303, 310 and 318.

GIS and other geomatics technologies have become essential for decision support in the private and public sectors. Decision support refers to the tools and information provided by/to people during all aspects of their decision-making processes. GIS as a decision support system involves the application of spatially referenced data in a problem-solving situation (s) with the integration of data management, analysis techniques, and visual representation. GIS as a decision support system has matured sufficiently to handle such complex environmental, social, economic, and urban problems and is sometimes termed a spatial decision support system (SDSS). This course will focus on the application of GIS within three areas: Municipal Operations (Planning), Health and Medicine, and Emergency Management.

GIS project management will focus on skills pertaining to issues surrounding the management of GIS projects from start to finish. Emphasis areas will include description of the project work environment, organizational skills and tools, deliverable oriented performance appraisals, leadership and team orientation. In addition to these emphasis areas, supporting information covering proposal writing, costing, budgeting, meeting preparation, time management and communication skills will be addressed.

This course focuses on modelling applications and customization of ArcGIS software through interface design.

The objective of the course is to give students a basic understanding of the concepts and techniques for solving problems more efficiently through automation and customization of Geographic Information Systems. The course will focus on applications development using VB.Net programming and ArcGIS technology. Students will be exposed to a number of fundamental concepts of object modelling.

The concepts will be provided by lectures and hands-on class exercises. Students will practice the acquired knowledge through a number of programming assignments including homework and class exercises.

Spatial statistics is a two part course that starts with a review of essential statistical techniques and secondly consists of a concentration on statistical approached use in spatial analysis. Emphasis will be placed on integrating practical examples into course exercises and projects. Basic statistical concepts of exploring data, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, one sample, two sample tests, regression, and model building will be addressed. Geostatistical functions such as interpolation, point pattern analysis, kriging and trend surface analysis will be examined in the second part of the course.

Geographic Information Systems facilitates the solving of real-world problems. Project Development involves the design and planning of a project idea from initial concept to anticipated final outputs. Topics include an overview of the steps necessary to successfully integrate GIS into the decision-making process. Specific skills will be developed in project management, data management, identification of sources of error, determining analysis methods and recommending suitable final outputs.

Technical Project is the implementation of a project as outlined and defined in Project Development. Implementation will involve building the database, conducting analysis with a variety of geoprocessing tools and producing final products. This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge of CAD, GIS, remote sensing and databases to solve a specific problem.