Flexible and adaptable, GIS can be used in a variety of different scenarios, to make evidence-based decisions, understand trends and analyze data, effectively communicate a message and visually tell a story.
Program at a Glance
Length
1 year
Credential
Advanced Diploma
Delivery Method
On Campus
Campus
Castlegar
Intake Dates
Fall
Contacts
Rena Vandenbos
School Chair, Researcher, Instructor, Geographic Information Systems
GIS allows experts to map any type of spatial data so that it is interactive, complex and layered with valuable information. Be a specialist in demand in this field that touches a variety of industries from business to health care and environmental sciences. It can be used as a tool within almost every industry, including:
Businesses like market-driven banking, ultimate client service and asset management
Engineering like transportation planning, disaster management, use of historical data and terrain analysis
Urban, rural and community planning
Climate research, flood damage estimation
Wildlife conservation, natural resource planning, water management
Resource development and land management
News and entertainment support, telecom and network services
Within our state-of-the-art facilities, you'll get powerful, progressive hands-on experience and classroom instruction in subjects like:
GIS applications and automation
Remote sensing
Internet mapping
Database development and management
Customized application programming
Global positioning systems (GPS)
3D visualizations
Data management techniques
Open source, open data, and related software applications
Drone data collection and utilization
Enrol in Co-op!
Take your learning out of the classroom with co-op education. Earn school credit while you gain real-world work experience. Geographic Information Systems students must enrol in a Co-op Education work-term in Semester 3.
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
Engage and communicate effectively and ethically with diverse audiences in a professional context
Apply critical thinking and diverse problem-solving approaches to address technical issues
Organize project resources into a coherent framework that includes data, technologies, systems and participants
Apply automation and data analysis processes, and leverage GIS and Remote Sensing capabilities to address diverse challenges and provide decision support, including real world scenarios related to sustainable development.
Apply processes of spatial data creation and acquisition by utilizing a range of methods
Create visually appealing, accurate, and intuitive representations of spatial data through maps, 3D models, apps and various types of portals to effectively communicate with specific audiences.
Apply data management best practices relating to data standardization, database design, ethics, workflows, interoperability and sharing
Utilize learning experiences that enhance self-sufficiency and future opportunities
Recognize the diversity of Indigenous culture and traditions as distinct knowledge systems that are valid when building respectful engagement, consultation and collaborative relationships.
Acknowledge the Calls to Truth and Reconciliation and the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as inclusive and informed constructs for Indigenous rights and title in the stewardship.
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:
The minimum requirement for entry into the ADGIS is successful completion of 60 credits from a diploma/associate degree or applied/academic degree from an accredited post-secondary institution with an average GPA of at least 2.33.
International students will be expected to provide documentation of English proficiency as per Policy 8611.
Additional Requirements
General
An applicant with a reasonable potential for success on the basis of work experience or equivalent education may be admitted, notwithstanding some deficiency in prior formal education. For this option, they should have demonstrated competency in the use of computer software and hardware technologies, including spreadsheets, word processing, and computer graphics. Applicants with no accredited post-secondary credential will usually require academic upgrading prior to starting the program. They are urged to apply for the program at least one year in advance.
Applicants with no accredited post-secondary credential may require academic upgrading prior to starting the program. They are urged to apply for the program at least one year in advance
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Before an applicant's file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions office:
a) completed application form;
b) official transcripts of all relevant post-secondary education; and
c) official transcripts of high school grades will be required for applicants entering without a credential from an accredited post-secondary institution.
2. Deadline for completing the application file is normally one month prior to the commencement of the program.
3. Late applications will be accepted if space is available.
Graduation and Promotion
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
PROMOTION
1. Each semester must be completed with a Grade Point Average of 2.00 (60% average) or better with no more than two grades below a 60% to continue into the next semester. GPA will be based on all grades for courses scheduled for a given year and semester as per the course calendar. All grades below a 60% grade must be raised to a satisfactory level in order to graduate (see below).
2. Students not eligible to continue to the next semester will not be permitted to upgrade any marks but must repeat all courses with grades below a 60% prior to proceeding to the next semester.
3. Students receiving a final grade of 59% or lower in the prerequisite course will be required to withdraw from the subsequent course requiring the prerequisite. Students receiving the 59% or lower grade must re-register in and successfully complete the course with a 60% grade or better before going on to the subsequent course.
GRADUATION
All courses must have at least a 60% grade, except for GIS 320 and Coop 301, which needs a “CRG” to be eligible for graduation.
The following courses are required for the Geographic Information Systems – Advanced Diploma and terms 1, 2 and 3 of the Geographic Information Systems – Bachelor's Degree. See the bachelor's degree for the required courses in terms 4 and 5.
GIS 302 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems is an introduction to GIS theory 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 for Pro software. This material is continued in GIS 303. This course or equivalent credit is required to continue in the ADGIS program.
GIS 303 GIS Analysis and Automation will build upon the fundamentals of GIS theory by examining geodata models, data management and metadata, advanced analysis (raster and vector), 3D models, batching and scripting. The lab portion of this course will focus on the use of ArcGIS and its extensions for vector and raster analysis, Model Builder for analysis workflow control, and Python scripting for automation.
GIS 306 Introduction to Remote Sensing will introduce the fundamentals of the basic physical principle of remote sensing and demonstrate the current applications of the technology. Students will become familiar with the basic image processing techniques for image pre-processing and data extraction. The course is designed to stimulate the current remote sensing activities in natural resource management.
GIS 310 GIS Data Management. Over the last few decades, geospatial technologies have evolved and infiltrated into an exponential number of organizations' and people's lives to the point where they are ubiquitous. Along with this great expansion of use comes an even greater need to access the right data and to manage and utilize it appropriately for each unique project. This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of dealing with spatial data and data management principles. We will explore key topics related to working with spatial data including data discovery, data dissemination and data use. Along with these topics comes the need to discuss ethics of data use and data use guidelines, data formats, standards and translation, metadata, as well as general data management and maintenance principles. The commercial software - FME will be introduced for data manipulation and translation from one format to the other.
GIS 316 Introduction to CAD for GIS Professionals. 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 entities and text, and crafting print layouts. AutoCad Map3D will be explored for LiDAR data manipulation. This course will frequently touch upon the differences and similarities of CAD and GIS as well as when and how GIS professionals may use CAD in their career and how transitions between the two environments may occur. By the end of the course students should gain appreciation of the complementary technology that CAD offers alongside GIS
GIS 318 Cartography and Geovisualization 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. All cartographic principles and practices will be examined in relationship to GIS and other geospatial technologies. We will use ArcGIS software to complete most of the activities.
GIS 329: Principles of Programming for GIS assumes no prior programming knowledge. Students will learn how to set and use variables, write and import modules, and use selection and repetition to control program flow as implemented in the Python language. At a more advanced level, students will learn to write programs that embed functions and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts such as the use of objects, properties, and methods. Topics of scripting in Python and the usage of ESRI's ArcPy module for the automation of geoprocessing and mapping tasks will be introduced.
GIS 390 Applied Research Methods 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 project decision-making process. Specific skills will be developed in project scoping and research proposal development, reference material management, and project presentation methods, including oral, poster, and written project documents. This course is a prerequisite for Co-op 301, GIS 491, and GIS 492.
GIS 307 Remote Sensing in Resource Management. Building upon the skills introduced in Introduction to Remote Sensing (GIS 306), 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 ENVI 5.x and QGIS 3.x. This course consists, in part, of an independent project designed and conducted by individual students to foster a scientific research approach in executing a remote sensing project. Each student will identify a project to be approved by the instructor during the first week of the class. Students are expected to work individually to complete their chosen project. The instructor will periodically discuss project progress and provisional results in the class.
Prerequisites
GIS 305 or GIS 306. Note: Pre-requisite(s) may be waived with the permission of the Instructor.
GIS 313 Database Systems is an integral part of GIS, an 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 concepts, data definition, structured query language (SQL), and data integration.
GIS 314 Database II. This course is a continuation of Database Systems I, and will cover relational database geodatabase skills using mainly Microsoft Access and ESRI Geodatabases with ArcSDE and a PostgreSQL backend. The purpose of this course is to introduce both conceptual and practical aspects of designing and developing both a database and a geodatabase. The course will provide an overview of some design methodologies and models. Following this overview, the course will cover database and geodatabase design and implementation using Access/Geodatabases and optionally ArcSDE on top of PostgreSQL.
GIS 320 GIS Professional Development. Current and relevant professional development in GIS is essential for new graduates and experienced practitioners to achieve and maintain success in the continually changing GIS field. During this seminar course we will invite local GIS industry expert guest speakers to learn how their organization uses GIS technology and what skills are most required for success. We will also cover designation upon graduation, developing a professional development plan, and identify various GIS organizations.
GIS 321 New Media for GIS. In our continually evolving digital world, employers and clients often expect GIS graduates to have an online presence. We need a venue to showcase what we do and what we are capable of, and how we format and present our online portfolio can be make or break a new position or contract award. This New media course consists of a series of workshops designed to build digital presentation and presence skills using some popular New media tools, graphics editors, video editing software, websites and blogs plus additional freeware social media tools like Twitter and LinkedIn. At the end of this course students will have built their own websites hosting creative self-produced media and begun the process of building an online GIS network to begin or further their GIS careers.
GIS 323 Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles will first 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. The second part of the course will introduce Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology. More specifically, this includes introduction to photogrammetry, characteristics of images obtained from UAV, mission planning, acquiring images using UAV and digital image processing. Students will work on series of assignments to get the hands on experience on data acquisition and image processing.
GIS 325 Internet Mapping 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 Consortium 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 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 server. 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.
Prerequisites
GIS 302, GIS 303, GIS 310, and GIS 318 with a minimum of 60%
In GIS 331 Advanced GIS Application we will learn about and practice applying GIS to spatial problems; arguably one of the most challenging parts of putting this powerful technology into action. We will focus on GIS for Health Analysis as well as other applications of GIS (such as crime analysis) by utilizing sophisticated analysis techniques including hotspot analysis, Getis-Ord G* statistic, exploratory regression, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically weighted regression (GWR).
GIS 491 Technical Project builds on the specific skills developed in GIS 390 and involves building a project database, conducting analyses 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. Students will combine practical application with project management skills to complete their project with the guidance of a supervisor.
COOP 301 is a (paid) work-term which fosters partnerships between students, employers and institution; to bring classroom learning into the workplace. Co-op Education is a process of education that formally integrates students’ academic study with periods of related work experience. By connecting with employers, students will gain valuable hands-on experience in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Prerequisites
The student must have completed a minimum of one semester in the School of Environment and Geomatics, GIS Program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, completion of all courses. Any student with one (1) or more failing grades must have Advisor approval to enter into a Co-op Work Term.
Geographic Information Systems – Advanced Diploma, Year 1
Tuition
$6,001
Mandatory Fees
$616
Student Union Fees
$455
Total
$7,072
2025/26
Geographic Information Systems – Advanced Diploma, Year 1
Tuition
$6,121
Mandatory Fees
$628
Student Union Fees
$455
Total
$7,204
International
2024/25
Geographic Information Systems – Advanced Diploma, Year 1
Tuition
$13,641
Mandatory Fees
$633
Student Union Fees
$455
Total
$14,729
2025/26
Geographic Information Systems – Advanced Diploma, Year 1
Tuition
$14,988
Mandatory Fees
$930
Student Union Fees
$543
Total
$16,461
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.