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Term Effective:
Fall 2021
The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.
Term Inactive:
Summer 2025
Description:
This certificate is currently on hiatus. All classes may not be currently offered. Please consult a counselor or program coordinator for more information.
Geospatial Technology Program "Because everything is somewhere!"
The Geospatial Technology Certificate of Achievement program prepares students for variety of technical positions in many different professions. Geospatial Technology incorporates new technology with traditional disciplines by mapping and analyzing features and events.
A career in Geospatial Technology
In general, people who are inquisitive, have good work ethic, and possess a passion and excitement for exploration are a perfect fit for the geospatial industry. The field attracts people from many different disciplines like: agriculture, astronomy, civil engineering, computer science, geography, geology, forestry, history, natural resources, public safety and surveying backgrounds. Geospatial technology curriculum includes courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, computer aided drafting (CAD), surveying, civil engineering, geography and computer science.
The student will be able to manipulate, analyze, map and display spatial data and information, combining layers of information about a place to give a better understanding of that place. What layers of information are combined depends on the purpose; finding the best location for a new store, analyzing environmental damage, viewing similar crimes in a city to detect a pattern, and other related uses.
The program sequence is set up to allow the student to progress through four semesters and achieve a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate’s Degree in Geospatial Technology. We offer classes at least once per year and accommodate the number of students as best we can. This program also prepares student to transfer to a university to continue their studies.
What is Geospatial Technology?
The U.S. Geological Survey defines Geospatial Technology as, "a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced information." That is, data identified according to location. It also includes the procedures, operating personnel, and spatial data that go into the system. The power of a geospatial technology comes from the ability to relate different information in a spatial context and to reach a conclusion about this relationship.
Geospatial Technology is one of the fastest growing career fields in North America, with analysis and planning applications in numerous areas. Virtually any agency, business, or organization that utilizes land planning or analysis of business problems to model systems and alternatives before management decisions are implemented can benefit from utilizing geospatial technology to accurately capture and display a variety of geographically related information.
Career Options
Excellent employment opportunities exist in the geospatial fields. Geospatial technology is for men and women who are interested in data collection and management, mapping, and spatial analysis. Opportunities are available in both public service and private enterprise including local, state, and federal agencies, national parks, non-profit organizations, private consulting firms, and business. Geospatial Technology has applications in economics and market research analysis, emergency response, environmental protection and planning, land use planning, public health and safety, utility planning and management, transportation planning, delivery route planning, real estate, and crime prevention, among others.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities in the geospatial field to grow steadily through 2014. The areas of urban planning, architecture, construction, and disaster and emergency planning will be particularly strong.
Geographic Information Systems Career Ladder
- GIS Principal (Private Industry Owner, experience and 4 year degree or advanced degree and generally specializing in a particular discipline
- GIS Manager (Supervisor, with experience and 4 year degree or advanced degree)
- GIS Analyst (Lead Person, experience and 4 year degree)
- GIS Technician I, II, and III (Certificate of Achievement from SRJC and experience)
- Mapping Technician (Certificate from SRJC and experience)
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Define and describe geospatial terminology, methods, procedures, standards and technology;
- Create, edit and analyze geographic, spatial and remotely sensed data;
- Communicate clearly and effectively in oral, written and graphic formats;
- Prepare layouts, reports, charts and graphs to support different geospatial applications;
- Produce finished quality maps representing a basic analysis, a basic survey or a basic scale-based, descriptive, diagrammatic summary;
- Create a Geographic Information System (GIS) map following standard cartographic principles which can be utilized within a professional portfolio;
- Demonstrate analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills in geographic information science and technology; and
- Describe the influence/effect that geospatial science and technology has on the local, regional, national and global communities.
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