Geographic Information Systems Certificate Program

Program Director: Dr. Vandana Kohli

CLASSES OFFERED

WORKING WITH GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS :

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS):

ADVANCED GIS TOPICS:

INTRODUCTION TO ARC/INFO GIS

APPLIED DEMOGRAPHIC METHODS:

BACKGROUND

Geographic information systems, usually referred to merely by its acronym, GIS, is a relatively new computer technology whose origins can be traced back to the 1960s. During the last decade, however, this technology has evolved to encompass a variety of different technological capabilities including:

In other words, GIS, in a single software package can create maps and other graphic files, store information about the features and associated characteristics of graphic files, and manipulate the features and characteristics of maps and other graphic designs simultaneously for analytical purposes. These technological capabilities combine to make GIS a powerful methodological tool for anyone interested in spatial analysis. The evolution of GIS technology during the last two decades has had a profound impact in the way we analyze and process spatial data in various settings. Some areas of application are as follows: The burgeoning of GIS and its proliferation in various industries and organizations has resulted in a great need for professionals trained in this specific area. The GIS certificate program is designed to address these needs by providing: Students enrolled in the certificate program will acquire the preceding skills and information by taking classes over the Internet. These classes will be completely remote; they will not require any 'seat time'; and students will be able to progress through the program at their own pace. The GIS certificate program is available to all students eligible for university-level study, even though the program is essentially designed for professionals needing GIS training. Students who have had extensive experience using GIS may, upon approval, substitute experience for three (3) elective units or may transfer up to eleven (11) units of equivalent coursework taken at other institutions. Students who have successfully completed all classes with a grade of "C" or better will receive a completion certificate at the culmination of the program.

Classes in the program usually carry three (3) units of credit and provide both breadth and depth in the area of GIS. The core classes are designed to familiarize students with the Internet environment, GIS software and hardware issues. The elective units, on the other hand provide students an opportunity to develop expertise in specialized GIS topics and GIS applications. All courses are designed for a ten week schedule and reflect the core curriculum in GIS designed by the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA).

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS:

The program consists of 20 quarter units: 8 units from core classes; and 12 units from electives.

CORE CLASSES:

  • Working with GIS
  • Prinicples and practice of Geographic Information Systems
  • Intermediate GIS Topics

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    ELECTIVE CLASSES:

  • Statistics for GIS Users
  • Applied Demographic Methods
  • GIS Programming Using ArcView
  • GIS Using ArcInfo
  • GIS for Urban Planners
  • GIS for the Natural Sciences
  • GIS for Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • GIS for Archeaologists
  • GIS for K-12 Educators
  • GIS for Economics
  • Data Acess and Management

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    DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES AND LINKS TO SYLLABUS

    Working with Geographic Information Systems: This course provides hands-on experience in the use of the geographic information systems (GIS) software ArcView 3.x. The class is taught on-line which allows the benefit of working at home and at your own pace. The students will follow a tutorial provided in the textbook Getting to Know ArcView GIS (which includes a partial version of ArcView) and complete three (3) tests reflecting their progress. Topics covered include: an overview and description of GIS; working with spatial data; asking questions about data; managing data in tables; analyzing spatial relationships; and presenting information with maps. Some knowledge of a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel is beneficial but not required. The hardware and software necessary for the completion of this course includes: a multimedia PC, 486/33 Mhz, 16MB of RAM, 16MB of hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, 256-color display adapter, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, or Windows 95, plus WEB browser and internet capabilities. (2 units) No prerequisite.

    Principles and practice of Geographic Information Systems: This course provides an overview of geographic information systems (GIS) principles and software use. The class is entirely on-line which allows the benefit of working at home and at your own pace. Students will study the history and development of GIS, contemplate theoretical and ethical issues, and learn of the broad range of current and potential uses for GIS. Course work will contain exercises that build upon ArcViewÌs multiple capabilities using data pertinent to the local geographic area. Completion of assignments based on required readings, will also be required. Hardware necessary for the completion of this course includes: a multimedia PC, 486/33 Mhz, 16MB of RAM, 16MB of hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, and a 256-color display adapter. Necessary software includes: ArcView 3.x (which with proof of registration can be purchased at a large discount from ESRI at 800-447-9778), Microsoft Excel or Dbase, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, or Windows 95, plus WEB and internet capabilities. (3 units) Recommended: familarity with a GIS software and a spreadsheet program is recommended but not required.

    Intermediate GIS Topics: This course provides hands-on experience in the use of the geographic information systems (GIS) software ArcView 3.x. The class is taught entirely over the World Wide Web which allows the benefit of working at home and at your own pace. The student will complete and submit ten (10) exercises, complete readings from a text and the Internet, and take a midterm and final exam. Topics covered include: graphical and non-graphical data structures; relational databases; meta data and data cataloging; projections and coordinate systems; using global positioning system data; polygon editing and; hot linking. Hardware necessary for the completion of this course includes: a multimedia PC, 486/33 Mhz, 16MB of RAM, 16MB of hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, and a 256-color display adapter. Necessary software includes: ArcView 3.x (which with proof of registration can be purchased at a large discount from ESRI at 800-447-9778) , Microsoft Excel or Dbase, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, or Windows 95, plus WEB and internet capabilities. The required text is Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems By Michael DeMers. (3 units) Prerequisite: an introductory course in GIS using ArcView, or permission of instructor.

    Statistics for GIS Users : This course introduces students to the fundamentals of statistical techniques used by geographers and other researchers. Topics covered include methods for summarizing data such as frequency distributions and measures of central tendency, rules of probability, probability distributions, analysis of variance, and linear regression. Familiarity with these topics equips students from any scientific discipline with the tools necessary for collecting and analyzing data. (3 units) Prerequisite: satisfactory ELM score or its equivalent.

    Applied Demographic Methods: This course introduces students to the techniques and methods of demography. Students learn the fundamentals of demographic techniques by completing a series of exercises using census data on population, housing, and economic characteristics. The course also acquaints students to the areas of demographic modeling, population projection, and life table analysis. (3 units) Recommended: a college level course in demography.

    GIS Programming Using ArcView: This class is designed for those individuals interested in furthering their training in GIS programming. The course centers around a set of readings and exercises which expose students to ArcView's AVENUE programming extension. After completing the class, students will be able to develop effective methods for applying programming principles to the solution of geographic problems. The course requires familarity with GIS software, preferably ArcView. (3 units) Prerequisite: a course in GIS principles preferably using ArcView.

    Introduction to ARC/INFO GIS: This course provides hands-on experience in the use of Arc/Info Geographic Information System software. Arc/Info is a one of the most powerful and popular software packages used by GIS professionals. Students will learn how to create a geographic database, analyze spatial data, and apply cartographic principles to map data. Fundamental Arc/Info concepts, commands, and capabilities necessary to create a typical GIS project will be studied. Arc/Info modules covered will include ARC, ARCEDIT, ARCPLOT, and INFO using both the command line interface and the ArcTools graphic interface. Required work includes exercise assignments, readings from a text and the Internet, a midterm, feedback forms, and a final project or exam. This is an elective course in the Geographic Information Systems Certificate Program.

    Data Access and Management: For one reason or another, there has been a tremendous increase in the amount of data that is currently available for public access. However, much of this information is either difficult to access or not in a readily useable format. This course addresses problems associated with data access and management by systematically introducing students to methods for querying databases, downloading and working internet data sources, and resolving incompataible data format problems. Students work with spreadsheets and relational database managment systems. (3 units) Recommended: familiarity with any spreadsheet program.

    GIS Applications: The certificate program in GIS also offers a range of courses in specialized areas of GIS applications including (descriptions for these courses will be available at a later date):

  • GIS for Urban Planners;
  • GIS for the Natural Sciences;
  • GIS for Social and Behavioral Sciences;
  • GIS for Archeaologists;
  • GIS for K-12 Educators;
  • GIS for Economics.

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    Interested? Need More Information? Then contact Dr. Kohli or Extended Studies at California State University, Bakersfield.