Niagara College of Applied Arts & Technology

Environment, Horticulture and Agribusiness Division
Ian D. Smith, O.L.S., O.L.I.P.
Glendale Campus, 135 Taylor Road, R.R. #4
Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1E2
+1 (905) 641-2252, ext. 4083
E-mail: ismith@niagarac.on.ca
URL: www.niagarac.on.ca/gis/
Postgraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Program Description

An alternative to the traditional Master's Degree, the Postgraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows for the development of an application based skill set that compliments existing experience and expertise within the student's chosen field.

Graduates of the Niagara College Postgraduate GIS program are highly motivated and superbly qualified individuals that are valuable additions to a diverse range of businesses and agencies that employ GIS. Of particular interest are the internship opportunities and the applied GIS thesis projects that form the cornerstone of the program. Students receive invaluable experience with real GIS problems and real clients while completing their postgraduate certificate.

The program is offered as two 15-week semesters that commence in September and end in April. A total of 12 courses delivered via 450 contact hours are required to successfully complete the certificate. As this is an applied certificate, almost all classes are delivered in a 'hands-on' lecture/lab format.

Course Listing

Description of Courses (First Semester)

GISC9112
GIS Project Management
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None.
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION (S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY:Three Hours/Week
An overview of the GIS profession serves as the initiation of the GIS Project Management course. The principles of project management are explored, while the application of these principles is combined with appropriate skills to bring a GIS project from conceptualization through to completion. As the theoretical aspects of project management are demonstrated to the student, skill sets will be developed in a 'hands-on' manner. Students are expected to make formal presentations to peers, faculty and GIS clients. This course will focus on the planning, management and delivery of GIS projects within budgetary and temporal constraints.

This course also serves as a mechanism to plan for a post-graduate project as a required part of the second semester Applied GIS Project (GISC9234) course. The student will respond to a request for proposals (RFP) for the Applied GIS Project within the GIS Project Management Course. A final proposal for the second semester project will be formally presented at the close of this course.

Niagara College is currently a Project Management Institute (P.M.I.) Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.).

GISC9114
GIS Database Concepts
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION (S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
This course provides the student with a working knowledge of the fundamental operation of relational database management systems (RDBMS) in a Geographic Information Systems context. Students gain an in-depth ability to create, manipulate and maintain relational tabular databases (localized and distributed) using Microsoft's Access RDBMS.

Advanced RDBMS manipulation is examined through an introduction to the Structured Query Language (SQL) and its use across various systems and platforms. The specific application of RDBMS in a GIS context is examined through an introduction to GIS database design methodologies with some implementation case histories. The student is acquainted with Needs Assessments, Data Modeling, Spatial Data Standards and Metadata Requirements. ESRI's ArcCatalog product is explored as a means of generating and managing metadata.

The student is introduced to Object Oriented Programming Systems within the RDBMS context, using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) within MS Access. Geomatics specific RDBMS applications such as Geodatabases and web based geospatial database systems are examined.

GISC9115
Introduction to ArcGIS
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
This course provides an intensive hands-on introduction to the use of ESRI's ArcGIS. ArcGIS includes three applications - ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox. Geospatial tools such as database design, database manipulation, query creation, topology construction, attribute and feature data linking, spatial analysis and map composition are explored using these applications.

Students are introduced to the 'workstation' ArcINFO software for the undertaking of GIS analyses in a traditional command-line environment. Students are also given the opportunity to automate ArcINFO routines by utilizing the ARC Macro Language (AML).

GISC9116
Computers and Programming
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
Basic computer architecture and systems operations strategies form the starting point for this course. The history of computer hardware and software advances gives students insight to the role information technology has played in initiating today's GIS solutions.

Students are introduced to the Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) and Microsoft's FrontPage 2000 HTML programming environment. The dissemination of spatial data via web based GIS client/server systems in HTML and linked PDF documents is reviewed.

Students are introduced to formal programming techniques for GIS applications. Microsoft's Visual Basic serves as the means to gain a practical knowledge of Object Oriented Programming (OOP). Particular attention is given to data file manipulation in a GIS context. ESRI's Map Objects are utilized within numerous programming applications, to demonstrate the integration of numerous software packages to derive portable GIS solutions.

GISC9118
Foundations of Mapping
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: One Hour/Week
LABORATORY: Two Hours/Week
The course provides the student with a working knowledge of fundamental concepts of space, data and transformation as they apply to mapping, GIS and related fields. Lecture topics include the figure of the earth, coordinate systems, concepts of scale, map projections, map generalization, map design, colour theory, geographic data, relational databases, class intervals and statistical mapping. Labs provide formal training in CorelDraw and SPSS's MapInfo Professional, experience in cartographic presentation, and an overview of the capabilities of vector GIS.

GISC9231
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: One Hour/Week
LABORATORY: Two Hours/Week
This course gives an overview of the theory and practice of remote sensing using electromagnetic energy. Weekly exercises provide experience in the interpretation and analysis of a variety of image types obtained from aircraft and satellites, especially panchromatic and colour air photos, multispectral scanner images, thermograms and radar images. Traditional methods are emphasized, but digital methods (using Clark Labs' Idrisi32) are also covered. Readings provide insight into remote sensing applications. In addition the course provides an introduction to photogrammetric mapping.

Descriptions of Courses (Second Semester)

GISC9117
Spatial Analysis
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
This course provides a detailed examination of the common spatial analytical tools used in a Geographic Information Systems environment. The student is given 'hands-on' experience with data extraction techniques, data reduction techniques, data modeling (statistical and inferential) and data evaluation methodologies. The student is introduced to image processing in a spatial context.

Real world applications provide the mechanism for gaining experience with the analytical techniques detailed above. Spatial analyses are undertaken using Clark Labs' Idrisi 32 and ESRI's ArcView and ArcGIS with the Spatial Analyst Extension, the Network Analyst Extension and the Geostatistical Analysis Extension.

GISC9216
Digital Image Processing
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): GISC9231--Introduction to Remote Sensing
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
:Scientists collect remotely sensed data, orbital or sub-orbital, in an attempt to help better understand the environment we live in. These measurements are used to infer the nature and characteristics of the earth's surface or of the atmosphere at the time of observation. To take full advantage of the enormous amount of archived information, and data yet to be collected, requires knowledge and skills from several areas of science. This course attempts to take advantage of the student's previous educational background and introduce methods of remote sensing that will enhance or compliment their discipline.

The vast majority of the work done in this course will be of a digital nature and thus involves a high level of computer use. The main software package to be used is PCI's Geomatica, which is recognized as a world leader in digital image processing. The student will progress through the basics of digital image processing and on to advanced techniques for enhancing Radar data and IHS transforms.

GISC9230
Surveying and Data Collection
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): GISC9118--Foundations of Mapping
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: One Hour/Week
LABORATORY: Two Hours/Week
This course serves as an overview of the field of geomatics (surveying and data collection). Emphasis is placed upon the principles and practice of surveying and the means by which these practices interface with GIS. The students experience technologies that range from manual surveying via compass and traverse to global positioning systems (GPS). The integration of 'field captured data' is supported by post processing software such as AutoCAD Map (with the AutoDesk Survey extension) and MapInfo Professional.

GISC9232
Applications in GIS
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
This course serves as a means to introduce students to a wide variety of applications in the field of GIS/Geomatics. Technical and theoretical knowledge gained in the first semester of the Postgraduate GIS program is used to begin to develop an awareness of 'the state of the GIS/Geomatics' profession. Those areas that are currently the focus of research and professional development resources (both locally and globally) are studied in detail.

GISC9234
Applied GIS Thesis/Project
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): GISC9112 - GIS Project Management
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
A continuation of the first semester GIS Project Management course (GISC9112), this course gives the student the opportunity to apply advanced analytical GIS techniques to a 'real world' problem, in a self-directed fashion. The student has the option of pursuing a project as a formal research (applied thesis) undertaking or as a geomatics consultant addressing an existing problem/challenge. It is expected that the student will undertake the applied GIS project for a client external to Niagara College, or as a 'consultant' for a research issue identified by college staff. The student will carry through with the implementation of the project proposed in the first semester, by applying the skills gained at the undergraduate level and within the first half of the GIS program curriculum. The synthesis of a comprehensive set of analytical tools for geomatics and GIS based analyses is critical to the successful undertaking of the GIS project.

The student will use formalized Project Management (PM) strategies to initiate, track and successfully close the project. Peer review and formal presentation of findings play important roles in determining the success of the applied GIS thesis/project.

GISC9235
Advanced ArcGIS
3 Credits
PREREQUISITE(S): GISC9115--Introduction to ArcGIS
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMEDATIONS(S): None
LECTURE: None
LABORATORY: Three Hours/Week
This course serves as a continuation of the first semester course, Introduction to ArcGIS (GISC9115). Students are given further experience with the more complex aspects of the ArcGIS software, including advanced data management, dynamic segmentation and regions. A significant portion of this course is dedicated to the ARC Macro Language (AML), including menu driven AML, debugging AML and reading from/writing to files in the 'workstation' version of ArcINFO.

Electives Course List

None Required

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