Math/Science Division
Dianna Avilla, Dean
701 South Mount Vernon
San Bernardino, CA 92410
(909) 888-6511, ext. 1603
E-mail: None
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) CERTIFICATE

Program Description

The GIS Certificate is designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary for immediate entry-level employment for persons interested in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and automated mapping technology. It will also provide the needed upgrading and retraining of current employees in this rapidly expanding technological field.

Course Descriptions

GIS 130
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
3 UNITS
PREREQUISITE: None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION: GEOG 110 or GEOL 101
LECTURE: 3 hours per week
This course provides an in depth introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including the history of automated mapping. The course will include a brief introduction to basic cartographic principles including maps scales, coordinate systems and map projections. An in depth review of the necessary hardware and software elements used in GIS will be made. Various applications of GIS technology used in environmental science, business and government will also be presented. Specific topics taught will include an understanding of GIS terminology, raster and vector data structures, data sources and accuracy, methods of data acquisition, conversion and input, requirements for metadata, working with spatial data databases (map features and attribute tables), and spatial analysis (map overlays, buffers, networks).

GIS 131
GIS APPLICATIONS
3 UNITS
PREREQUISITE: CYSY 101 or equivalent
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION: GIS 130
LECTURE: 2 hours per week
LABORATORY: 2 hours per week
This course provides a brief survey of the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will provide hands on experience with hardware and software elements used in GIS with an emphasis on vector-based data structures using ArcView. Raster-based data structures and software will also be presented. Specific topics will include hands-on experience in map scales, coordinate systems, data sources and accuracy, data structures, working with spatial data, map features and attributes, map overlays, manipulation of data base, creation of charts and graphs and presentation of data in map layouts.

GIS 133
GIS CARTOGRAPHY AND BASE MAP DEVELOPMENT
3 UNITS
PREREQUISITE: GIS 131
LECTURE: 2 hours per week
LABORATORY: 2 hour per week
This course provides a comprehensive study of GIS cartography including cartographic principles, data acquisition methods use in map production, and methods of base map development. The course will include an in study of cartography (history, principles, map projections, scales, and map accuracy). Methods of data acquisition will include the basic principles used in remote sensing, aerial images and the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the field for map feature locations. Techniques used in GIS base map development (scanning, digitizing and coordinate geometry) will also be introduced. The course will include production of professional quality maps using ArcView software.

GIS 135
SPATIAL ANALYSIS WITH GIS
3 UNITS
PREREQUISITE: GIS 131
LECTURE: 2 hours per week
LABORATORY: 2 hour per week
This course provides an introduction to spatial analysis. The course will briefly review the principles of statistics and relate them to methods used in analysis of geographically referenced data. The course will introduce sampling strategies for data used in GIS using raster and vector data structures. The fundamentals of conventional estimation techniques will be compared with geostatistical techniques. The course will present single and multi-layer statistical operations including classification, coordination, and modeling analysis. Applications and problems in spatial correlation will be discussed including interpretation of results of spatial analysis.

Electives Course List

GIS 136
GIS FOR SCIENCE, GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS
3 UNITS
PREREQUISITE: GIS 135
LECTURE: 2 hours per week
LABORATORY: 2 hours per week
This course includes an in depth survey of the various ways that GIS applications are being used in science (geography, geology, oceanography, archeology and meteorology), government (city, county, state and federal) and business. Topics will include data acquisition, accuracy, analysis and presentation techniques necessary for various GIS applications. Students will work on individual projects in specialized areas using GIS. Projects will include necessary hardware and software requirements, methods of data acquisition, formulation of data standards, data structure, database features and attributes, metadata standards, methods of base map development, cost benefits analysis and generation of presentation quality map layouts specific to their chosen GIS application. Students will evaluate GIS as an effective tool in decision making process for their specific GIS application.

GIS 137
ADVANCED GIS APPLICATIONS
3 UNITS
PREREQUISITE: GIS 135
LECTURE: 2 hours per week
LABORATORY: 2 hours per week
This course provides an introduction to advanced applications of GIS using ArcView and ArcInfo. The course will provide hands on training in new plug in modules and extensions of ArcView and introduce hands on training in ArcInfo. The course will also briefly review Avenue programming for customizing ArcView. The add on modules extend the analytical capabilities of ArcView and allow input of map features and conversion of feature themes from raster to vector. Spatial analysis will include slope and aspect maps, neighborhood and zone analysis. Network Analyst will include problems solving techniques for geographic networks (point to point routing) or closest points. Use of advanced applications for production of professional quality documents useful in decision making process.

GIS 139
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) FIELD TECHNIQUES
1 UNIT
PREREQUISITES: None
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION: GIS 130
LABORATORY: 3 hours per week
A course in the basic use of a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit in the field. The course will include an introduction to the terminology, hardware and technology used in GPS. Instruction will include the fundamentals of operating a hand-held GPS unit. The course will introduce the basic techniques used in the determination of location and completion of a traverse using a GPS and a topographic map.

GIS 150
GIS INTERNSHIP
1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: GIS 135
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION: GIS 130
LABORATORY: 5 hours per week
A directed field study program whereby students will apply classroom instruction to real-world GIS projects in the community. Students must complete GIS 130, GIS 131 and GIS 134 and arrange for an advisor prior to enrolling in an internship. The student will be under the supervision of an advisor from the college while participating in a short-term internship program in a business or government agency using GIS. Students in internship programs will meet periodically with their advisor, complete interim reports and present a final report.

If you would like to download the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file, click here.

Back to GIS Curricula