GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
OVERVIEW
Geographic Information system (GIS) technology involves the digital input, transformation, storage, analysis, and output of spatial information such as maps, global positioning systems (GPS) data, scanned aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and text/tabular data. The field of geographic information system technology is rapidly expanding. GIS technology is being applied to many areas outside of the professional field of geography.
Geography majors who want to obtain GIST certificates along with their degree will acquire GIS technical and problem solving skills that are applicable to the professional fields of civil engineering, geography, computer science, criminal justice, biology, environmental science, agriculture, geology, business marketing, archeology, anthropology, and other fields utilizing geographical data.
A secondary purpose of this certificate is to service post-baccalaureate geography students who need to acquire additional GIS skills.
This program has been running continuously since 1999.
CERTIFICATE IN GIS TECHNOLOGY
Our department offers a GIS certificate program. This certification can be completed by students enrolled in a CSU Chico baccalaureate program or by individuals who have already completed a baccalaureate. This certificate can also be completed by individuals seeking GIS technology skills.
CERTIFICATE OBJECTIVES:
- Map reading and aerial photographic interpretation emphasizing working with scale and coordinate systems.
- The entry of spatial and attribute data using GPS units, raster scanners, digital tablets, keyboards, and other hardware devices.
- The conversion of existing digital spatial and attribute data from different formats.
- The transformation of digital spatial data into different coordinate systems and map projections.
- Map production in manual and digital technology environments.
- The classification of spatial data in a GIS environment.
- Development of an approach for statistical problem solving.
- The error analysis of GIS attribute data within a database.
- The quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis of spatial and attribute information in a GIS database.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 21 units
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this certificate, and can also be found in our school catalog.
- GEOG 219 - Introduction to Geographic Methods (3.0)FS
- GEOG 313 - Introductory Cartography (3.0)FA
- Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent
- GEOG 315 - Spatial Analysis (3.0) FA
- Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or MATH 105 or equivalent
- GEOG 318 - Remote Sensing of the Environment (3.0)SP
- Prerequisites: GEOG 219
- GEOG 319 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (3.0)FS
- Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent
- GEOG 413 - Advanced Cartography (3.0)SP
- Prerequisites: GEOG 313 and GEOG 319
- GEOG 419 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3.0)SP
- Prerequisites: GEOG 315 and GEOG 319