Geographic Information Systems Program
2017-2018
Description
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrate hardware, software and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS connects the world we live in by allowing us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.
The GIS program is designed to prepare students with technological skills and knowledge to map information that provides insights into social, economic, business, and environmental issues. This growing field is finding a place in almost every industry and academic area. These include anthropology, archaeology, biology, fire fighting, police, business and finance, real estate, medicine and disease control.
Program Goals
To prepare students for entry into a range of jobs in GIS-related fields as well as for career advancement.
Program Emphasis
GIS technician training
| Award Type | Units |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Performance: | |
| Geographic Information Systems Technician | 13-16 |
| Associate of Science Degree: | |
| Geographic Information Systems | 31-34* |
*plus credits to satisfy District requirements and elective credits, as needed, to meet the 60 unit minimum.
Career Options
GIS Technician, GIS Analyst, GIS Data Specialist, GIS Specialist, GIS Mapping Technician, Engineering Technician, GIS Mapping Assistant, GIS Application Specialist, Engineering Aide
Program Learning Outcomes
- Technological Awareness: Students will be able to evaluate and apply appropriate geospatial technologies to support specific industry activities and solutions.
- Critical Thinking: Students will be able to analyze specific GIS problems or information needs and identify possible solutions, including determination of analytical approach, synthesis of information, resourcefulness, and troubleshooting.
- Communication: Students will be able to choose the appropriate mode of communication for a specific situation and then communicate ideas, concepts, and solutions through effective written and oral communication.
Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.
Certificate of Performance
Geographic Information Systems Technician*
| Courses: | Units | |
| GISG 110 | Introduction to Mapping and Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 111 | Geographic Information Systems and Cartography | 3 |
| GISG 112 | Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 113 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems Applications or | |
| GISG 114 | Spatial Databases in Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 270 | Geographic Information Systems Work Experience | 1-4 |
| Total Units = 13-16 | ||
*A Certificate of Performance is a departmental award that does not appear on the student’s transcript. All courses must be completed within the San Diego Community College District.
Associate of Science Degree
Geographic Information Systems
For graduation requirements see Requirements for the Associate Degree.
Electives as needed to meet minimum of 60 units required for the degree.
| Courses Required for the Major: | Units | |
| GISG 110 | Introduction to Mapping and Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 111 | Geographic Information Systems and Cartography | 3 |
| GISG 112 | Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 113 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems Applications | 3 |
| GISG 114 | Spatial Databases in Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 130 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GISG 131 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| GISG 270 | Geographic Information Systems Work Experience | 1-4 |
| Select four units in a programming language: | ||
| CISC 190 | Java Programming | 4 |
| CISC 192 | C/C++ Programming | 4 |
| WEBD 162 | Beginning Web Development: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) | 2 |
| WEBD 170 | Javascript Fundamentals for Web Development | 2 |
| Select five units from: | ||
| ANTH 103 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 107 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH 115 | Introduction to Archaeological Field Work | 4 |
| ARCH 100 | Architectural Drafting | 2 |
| ARCH 101 | Introduction to ArchiCAD | 3 |
| ARCH 112 | AutoCAD | 2 |
| ARCH 170 | Architectural Design | 4 |
| ARCH 251 | Site Design, Topography and Grading | 3 |
| BIOL 100 | Natural History - Environmental Biology | 4 |
| CISC 186 | Visual Basic Programming | 4 |
| CISC 190 | Java Programming | 4 |
| CISC 192 | C/C++ Programming | 4 |
| CBTE 140 | Microsoft Excel | 2 |
| CBTE 140A | Introduction to Microsoft Excel | 1 |
| CBTE 151 | Microsoft Access: Basic | 1 |
| CBTE 161 | Learning the Internet | 1 |
| CBTE 170 | Desktop Publishing | 2 |
| GEOG 101 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 102 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 104 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 154 | Introduction to Urban Geography | 3 |
| GEOL 100 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| MARK 100 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MARK 110 | Principles of Retailing | 3 |
| MARK 130 | Advertising Principles | 3 |
| PHYN 100 | Survey of Physical Science | 3 |
| POLI 101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLI 102 | The American Political System | 3 |
| POLI 103 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| REAL 101 | Real Estate Principles | 3 |
| REAL 105 | Legal Aspects of Real Estate I | 3 |
| REAL 125 | Real Estate Economics | 3 |
| WEBD 153 | Beginning Web Databases | 3 |
| WEBD 162 | Beginning Web Development: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) | 2 |
| WEBD 170 | Javascript Fundamentals for Web Development | 2 |
| Total Units = 31-34 | ||
Transfer Information
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses required for the university major and the general education pattern required by that transfer institution. See catalog TRANSFER INFORMATION section. Additional courses may be required to meet university lower-division requirements.
Course requirements at the transfer institution are subject to change and may be verified by a counselor or by consulting the current university catalog. Many Baccalaureate in Arts degrees require third semester competency in a foreign language. Consult the current catalog of the transfer institution and consult with a counselor.