Program Format

Both face-to-face and online ADGISA program options are normally delivered as a package. Courses may be taken in an ad hoc manner, however some prerequisite control will be enforced and priority in registration will be given to those students enrolling in the entire diploma program.

Although the program structure and delivery differs, the student learning outcomes are the same. Each course is worth 3 credits, with the exception of GEOG 591 – GIS Applications Project – which is worth 9 credits.

Face-to-FaceOnline
GEOG 501
Foundations of Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 501
Foundations of Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 511
Geodatabases
GEOG 511
Geodatabases
GEOG 521
General Spatial Analysis
GEOG 521
General Spatial Analysis
GEOG 523
Advanced Applied Spatial Analysis
GEOG 523
Advanced Applied Spatial Analysis
GEOG 531
Visual Programming for GIS
GEOG 524
Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
GEOG 581
Management Issues In GIS
GEOG 525
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Survey Analysis
GEOG 591
GIS Applications Project: Practicum
GEOG 530
Programming Foundations
GEOG 593
Internet GIS
GEOG 531
Visual Programming for GIS
  GEOG 581
Management Issues In GIS
 GEOG 593
Internet GIS

Face-to-Face

The face-to-face format is delivered beginning in September and completing in April as shown below.  This is a full-time classroom commitment and is generally completed as shown by the entire cohort.

F2F

Online

The online format is stretched out over a longer period and may be more suitable for students who wish to continue working while pursuing their studies.  The shortest duration is presented below, indicating when each course is available.  Students may complete Year 1 as documented below and consider whether they wish to proceed with the more intensive Year 2 schedule or spread out the coursework and graduate at a later date.

Year 1

Year 1 ONL

Year 2

Year 2 ONL

Course Descriptions

GEOG 501   (3)   Foundations of Geographic Information Systems

Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) theory and applications. Learn how geo-referenced data are captured, stored, analyzed, retrieved and produced using industry-standard software. Topics include: spatial data, data quality, vector and raster data models, map projections, coordinate systems, cartographic design principles, and sources of spatial data, including remotely-sensed data. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 511   (3)   Geodatabases

An introduction to the structure and use of geodatabases. Topics include general database theory, instruction and practical exercises relating to the geodatabase structure, and the use of versioning to control multi-user access to large spatial databases. Students will also explore the personal geodatabase, coverage, and shapefile structures. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 521   (3)   General Spatial Analysis

An introduction to spatial analysis techniques that addresses effective uses of GIS in solving real-world problems. Topics include analyzing tabular data, creating useful information from GIS data, displaying spatial information, editing vector and raster data, designing raster or vector models, and selecting overlay tools to obtain desired information from geographic data. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 523   (3)   Advanced Applied Spatial Analysis

An advanced course in spatial analysis and GIS modeling that examines a range of techniques for different spatial applications. Topics include 3D terrain and hydrological analysis, geo-statistical analysis, network analysis, working with remote sensing and GPS data, and GIS modeling. Case studies are examined and assessed. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 524   (3)   Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing

Develops skills and techniques to acquire, enhance, interpret, and analyze aerial-photography and digital imagery using visual and computer-based methods for a wide range of applications. Topics include basics of electromagnetic radiation, imaging systems (with special attention to satellites), digital data, landscape interpretation, and digital image processing techniques. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 525   (3)   Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Survey Analysis

An introduction to global positioning systems (GPS) and survey analysis designed to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the use of GPS receivers as tools for data entry into GIS. Topics include basic procedures of surveying and how COGO can be used to precisely enter survey data into GIS. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 530   (3)   Programming Foundations

An introduction to programming techniques for GIS applications, including programming using conditional execution structures, looping mechanisms, and class modules with the Python scripting language. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 531   (3)   Visual Programming for GIS

Develops skills and techniques in GIS customization and development. Topics include extending ArcGIS functionality using Python scripting, Tkinter GUI and ArcPy library for ArcGIS. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 581   (3)   Management Issues In GIS

Explores the planning, design, and execution of a GIS-based project. Students will define objectives, identify data sources, and outline analytical procedures to be used in a selected project. Additional topics include management of GIS projects in progress and issues surrounding data quality and error propagation. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: Introductory level course in GIS.

GEOG 591   (9)   GIS Applications Project: Practicum

A nine-week GIS applications project undertaken independently or under the auspices of a sponsor. Implementation of the project designed in GEOG 581. Project intended to strengthen a student's technical, communication, interpersonal skills and employment opportunities. Presentation of project findings is delivered as part of GEOG 593 course. (0:0:0:135 for 9 weeks)

Prerequisite: GEOG 581

GEOG 593   (3)   Internet GIS

Explores the impact the Internet has had on the display of GIS information. Examines different ways to display geographical data and analyzes different Internet mapping systems. GIS-like web applications are designed, including the production of animations. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript languages and web mapping APIs are used to build and customize web mapping sites. (8:0:16 for 2 weeks)

Prerequisite: GEOG 581.