ºù«Ӱҵ

Advanced GIS Certificate

Learn the basics of GIS systems, create maps and edit and manage GIS data. Learning project management, students have the opportunity to work on various projects, showcasing data collection, GIS analysis, network datasets and 3D data. Students in this program emerge as knowledgeable in both theory and application and are viable employees in consulting, government and mining sectors.

This program is currently under review for Winter 2025. 
To be added to the interest list, please contact Joanne Stacey JStacey@okanagan.bc.ca
Once more information is available closer to January 2025, you will be contacted.

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Omar Algiasena and John Varga, Advanced GIS Certificate graduates

Campus

  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Part-Time

Tuition and fees

Program details

This 500-hour program will introduce students to the essentials of using GIS to create maps and edit and manage GIS data. Students will learn the basics of project management. In addition, more advanced topics such as raster analysis, working with 3D data and network datasets will be covered. Students will also learn how to use GPS technologies to gather data, how to perform GIS analysis, complete an in-depth study of relational databases and how databases are used within a GIS. Students will be required to complete two major projects of their design as well as a directed project of the type they would encounter in an employment situation. A blend of theory and practical application ensures the graduates are prepared to work in various employment situation. A blend of theory and practical application ensures the graduates are prepared to work in various employment opportunities in private industry, consulting, government, First Nations and Mining sectors.

Shelley Desautels, program instructor

Shelley Desautels, BA, Adv. Dip. GIS

Desautels has worked in the GIS industry for over 9 years and runs her own mapping and consulting firm. She has a Bachelor of Arts – Geography degree, plus an Advanced GIS Diploma from BCIT.  Her favorite part of teaching the GIS Certificate Program is seeing the growth of her students from a basic understanding of GIS to a skill level that is fully ready to enter the work force by the end of the course. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIS Instructor - Tammi Mills

Tammi Mills, B.Sc. 

Mills completed her B.Sc. in Archaeology and Geography at the University of Lethbridge in 2009 with a concentration in GIS. She then continued on, earning a Master’s degree in Archaeology where she used the GIS to spatially analyze an archaeological site in southern Alberta. Tammi then went to work in the archaeological consulting field for over 10 years where the preferred mapping software was ESRI’s ArcGIS. Using her skills from university, Tammi was able to assist with large and small-scale mapping projects for clients. During her studies and while working in the consulting community, Tammi was also able to work with First Nation’s and indigenous communities in Northeastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. After taking a brief hiatus from the archaeological community, Tammi is excited to be continuing her education with a PhD in Remote Sensing at the University of Lethbridge. Her preliminary research will focus on the use of LIDAR, structure from motion and thermal imaging, and will be exploring the utility of these systems in identifying and surveying archaeological sites.

 

The time that I spent in your class was great and couldn’t have been better.

Everything from our early morning off-topic chats to the thorough, well presented lectures and your amazing positivity created an excellent learning environment that could not have been topped. I simply can’t think of anything that could have better prepared me for the workplace and, after having spent a week getting oriented at my new job, in fact overprepared me for what I will be doing.

I will always be grateful for everything that you put into the class and my only regret is not being able to finish up in person.

Kelly Sedgwick

 

Sean Heddle was looking for a career change after an injury left him unable to work as a concrete construction foreman.

He could never have imagined that his foray into the study of geographic information systems (GIS) would see him building a real-time map of a global public health emergency.

Read the full story here.

Q1 What is the deadline to apply?

The application period ends when the program is full. It is strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid being waitlisted.

Q2 Is this an online program?

Yes, the entirety of the program is delivered online.

Q3 What are the tech requirements for the program?

Tech requirements can be found . 

Campus Start date Schedule
Distance

Admission requirements

  • B.C. Secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.

  • A minimum of 60% in - File and Desktop Management or equivalent experience.

Program outline

Complete All of the following:
CGIS 101 - GIS Essentials
CGIS 102 - GIS Data
CGIS 103 - GIS Project #1
CGIS 104 - GPS
CGIS 105 - GIS Analysis & Automation
CGIS 106 - Relational Databases
CGIS 107 - GIS Project #2
CGIS 108 - Raster Analysis
CGIS 109 - 3D Modeling
CGIS 110 - Geometric Networks
CGIS 111 - Linear Referencing
CGIS 112 - Temporal Data & Animation
CGIS 113 - Map Books
CGIS 114 - Directed Project
Students must pass each course with a minimum grade of 70% to receive the certificate.
Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
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View the Tuition and fees page

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