Fundamentals of GIS

Enhance the performance of your measuring, mapping, modeling, and monitoring by tapping the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Learn the concepts that drive GIS, the basics of cartography, and the differences between various GIS packages.

Course at a glance

This class has online synchronous lectures.
Hands-on course based on active student participation; extensive in-class GIS demonstrations & utilization.
Class dynamics also include lectures, readings, exercises, class discussion, and case studies.
Aimed at individuals transitioning into the environmental field, as well as mid-level professionals in sectors involving environmental aspects, this course will also be of value to agrologists, biologists, engineers, industrial managers, foresters, technologists, and others who wish to update their skills and knowledge in this area.
This course may be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), the College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF), the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), and the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals Of Alberta (ASET).

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Understand the basics of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Open and query geographic files.
Determine what types of files can be loaded in a GIS.
Understand how GPS can be used within a GIS environment.
Locate geographic files for specific purposes.
Understand discrepancies between NAD 27 and NAD 83.
Operate a mapping program.

This course has no prerequisites

Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.

Take note:

eClass access will be available a few days prior to the official start date of the course for students to prepare for some pre-class computer/laptop set-up; advanced registration is recommended for student success.
Computer/Laptops are required and must be ready to upload the required course software (QGIS) and related documents, files, and resources as provided in eClass prior to the first day of the course.
Students are expected to sign into eClass prior to the first day of the course to set-up their computer/laptop.
A post-assignment will be required to be completed after the last class session, and will be due by the end date of the course.

Currently counts towards:

Certificate in Applied Land Use Planning

└21-hour elective course

Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.

*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.

Email

alup@ualberta.ca

When will
this course be offered?

New course schedules are released each June and November.

Course not yet scheduled

This course is not currently scheduled, but may be offered in an upcoming term.

New course schedules are announced each June and November.

Sign up for updates

Interested in future offerings of this course? We can let you know when this course becomes available.