The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program, a collaboration between Atlas University and Redlands University (founded in 1907 in California, USA, with a strong partnership with ESRI, a leader in the geographic information industry), offers a significant opportunity for quality education and research, particularly for candidates wishing to develop their skills and careers in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
This program aims to provide working professionals with fundamental knowledge of GIS and teach them how to manage a spatial database, extract useful insights from remotely sensed data, extend GIS using Python, and develop a web GIS application.
Key Features of the Program
- Online synchronous classes
- Courses designed and delivered by full-time faculty and experienced assistant lecturers from the University of Redlands.
- Access to extensive Esri online resources
- CBS graduate or earning credit toward a CBS master's degree
- An opportunity to expand your professional network.
Lessons
Compulsory subject
- Fundamentals, Techniques, and Applications of Geographic Information
Elective Courses
- Geographic Database Management Systems
- Remote Sensing and Image Processing
- Geographical Analysis
- GIS Programming with Python
- GIS for the web
Program credit hours: 14 – 16
Program Duration: 28 weeks
Lessons
COMPULSORY SUBJECT
Fundamentals, Techniques, and Applications of Geographic Information
COMPULSORY CORE COURSE
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems: Research, Techniques, and Applications (4 credits)
This course provides students with a foundation of theoretical and practical skills in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) and technology. Students work through incremental tasks and assignments focusing on the processes of GIS data collection, organization, analysis, output, and presentation. These assignments reinforce the GIS theory and technology concepts presented through lectures and discussions.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Please select from the options below. (At least 3 courses must be selected from the following list, totaling 10 credits)
Projections and Coordinate Systems (2 credits)
This course examines map projections and coordinate systems. The principles and characteristics of common map projection families, global/geographic coordinate systems, and SPC and UTM planar coordinate systems are discussed in ArcGIS and GeoCart software environments.
Communication of Geographic Information (2 credits)
It begins with the fundamental principles of cartographic and graphic data theory applied to GIS data. It examines GIS data models that support mapping and various advanced cartographic applications. Topics covered include multivariate mapping, multi-scale mapping, cartographic visualization (including mixed virtual reality), animated, interactive, and web-based mapping.
Geographic Database Management Systems (4 credits)
In general, it provides fundamental theoretical knowledge regarding the requirements specific to information systems and spatial data management. It introduces information systems theory, best practice examples, system design and architecture, and data modeling. Applied studies of database theory and methods enable a better understanding of modern GIS technology.
Remote Sensing and Image Analysis (4 credits)
This course covers the fundamental principles of remote sensing and image analysis. Image data formats, data acquisition and interpretation processes are introduced. It also includes principles of electromagnetic radiation, characteristics of remote sensing sensors, image classification methods, and photogrammetry.
GIS Programming with Python (4 credits)
This course serves as an introduction to the programming concepts necessary for GIS. It covers topics such as writing simple code, organizing code, user interaction, and incorporating decision-making logic into the code. It also introduces object-oriented programming concepts (methods, properties) and event-driven programming.
CBS for the Web (2 credits)
It provides the skills necessary to develop GIS applications on the web and other networks. Through hands-on projects, students create their own web-based GIS applications. Furthermore, networking, security, user-centered design, and issues affecting effective web GIS applications are discussed in detail.
Geographic Analysis (4 credits)
This course covers a wide range of analytical methods and techniques applied to spatial data. Data-driven (exploratory data analysis) and model-driven (hypothesis testing) approaches are examined. Key topics include point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, spatial regression models, network analysis, and area analysis.