Geographic Sciences Advanced Diploma:
GIS Concentration Courses |
Required Courses |
Course Name |
Code |
Weight |
Summary |
Advanced Geographic Information Systems |
GISY 6020 |
75 hours |
This course allows the learner to addresses a number of advanced issues in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology including ways to use various data models, programming techniques, and means to manage large data sets and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in GIS and Spatial Data Analysis (GISY 5004). Topics include digital elevation modeling and 3D display, systems building, raster data modeling and image integration, object modeling, and large spatial database management. Custom applications will be developed utilizing a number of programming languages.
|
Information Systems |
GISY 6021 |
75 hours |
This course introduces learners to Relational Database Management Systems and makes extensive use of the Oracle
RDBMS. Learners identify, qualify, and classify the data needs of end users and to build logical models to represent these
needs with Entity-Relationship Diagrams. Formal strategies for data normalization will be introduced and used to finalize
entity and attribute decisions. Learners will implement their models as working Oracle databases using SQL scripts.
Throughout this course learners will be learning to use the Structured Query Language (SQL), the Oracle environment
(SQLPlus), and Oracle's procedural language for SQL (PL/SQL) in a UNIX environment.
|
Elective - Geographic Sciences Advanced - Remote Sensing (Semester 2)
|
ELTV 3.0 |
180 hours |
In addition to their required courses, learners will also complete three credits from the following list or an acceptable equivalent based upon approval from faculty and the academic chair:
|
Suggested Electives |
Advanced Digital Image Processing |
REMS 6023 |
75 hours |
The Advanced Digital Image Processing course is intended to allow the learner to apply the basic introductory skills
including radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, image classification and data integration learned in
previous courses (GEOS 2300 Digital Image Processing or REMS 5001 Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and Digital
Image Processing). The course consists of laboratory and classroom instruction, and encourages the learner to approach
remote sensing challenges in a logical and real-world approach. Advanced concepts covered may include:
orthorectification, mosaic, colour space transformations, aerial photo orthorectification, digital elevation modelling,
three-dimensional visualizations, and advanced enhancement techniques.
|
Applied Geomatics Research Project
|
GISY 6044 |
75 hours |
The Applied Geomatics Research course is an opportunity for the learner to work in a project-oriented environment on an application of choice, compile required data sets (if necessary), use various software tools, complete the development/analysis of the project and fully document findings. The projects will include project definition, database definition, data collection, learning software, data manipulation, data analysis and presentation. Projects are often completed in conjunction with an outside contact and/or in association with one of the Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) Research Associates.
|
Applied Practicum in Geographic Sciences
|
GISY 6400 |
175 hours |
This course requires independent research involving geospatial technologies with the learner customizing his/her learning around a topic of interest. The learner prepares a project proposal for approval by the faculty advisor. Upon approval, work begins on the chosen topic area, culminating with a final presentation and code/data delivery and potentially report and/or live demonstration. This course applies learning from first- and second-semester courses in a self-directed manner and can be taken individually or within groups.
|
Customizing GIS with ArcGIS Engine
|
GISY 6050 |
45 hours |
ArcGIS Engine is an application-neutral programming environment for ArcObjects. Its software developer's kit (SDK) provides a series of embeddable ArcGIS components that are used outside the ArcGIS Desktop application framework. This course enables students, through using the ArcGIS Engine developer's kit, to build focused GIS solutions with simple interfaces to access any set of GIS functions or embed GIS logic in existing user applications to deploy GIS to broad groups of users. The same ArcObjects that are used to write ArcGIS Desktop are available to programmers through ArcGIS Engine.
|
Data Mining
|
BUGE 6021 |
45 hours |
Data mining is a technique for discovering hidden patterns and trends in large databases. Data mining consists of data preparation, visualization, analysis, verification, and deployment. In this course, learners will use such data mining techniques as decision trees, rule induction, neural networks, association rules, linear and logistic regression or clustering. Practical assignments include combining data mining tools with GIS technology for mapping results of analysis. The course connects statistical methods and information systems with added artificial intelligence and machine learning issues.
|
Digital Image Processing Using ERDAS
|
REMS 6025 |
45 hours |
This course is intended to provide Remote Sensing and GIS students with training on ERDAS IMAGINE. Detailed information pertaining to the capabilities of this powerful and easy-to-use image processing and GIS package form the basis of this advanced course. The course also gives the users an overview of where functions fall within ERDAS IMAGINE and how to access these functions using the graphical user interface. Theoretical and practical aspects of utilizing this software will be covered, including the ERDAS IMAGINE suite of geoprocessing tools. A project consisting of importing in-house data and its analysis is required.
|
Digital Mapping Techniques
|
GISY 6053 |
45 hours |
This modular based course is delivered in two portions. The first will cover the production of a nautical chart and the second will involve ocean mapping techniques. Nautical charts portray the legal description of navigable waterways. The detail and accuracy of this unique type of mapping data is of paramount importance to mariners, both professional and recreational. This course provides an opportunity for the learner to become familiar with Canadian Hydrographic Service data as distributed by Nautical Data International and use this data to generate a CHS standard chart.
|
Geoprocessing and Modeling
|
GISY 6060 |
45 hours |
The course focuses on using existing and creating new geoprocessing tools, building geoprocessing models and writing scripts. These tools are commonly used in the industry for increasing efficiency and functionality of geoprocessing workflows.
|
Grid Modelling and Map Algebra
|
GEOM 4030 |
45 hours |
Learners are required to use ESRI's Workstation GRID and the ArcMap Desktop Spatial Analyst platforms to complete a number of analytical tasks involving multi-factored analysis for modelling using Dana Tomlin's "map algebra". Map Algebra can be used embedded in AML, within the Raster Calculator Syntax Window or embedded in various scripting languages such as Python.
|
Independent Project in GIS
|
GISY 6160 |
75 hours |
The Independent Project in GIS course is an opportunity for GIS learners to work in a project-oriented environment. This course option will require the full semester to allow enough time to understand the application of choice, compile required data sets (if necessary), learn the software tools required for the project, complete the development/analysis of the project and fully document the findings. Projects are often completed in conjunction with an outside contact and/or in association with one of the program faculty (including AGRG Research Associates).
|
Investigating Technologies
|
GISY 6028 |
45 hours |
This directed studies course provides learners an opportunity to benefit from market trends in the Geomatics industry. Developments, innovations, and advancements in GIS technology lead in many directions; this course responds to market forces and demands supplying learners with relevant material.
|
LiDAR Operations and Applications
|
REMS 6082 |
45 hours |
This course covers the end-to-end LiDAR project workflow from technology to operations to applications. The first half of the course concentrates on technical and operational. During the second part, the focus is on data manipulation techniques and applications. In other words, the first part targets the Survey industry while the second part focuses on the Geomatics community end-user.
|
LiDAR Systems and Modelling
|
REMS 6042 |
45 hours |
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the concepts, processes and application of laser altimetry data within the context of Remote Sensing and Geomatics. Students will gain an understanding of the different types of laser altimetry systems, their multifarious applications, and processing sequences to generate high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEM). This course transgresses through this module based course consisting of three main components: LiDAR systems and applications, LiDAR cleaning and generation of high resolution DEMs, and fusion of high resolution elevation data with airborne and satellite imagery. This course will follow a path that mimics a real-world problem and incorporates mission planning, data acquisition, processing and product generation.
|
Location Analysis
|
BUGE 6017 |
45 hours |
This course introduces the learner to locational and network methods and techniques used in spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to address a broad range of business-related applications. Consideration will be given to the knowledge, skills and processes of system dynamics that impact where a facility should be located. The learner will investigate standard techniques and solution methods for many of the locational problems society faces today.
|
MapInfo Professional/Vertical Mapper
|
GISY 6026 |
45 hours |
This software package provides a complete environment for user-friendly thematic mapping, extremely powerful SQL querying and many typical GIS operations. Learners will also learn how to use Vertical Mapper, a grid-based contouring, modeling and display system. Vertical Mapper runs from within MapInfo and brings the power of raster GIS into this package.
|
Network Analysis
|
BUGE 6027 |
45 hours |
Students will have demonstrated an ability to solve location problems using GIS. Tools include: Arc Macro Language (AML) as a means to customize location analysis; creating form menus, using AML directives and functions; implementing models for calculating statistics for trade area and for analyzing the distribution of customers.
|
Object Oriented Programming for Geomatics II
|
PROG 6060 |
60 hours |
This course explores the development of Geomatics applications using spatial object libraries. These libraries allow programmers to develop custom GIS applications, embed GIS and mapping functionality in other applications, customize existing GIS software products, and extend GIS data models. The course is based on ESRI's ArcObjects, a "modular, scaleable, cross platform architecture" on which ESRI's ArcGIS suite of GIS products is based.
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Programming Tools for Customizing GIS
|
GISY 6045 |
45 hours |
This course focuses on customizing GIS applications using programming and host applications object models. Learners write programs for customizing industry standard GIS applications. Knowledge of object models in host applications and previous knowledge of computer programming is essential for this course.
|
Related Technologies (GPS/Multimedia)
|
GISY 6042 |
45 hours |
The Related Technologies course is composed of two parts: Global Positioning System (GPS) and Multimedia. GPS technology is used together with desktop GIS for accurately collecting and mapping locations of various GIS features. Learners learn how to plan the field work, prepare a data dictionary, collect data about position and attributes, perform post-processing, mapping and analysis and visualization of results. Multimedia technology is essential for professional business presentations. Learners learn how to use this technology for integrating such forms of information as images, text, simple animation, video clips and sound. Assignments include data capture, editing, media synchronization and final presentation.
|
Serving Maps on the Internet
|
BUGE 6020 |
45 hours |
The convergence of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the internet technology is transforming the uses of GIS and availability of spatial data. Industry standard software packages will be used for a completion of tutorials and learner projects. Learners will study server-based web mapping software tools. Theories and principles behind internet mapping, including distributed component technologies, graphic designs and network communications will be explored.
|
Spatial Analysis with Geostatistcs
|
GISY 6043 |
45 hours |
Spatial analysis deals with analyzing spatial clusters, identifying patterns, and measuring geographic distributions. Geostatistics is a set of statistical techniques dealing with surface fitting and interpolation. Basic geostatistical steps are exploratory spatial data analysis and structural analysis (calculation and modeling of the surface properties of nearby locations). Learners will develop predictions using geostatistical techniques and select the most appropriate spatial analysis tool for a given research project.
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Spatial Database Design and Modelling
|
GISY 6150 |
45 hours |
Good database design enables efficient storage, maintenance and use of data. This course introduces the learner to effective design of spatial databases and efficient spatial data modelling. The design process, along with identifying and cataloguing applications for the database will be explored.
|
Spatial Database Management
|
DBAS 5040 |
60 hours |
This course examines the design, development and maintenance of spatial databases. Beginning with a review of relational database design and query, the course extends the application of relational database principles to spatial (i.e. geographic) data and the unique challenges of working effectively with spatial data in a database. Topics include modelling spatial databases, spatial query languages and query processing, effective storage of spatial data and an introduction to spatial networks.
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