Interdisciplinary Studies Course List |
Course Name |
Code |
Weight |
Summary |
First Semester |
Open Source Mapping |
CART 3030 |
45 hours |
This course provides the learner with an opportunity to investigate a range of free, open-source technologies for desktop
and web-based mapping and data analysis. The course will examine open-source mapping technology, interoperability
and open standards as well as explore issues associated with open-source geospatial software solutions.
|
Emerging Technologies in Remote Sensing |
REMT 3030 |
45 hours |
This course provides the learner with an opportunity to explore emerging technologies. Emphasis is on identifying,
researching, and presenting current technological topics for class consideration and discussion. This course provides a
technical overview of the current state of remote sensing systems, with a focus on new and emerging technologies and
applications.
|
Enterprise GIS I: Data Integration and Web Mapping Services |
GISD 3030 |
45 hours |
With the increased use of GIS, more organizations are collecting geographic data and making it available to others.
Recent technologies have allowed companies to share their data and present it in seamless "mash-up" applications via
the Internet. Learners will explore tools that are being developed to assist with data integration. This course also
introduces the learner to a wide variety of web mapping solutions currently being deployed in the geomatics industry.
Learners will study proprietary, open source, and server-based web mapping software tools.
|
GIS Applications for Community and Environmental Planning I |
COEP 3030 |
45 hours |
This course is designed to provide learners with hands-on experiences in the use of Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) to assist in a wide variety of applications specific to community and environmental planning. Learners will
investigate how GIS can assist planning efforts using suitability analysis and modeling. Learners are required to work in
small groups in a simulated professional planning practice environment.
|
Global Positioning System |
GETG 5024 |
45 hours |
In this course, the learner will use the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a tool for obtaining spatial data and coordinate
information. The learner will review code differential GPS and its applications, especially as it relates to GIS and mapping
data collection. The learner will explore the use of carrier phase GPS observables to collect data for geodetic control,
topographic surveys, etc. Learners will use proprietary software to process and analyze code and carrier phase GPS data
sets as well as export data in various formats for use by other software packages.
|
Graphic Design I |
COEP 3040 |
45 hours |
Graphic Design is the visual communication of an intended message. The learner will examine various aspects of design
such as the basic design process, the principles of design, visual hierarchy, typography and color theory.
|
GeoProcessing and Problem Solving I |
GEOM 3010 |
45 hours |
This course introduces the learner to a scripting language and shows how scripting can be used to access and automate
geoprocessing functionality within a Geographic Information System (GIS). Learners are exposed to scripting syntax,
writing simple scripts to automating geoprocessing operations, and learning how to incorporate scripts as custom tools
within a GIS environment.
|
Second Semester |
Advanced CAD Graphics |
CADD 4031 |
90 hours |
This course provides the learner with exposure to map creation using Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) software with a
focus on productivity, advanced plotting techniques and output to other graphics packages/devices. Importing data with
attributes, cleaning graphics, linking attributes to elements, as well as creating thematic maps and annotation using SQL
queries, will be covered.
|
GeoProcessing and Problem Solving II |
GEOM 4010 |
90 hours |
Building on the skills and knowledge learned in Geoprocessing and Problem Solving I, this course enables the learner to
use intermediate to advanced scripting techniques. Learners begin by refining their scripting skills by manipulating several
key data types and create effective, reusable code. Learners then apply these skills to execute custom geoprocessing
functionality. The course covers incorporating scripts into the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment and
prepares learners to leverage the full capabilities of scripting within the geoprocessing framework.
|
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.
|
Elective - Geographic Sciences - Interdisciplinary (Semester 2) |
ELTV 2.5 |
150 hours |
In addition to their required courses, learners will also complete three or more of the electives from the list below to add to a total of 150 hours:
|
Suggested Electives |
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.
|
Seminars in Historical Cartography |
CART 4200 |
30 hours |
This course will introduce the learner to the history of the mapping sciences and the advances in cartographic knowledge
from the 1st Century to the 20th Century. This is an opportunity for learners to explore and examine original examples of
printed works from famous cartographers including: Ptolemy, Mercator, Ortelius, Sanson, Hondius, Bellin, Mitchell,
Jeffreys and DesBarrres. In the latter portion of the course, the focus will be the surveys and mapping of Eastern Canada
and Nova Scotia. Participants will be required to complete a research component and present their findings in report
and/or presentation form.
|
Cartographic Techniques |
CART 4201 |
60 hours |
This course is comprised of a series of contemporary modules that allow the learner to explore topics not covered in other
portions of the Cartography program. Topics may include: Internet Mapping; Celestial Cartography; Map Projections for
GIS Applications; Advanced Data Translation using the Feature Manipulation Engine (FME); and/or GIS Customization &
Software Development.
|
Cartographic Image Rendering |
CART 4202 |
30 hours |
This course introduces the learner to a wide variety of image rendering techniques currently being deployed in the
cartographic industry. Learners will investigate relief shading, a cartographic rendering technique where a three
dimensional appearance is given to the topography of a map. The execution of this technique is quite complex and it is
usually achieved using special map rendering software using very precise topological data. Learners will study how to
apply special effects to raster data, background images or Digital Elevation Models (DEM's) utilizing industry standard
image editing software tools. Learners will also have the opportunity to explore image re-touching techniques.
|
Terrain and Statistical Visualization |
CART 4204 |
60 hours |
This course presents the learner with an opportunity to explore a set of advanced GIS 3D visualization tools to build digital
terrain models. The course will cover how to use GIS software to integrate high-resolution remote sensing imagery and
digital aerial photography to create new, highly `visual' products. Learners will investigate how such products can be linked
with interactive map interfaces allowing for a wide range of visualization opportunities.
|
Cadastral Mapping |
COEP 4080 |
45 hours |
Cadastral mapping is used by many provincial and private sector offices in the Maritimes. This course provides the
learner with an overview of the various stakeholders and the practical applications of Nova Scotia Property Records
Database (NSPRD) and supporting databases. GIS skills in this course will be focused on working with the NSPRD,
Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) data including inputting data from legal surveys and updating property
mapping from supporting legal documents.
|
Community Mapping |
COEP 4082 |
45 hours |
This course focuses on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data for supporting regional and
community well-being through mapping projects. This course introduces the learner to Public Participation Geographic
Information Systems (PPGIS) as a mechanism to undertake modern mapping to the local community level in order to
promote knowledge production.
|
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.
The ocean mapping portion of the course will involve the download and preparation of World Ocean Database
information. This dataset includes point-wise information that includes depth, salinity, temperature and other data relating
to the water column.The learner will utilize the techniques required to process WOD information into a finished map that
portrays temporal change.
|
GIS Elective |
GISD 4050 |
45 hours |
This course provides the learner with an opportunity to explore emerging technologies. Emphasis is on identifying,
researching, and presenting current technological topics for class consideration and discussion. This course provides a
technical overview of the current state of geographic information systems, with a focus on new and emerging
technologies and applications.
|
Introduction to Databases for Geographic Sciences |
GEOM 4070 |
45 hours |
This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of relational databases, which includes an elementary
implementation of the design principles applied to spatial data. Emphasis in the implementation is on using basic
Structured Query Language (SQL) commands to create and manipulate geographic data. Learners will gain a basic
insight into database systems terminology and issues facing database managers and analysts.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Mobile GIS Applications |
GEOM 4050 |
45 hours |
This course exposes the learner to the process of developing mobile Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects.
The course will examine all of the steps involved from the planning phase right through to the project deployment. The
learner will gain practical experience at modifying existing data, maps, and GIS workflows to the mobile environment.
|
