Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 SLCC General Catalog 
    
2019-2020 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Geographic Information Systems: CP (CTE)


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Certificate of Proficiency | 24 credits

Natural Sciences and Engineering Division
Taylorsville Redwood Campus Science & Industry Building, 359A
General Information 801-957-4944
Program Information 801-957-4880
Program Website
Academic Advisor

Program Faculty
R. Adam Dastrup, MA, GISP

Program Description
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate of Proficiency is an interdisciplinary program addressing competencies outlined by the Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM) with an emphasis in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and programming. The interdisciplinary approach and flexibility of the certificate allow students to apply GIS technology and skill sets to their chosen field of study. The growing need by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industries need a workforce trained in GIS technology. This certificate is meant to be a stackable credential, meaning students can use the spatial knowledge and technical skills acquired to enhance their chosen field of study or employment.

Career Opportunities
Students completing the GIS Certificate of Proficiency will be highly qualified for most entry-level geospatial technology positions, specifically in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Entry-level positions could include local, state, and federal governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, transportation, public utilities, private sector positions, and military. 

The geospatial technology industry is incredibly diverse and interdisciplinary, applicable and highly needed in the following industries: business and marketing; geography; urban planning and transportation; architecture; public safety; homeland security; criminal justice and law enforcement; public health; forestry and agriculture; environmental science and wildlife conservation; energy management; natural resource management; history, archeology, and archeology; sociology; military; disaster response and mitigation; surveying; computer science and information systems; and more. Learn more at https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/index.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Books: All of the courses will use Open Education Resources (OER) material and national certification material from the leading GIS software industry, Esri.  
Supplies: Students are expected to have access to a modern version of Microsoft Windows operating system.
Course Fees: $200

Estimated Time to Completion
Time to completion is three semesters based on a full-time minimum of 15 credits per semester. Less than 15 credits per semester will increase the time to completion.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
  1 - Acquire substantive knowledge
2 - Communicate effectively
3 - Develop quantitative literacies
4 - Think critically & creatively
5 - Become a community engaged learner
6 - Work in professional & constructive manner
7 - Develop computer & information literacy

Identify, explain, and find meaning in spatial patterns and relationships, such as site conditions, how places are similar and different, the influence of a land feature on its neighbors, the nature of transitions between places, how places are linked at local, regional, and/or global scales.

1, 4, 5, 7

Compare and contrast the elements of geospatial data quality, including geometric accuracy, thematic accuracy, resolution, precision, and fitness for use.

1, 4, 7

Apply the necessary components, role, and operations of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), including the Global Positioning System and similar systems.

1, 4, 7

Use the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum to explain the difference between sensors (e.g., optical, microwave, multispectral, hyperspectral, etc.) across multiple remote sensing platforms.

1, 4, 7

Differentiate the several types of resolution that characterize remotely-sensed imagery, including spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal across multiple remote sensing platforms.

1, 4, 7

Demonstrate foundational skill sets on which geographic information systems (GIS) are based, including the problem of representing change over time and the imprecision and uncertainty that characterizes all geographic information.

1, 4, 7

Acquire and integrate a variety of field data, image data, vector data, and attribute data to create, update, and maintain GIS databases.

1, 3, 4, 7

Compare advantages and disadvantages of standard spatial data models, including the nature of vector, raster, and object-oriented models, in the context of spatial data used in the workplace.

1, 4, 7

Use geoprocessing software to perform essential GIS analysis functions.

1, 3, 4, 7

Apply Earth geometry and geodesy techniques such as datums, coordinate systems, and map projections to geospatial applications.

1, 2, 3, 4, 7,

Apply modeling and spatial analysis skill sets using geographic information systems (GIS) technology.

1, 3, 4, 7

Recognize GIS tasks and computer programming software that is amenable to automation, such as route generation, incident response, and land use change analysis.

1, 3, 4, 7

Employ cartographic design principles to create and edit visual representations of geospatial data, including maps, graphs, and diagrams.

1, 3, 4, 7

Demonstrate how the selection of data classification and/or symbolization techniques affects the message and communication of thematic maps to specific audiences.

1, 3, 4, 7

Development professional, networking, critical thinking, ethical, and teamwork skills related to the discipline of geospatial technology.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

Determine trends in geospatial technology and applications including mobile apps, sUAS/drones, cloud applications, and web-based mapping.

1, 4, 5, 6

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