2016-2017 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]
Geospatial Technology: AAS (CTE)
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Associate of Applied Science | 65 credits minimum
Program Division: Division of Natural Sciences
Program Location: Taylorsville Redwood, Science & Industry Building, SI 241
General Information: (801) 957-4944
Program Information: (801) 957-4880 or (801) 957-4852
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising
Program Faculty
Associate Professors - R. Adam Dastrup, Walt Cunningham
Program Description
The Geospatial Technology AAS degree is a strong and cutting edge technical degree in geospatial technology addressing the Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM) with an emphasis in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS). The degree provides students with core competencies in GIS, but reaches farther into the geospatial spectrum by providing a strong emphasis in aerial and satellite-based remote sensing, spatial data acquisition, and publication to the Internet. The degree provides students with the opportunity to develop skill sets in web-based GIS, programming with Python, statistical analysis, open source GIS, entry -level surveying techniques, and mobile mapping applications.
Career Opportunities
Students completing the Geospatial Technology AAS degree will be highly qualified for most entry-level and even intermediate geospatial technology positions, specifically in Geographic Information Systems. Positions could include: local, state, and federal governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, transportation, public utilities, private sector positions, and military.
The Geospatial Technology AAS degree gives students a competitive edge because students have the opportunity to focus on advanced GIS technological skill sets including Python programming, geospatial statistics, open source GIS, web-based GIS, surveying, and geospatial mobile app development.
The geospatial technology industry is extremely 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 and archeology, sociology, the military, disaster response and mitigation, surveying, computer science, and more.
Total Program/Course Fees
Total of $150 in course fees that provides each student to receive an educational license of the latest version of ArcGIS along with Esri Virtual Courses throughout the entire program.
Estimated Cost for Students
Full-time: $6,684 total tuition; $150 course lab fees, $600 textbooks
Part-time: $7,728 total tuition; $150 course lab fees, $600 textbooks
Estimated Time to Completion
Two years full-time or three years less than full-time.
| Program Student Learning Outcomes |
Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes |
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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 |
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1. Students will apply spatial science techniques to analyze physical and human patterns spatially and over time
2. Students will apply Earth geometry and geodesy techniques to geospatial applications
- Geoids, ellipsoids, and spheres
- World and local datums, geographic and projected coordinate systems, and projections
3. Students understand basic measurement systems of satellite positioning to determine location
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Collect and integrate GNSS/GPS positions
4. Students will apply the science of remote sensing and photogrammetry techniques and analysis
- Electromagnetic spectrum, optical sensors, microwave sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors
- Differentiate spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal resolutions
- Active and passive remote sensing
- Ground truthing and quality assurance
- Orthoimagery, terrain correction, and georeferencing
5. Students will demonstrate skill sets in Geographic Information System analysis and modeling
- Representing spatial change over time
- Acquire and integrate field data, image data, vector and raster data, attribute data, and maintaining a geodatabase
- Using non-spatial data models in a GIS
- Apply geospatial software to perform GIS analysis, spatial measurements, distance, data queries and retrieval, vector overlays, and topological relationships
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1 - Acquire Substantive Knowledge |
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6. Students will apply cartographic and visualization techniques to communicate spatial and non-spatial data.
- Apply cartographic principles to create and edit visual representations of spatial and non-spatial data including maps, graphs, and diagrams
- Demonstrate appropriate data selection, classification, and symbolization
- Critique the design of a map based on the intended audience
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2 - Communicate Effectively |
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7. Students will apply and analyze spatial and non-spatial data sets
- Apply various data models to measure the shape of Earth’s surface and how that impacts accuracy and measurement
- Demonstrate an ability to apply various geospatial referencing techniques in relation to earth
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3 - Develop Quantitative Literacy |
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8. Demonstrate an ability to apply critical thinking in geospatial environments
- Apply various geospatial referencing techniques in relation to spheres, datums, coordinate systems, and projections
- Assess the geometric relationship between datums and coordinate systems
- Demonstrate an ability to transform geographic coordinate systems into plane projections and explain the various distortions that can occur
- Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of geospatial data quality in terms of uncertainty within the data, primary versus secondary sources, and appropriate use of data for a particular project
- Demonstrate an understanding of geospatial data standards of metadata for maximum efficiency, accuracy, and investment, and to reduce errors, uncertainty, and redundancy
- Apply primary and secondary source data within a geospatial system
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4 - Think Critically and Creatively |
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9. Students will analyze legal and ethical issues related to geospatial data
- Identify legal, ethical, and business considerations that affect an organization’s decision to share geospatial data
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and moral choices and implications of decision making for individuals and organizations using geospatial information
- Demonstrate knowledge with the relationship with web-based mapping programs and social media
- Demonstrate an understanding of how geospatial technology is used in government, military and homeland security, humanitarian work, environmental science and conservation, private sectors, non-profit organizations, and society at large
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5 - Civic Engagement |
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10. Students will develop professional skills related to the discipline of geospatial technology
- Identify allied fields that rely on geospatial technology and that employ geospatial professionals
- Participate in scientific and professional organizations
- Demonstrate familiarity with codes of professional ethics and rules of conduct for geospatial professionals
- Identify legal, ethical, and business considerations that affect an organization’s decision to share geospatial data
- Demonstrate the ability to work on large projects and within teams
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6 - Work Professionally and Constructively |
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11. Students will conceptually understand, apply, and analyze geospatial technology
- Demonstrate application in ArcGIS, Multispec, and Garmin GPS technology
- Demonstrate use of word processing, presentation, and statistical software
- Develop a professional ePortfolio to showcase artifacts of professional development
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7 - Develop Computer and Information Literacy |
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