Certificate in Geographic Information Science
Prince Albert, Canada
Certificate
DURATION
32 weeks
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus, Blended
Key Summary
About: Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Certificate in Geographic Information Science teaches GIS fundamentals, spatial analysis, cartography, remote sensing, UAV data capture, GPS, web mapping, database design and GIS process automation. You'll learn through hands-on labs, field work and an applied research project with an industry partner, building practical skills in data analysis and project delivery. Computer literacy is required. This one-year certificate runs full-time at the Prince Albert Campus.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in government, utilities, natural-resource industries, consulting firms, First Nations and municipalities; 80% find GIS roles within six months. Typical jobs include GIS mapping technician, GIS specialist, data analyst positions.
Geographic information science (GIS) is a relatively new field that uses computer technology to link maps to digital data. Resource managers and urban planners rely on the expertise of GIS technicians when they are making critical decisions about asset management, environmental assessment, development, and harvest. GIS skills are applicable in any organization that maintains assets in the environment. Graduates work with mines and resources, utility companies, First Nations, urban and rural municipalities, and health care agencies, to maintain information with geospatial reference.
Have you ever hovered your computer mouse over a map image and a name pops up? This is the simplest of GIS applications. If you have good computer skills, a keen eye for detail, and an interest in project management from conceptual design to rollout, the GIS program could be a good fit for you. With many employment opportunities, now is the time to launch your GIS career. Graduates are working in company offices and remotely.
GIS is a one-year certificate program offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Prince Albert Campus.
You’ll learn the concepts, practice the applications, and build expertise in using GIS software to analyze and map data. In this hands-on approach to applying GIS technology, you will learn about:
- Drone, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data acquisition, processing, and interpretation
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- GIS process automation
- GIS analysis and spatial mapping
- Database and worksheet design
- Web mapping and web cartography
- Remote sensing and image analysis
Learn by Doing
Your training will include hands-on learning, field experience, and an applied research project. Your project will be a relevant workflow with an industry partner. When you graduate, you will have much more than a textbook understanding of GIS theory—you will have experience using GIS applications in different situations. Computer literacy is essential to handle the course load.
Semester 1
- COMP 174 Introduction to Microsoft Excel 1
- COMP 175 Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2
- COMP 176 Introduction to Microsoft Access 1
- GIS 101 Geographic Information Systems 1
- GIS 102 Introduction to ArcGIS
- GIS 103 Data Input for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- GIS 104 Introduction to Python
- GIS 107 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Hardware and Hardware Resources
- GIS 363 Basic Statistics and Geostatistics
- GPS 110 Basics of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- MAPS 101 Introduction to Mapping and Compassing
- WORK 126 Work Preparation
Total semester credits: 26
Semester 2
- GIS 105 Vector Analysis
- GIS 108 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Data
- GIS 109 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Data Processing
- GIS 302 Introduction to Mobile Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- GIS 361 Raster Analysis
- GIS 362 Three-Dimensional Analysis
- MAPS 301 Cartography
- MAPS 302 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Internet
- PROJ 117 Applied Research Geographic Information Science
- PROJ 287 Project Management
- SYST 401 Remote Sensing 1
- SYST 402 Remote Sensing 2
Total semester credits: 26
Note: Some work experiences may be in locations other than Prince Albert, so you may need to budget for additional transportation and accommodation expenses.
At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, we make every effort to recognize academic success and provide a financial boost to those who need it most. Scholarships, awards, and bursaries are a great way to provide you with additional financial support, widen your network and enhance your resume by demonstrating your hard work and dedication to your studies. While you are investing in your future, let us invest in you!
Award recipients are commonly selected on financial need, academic achievement, or very often, a combination of the two. Selection criteria can also include volunteer or leadership involvement in your communities and schools.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides as much as $2 million in student awards every school year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has an excellent track record when it comes to getting grads into jobs: 80% of GIS grads are working in their field within six months of graduation. They work as GIS mapping technicians, GIS specialists, mapping cartographers, GPS operators, data analysts or remote sensing analysts. With your specialized training in applying GIS to resource management, you can explore job opportunities with a wide variety of potential employers, including natural resource-based industries, First Nations industries, consulting firms, environmental agencies, government departments and municipal agencies.
A GIS certificate from Sask Polytech can also help you move your career forward. Read more about how a few graduates enhanced their education and careers by taking the GIS program.
