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overview
a career in GIS can take you where you want to go.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to manage and utilize geographic data, and is widely recognized as an essential tool in such diverse fields as forest management, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies. The potential uses of GIS technology are almost too numerous to list, and are found everywhere - from local government to the United Nations, from volunteer organizations to global corporations, in the public and private sectors.
The Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is designed for university or college graduates with a background in a related discipline or technology.
The curriculum combines theory and practice and covers GIS principles, training in GIS software, technical issues, remote sensing, digital mapping and management issues. Students must also successfully complete a supervised work experience before graduation. This may be either an industry project or an industry practicum.
Whether you are a recent university or college graduate getting started in a career, or an experienced professional seeking new employment opportunities or career advancement, we invite you to study our web pages to learn more about GIS@BCIT.
With over 20 years of experience in delivering advanced GIS technology programs and courses, GIS@BCIT has established an excellent reputation for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates.
program entry
Interested in the program? Great, but do your research carefully to ensure that GIS is the right program for you.
Attend a GIS INFO session, talk to faculty and students, research the career opportunities and job market, and do an honest self-assessment that you are ready to enrol and capable of succeeding.
Ready to apply? Excellent choice, but it's important to be prepared for this challenging program.
You'll significantly improve your chances of admission and success if you come well-prepared. Read the following and spend some time in assessment and preparation.
Computer programming is emphasized strongly in the BCIT GIS program. Students who arrive unprepared usually find the programming and GIS customization courses a great deal of work, which affects other studies.
Regardless of your abilities and experience, you should develop your skills as much as possible before you start the program. The GIS program covers many programming languages. The primary language is Visual Basic .NET, but you may also use Java, Python, JavaScript, Perl, VBScript and others. You should know programming concepts and program design before starting GIS studies at BCIT, but you do not need to know any particular programming language.
You will be using the Web a great deal in the program. For example, you will be developing your own pages in September to present your resume and project/practicum. You should also learn how to create basic web pages using HTML, and how to use an HTML editor before you arrive in September.
Refresh your skills in basic algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry (e.g. polar and rectangular coordinates, equation of a straight line, distance between two points). You will find this helpful in a number of courses.
You can apply for the full-time GIS programs starting in October, and for part-time GIS programs at any time. For complete application information visit apply to a program on the main BCIT website.
Entrance requirements
GIS is a multidisciplinary field and has applications in a wide variety of professions and industries, and the GIS Department welcomes applicants from most academic areas:
- Applicants are required to complete one of the following prior to admission:
- A Diploma of Technology, or
- A University degree, or
- An Associate degree from a recognized BC institution OR the equivalent through two or more years of university study. See the BCCAT website for information on Associate Degrees.
- English 12 (C) or English-language proficiency
- Resume
- A letter explaining why you want to take the GIS program and how you will be preparing for the program
- GIS Departmental Assessment (Adv Dip) [PDF, 43 KB]
Check for acceptable equivalent courses taught in BC high schools.
It is recommended that students must possess good communication, teamwork and technical problem-solving skills. Fundamental computer literacy and computer programming skills are also recommended.
Admissions/Registration
Students accepted into the full-time program are registered into all the required courses in the program matrix as a block. Many students are able to receive exemptions for some courses completed previously in part-time studies at BCIT or from other institutes. These students can apply for credit/exemption once they have started the full-time program in September.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Scheduled intakes
September each year
Application processing
October 1 of the previous year until the program fills.
Applications are considered for a specific intake.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees. BCIT tuitions are based on a per credit calculation to a maximum or cap tuition amount. Students registered in a full-time program who are not taking a full course load or who have received course exemption(s) may not receive a refund as a result of the per credit calculation amount exceeding the maximum tuition.
Books and supplies
Level 5: $600; Level 6: $300
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
Learning about GIS technology means learning a lot more than just GIS software.
Our program is built upon years of experience in delivering GIS education and training, and is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in the diverse and challenging GIS industry.
Our technology courses cover CAD, Remote Sensing, databases, computer programming, GIS algorithms, spatial analysis, and mapping. And of course, advanced courses in GIS software use and customization. You'll see first hand how primary data capture is done, how data is processed, and gain skills in editing and managing GIS data.
In software courses, you'll delve deeper, and gain extensive hands-on experience using industry standard software. Through the database courses, you'll see the critical importance of data modelling and management.
Through computer and programming courses, you'll learn about different ways to program and customize software for data handling and specialty applications, Web-mapping, web applications, and how these tie into current developments in GIS.
Management courses will introduce you to the IT (hardware, software, and networks), management and organization issues associated with GIS.
You'll put all these pieces together as you pursue your GIS project or practicum. Through the project/practicum courses you'll develop skills in planning and executing GIS applied research or gain real world work experience with a GIS employer.
You'll hear guest speakers from industry, be involved in GIS conferences or the BCIT Open House, and be encouraged to get involved in BCIT activities and the local GIS community.
By the time you graduate, you'll have all the necessary skills to pursue a career in GIS.
Through it all we'll be encouraging you to develop the workplace skills essential for success - critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving, initiative, self-reliance and communications.
Program matrix
| Level 5 - Fall Term (15 weeks) |
Credits |
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GIST 7010 |
GIS Programming 1
Prepares students for GIS programming for macros, utility programs, databases, data conversion, and application development. Students use the latest version of Visual Basic to develop structured and logical programs to manipulate GIS spatial and attribute data. This course covers such additional topics as arrays, structures and file output. Prerequisite: This course is for students with no programming experience, but must have the ability to effectively manage files and directories under Windows. |
3.0 |
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GIST 7100 |
Fundamentals of GIS
Provides an overview of theory and concepts of GIS and related disciplines. Topics covered include fundamental concepts, terminology, and technologies associated with GIS,; applications of GIS, data modelling, spatial data representations, concepts of file and database systems, methods of data collection and input, manipulation and analysis; data quality, spatial data management and organizational issues. |
3.0 |
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GIST 7108 |
Fundamentals of Mapping
This introductory course will acquaint GIS students with the fundamental concepts of geomatics and will demonstrate the important relationship between surveying & mapping and GIS. Topics include an introduction to the field of geomatics, a description of the theory associated with basic survey computations, methods for determining horizontal positions and elevations, map projections, accuracy and reliability of spatial data and an introduction to positioning by GPS. The overall objective is to give students an understanding of the origin of the coordinate systems and coordinates used in the filed of geomatics. |
3.0 |
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GIST 7111 |
CAD for GIS**
Introduces students to the operational use and role of computer aided drafting software in GIS. Students will gain hands-on experience with Autodesk products and be exposed to other CAD software and vertical products used in industry. Topics include AutoCAD basics, 2D entity constructions and manipulations, data entry, data editing, data integrity, data exchange. |
3.0 |
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GIST 7120 |
GIS Project Planning
Allows students to research project topics, present a project proposal, establish supervisors, identify sources of data and begin data acquisition. |
3.0 |
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GIST 7128 |
ArcGIS 1: Introduction*
Introduces the latest versions of the ArcGIS software family and ArcGIS data models. Students use ArcMap, ArcCatalog and ArcToolbox to create and edit GIS data, and perform mapping, data management and geographic analysis. Successful completion of this course will give you a background in GIS concepts, help you to operate the basic components of ArcGIS software, and assist you in planning and executing a GIS project. |
3.0 |
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GIST 7130 |
GIS Computing and the Internet*
Focuses on developing skills for solving the diverse problems of the latest GIS computer systems. Students will examine operating systems, explore GIS web client-server relationships, write utility programs and simple GIS web server applications. Prerequisite: Previous programming experience is required (GIST 7010 or equivalent). |
3.0 |
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GIST 7132 |
GIS Database Systems 1
This course is an introduction to databases, their terminology and an overview of various data models and modelling techniques. Topics include relational database design, Codd's rules, constraints, relationships, normalization, and the structured query language (SQL). Examples will be GIS-based, use an ORDBMS for storage and web-based customizations. Prerequisites: GIST 7010* (* may be taken concurrently) |
3.0 |
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GIST 8118 |
GIS Remote Sensing
Examines current satellite image acquisition systems, image display and enhancement, image geocoding and image classification and remote sensing applications in GIS. Digital image processing and analysis techniques are studied in theory and in practice using digital image processing software. |
3.0 |
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GIST 8128 |
ArcGIS 2: Data Management and Analysis*
Topics include map projections, coordinate systems, edge matching, rubber sheeting, data conversion, image display, introduction to customization, TIN data structure, slope/aspect and 3D views, proximity and adjacency analysis, geocoding, routes and network modelling. Previous programming experience is recommended. Prerequisites: GIST 7128 |
3.0 |
* denotes a half-term course
** Completion of GIST7109 in part-time studies may applied towards exemption of GIST7111. |
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| Level 6 - Winter Term (10 weeks) |
Credits |
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GIST 8010 |
GIS Programming 2
This course covers advanced GIS programming issues. Topics include accessing the latest GIS data stores: RDBMS, ORDBMS, XML and binary files, creating custom classes, events and exceptions as well as structured error handling. Advanced data and graphic controls will be use to represent geospatial data. Prerequisites: GIST 7010 |
3.0 |
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GIST 8100 |
Technical Issues in GIS*
Fundamental GIS algorithms and spatial information data structures are explored. Students will utilize Java programming to gain an understanding of the science that lies behind GIS computer applications. Topics covered include raster and vector file formats, data conversion and display, view transformations, line clipping, feature generalization, and polygon operations. Prerequisites: GIST 7100 and GIST 7130 and GIST 8010* (* may be taken concurrently) |
3.0 |
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GIST 8106 |
Spatial Analysis***
Introduces students to vector and raster modelling using ArcGIS (Network and GRID). Problems drawn from business geographics and natural resource applications. Prerequisites: GIST 7010 and GIST 8128 |
3.0 |
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GIST 8107 |
GIS Digital Mapping and Cartography**
Examines sources of digital mapping data, mapping data standards, digital mapping compilation procedures and mapping systems, introduction to cartography. Prerequisites: GIST 7108 |
3.0 |
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GIST 8109 |
Geospatial Systems Management
Examines the management of geospatial data, hardware and software. Topics include software installation and licensing, networking, system capacities and performance, web configurations, handheld and wireless connectivity, data versioning. Prerequisites: GIST 7130 |
2.0 |
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GIST 8132 |
GIS Database Systems 2
Develops skills for using database software with GIS. Topics include the Oracle RDBMS architecture, ArcGIS Spatial Database Engine (SDE), Case tools for GIS database design, and GIS database Web server programs. Prerequisites: GIST 7132 |
3.0 |
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GIST 8138 |
ArcGIS 3: Customization and Modelling
Introduces the ArcObjects development environment using the Microsoft Component Object Model and VBA. Topics include customizing tool bars, controls and map documents, coding events, working with tables, creating Map Layouts and creating custom tools. VBA applications will be created that manipulate the MxDocument, Map, Feature and Graphic Layer and other objects. A complete VBA customization of ArcMap will be created for Crime Analysis. Prerequisites: GIST 8128 and GIST 8010 |
3.0 |
* denotes a half-term course
** Completion of GIST7107 in part-time studies may be applied towards exemption of GIST8107.
*** Completion of GIST7202 and/or GIST8105 in part-time studies may be applied towards partial or full credit exemption of GIST8106.
All substitute courses require approval by the department head in advance. |
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| Level 6 - Spring Term (10 weeks) |
Credits |
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GIST 8110 |
Management Issues in GIS
Use of project management and systems design engineering techniques to identify, document, analyze, and meet user needs for GIS. A strong emphasis is placed upon working with other students as a multidisciplinary team; each team will move progressively through a typical GIS implementation and management process for an organization. Case studies are examined for the insight they can provide in GIS management. Prerequisite: Completion of GIS technical core courses. |
3.0 |
| and |
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GIST 8125 |
GIS Project
Students will undertake a major independent project in a selected area of GIS technology, in consultation with industry/academic sponsors and faculty advisors. You will solve GIS technical problems, demonstrate thorough knowledge of your project topic, and present your GIS project results by writing a technical report and making an oral presentation to GIS industry standards. Prerequisites: GIST 7120 |
9.0 |
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or |
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GIST 8126 |
GIS Industry Practicum*
Provides students with short-term GIS industry work experiences. The practicum involves GIS project or production work and presents the opportunity to interact with supervisors in a mentoring relationship. Allows students to develop technical, interpersonal and employability skills, and gain first-hand insight into the organizational context of GIS. Prerequisites: GIST 7120 |
9.0 |
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| Total Credits: |
62.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
As a full-time student, you'll be immersed in a highly structured and demanding environment for the duration of the program.
You'll learn GIS in a number of ways - through lectures and hands-on labs, with integrated e-learning, independently and in teams, through demonstrations and research.
You'll be one of 45 students accepted into the program. Like yourself, everyone has a university or college background, and many have work experience. Many disciplines and fields of study arerepresented, leading to a rich, dynamic and varied learning environment.
Your schedule will be busy, with 24-31 in-class hours per week, plus homework. Most classes consists of a lecture and a lab, with the entire class of 45 students attending the lecture. You'll break out into smaller groups of 15 for the labs. In the computer labs, you'll have your own computer workstation and access to industry standard software to complete the labs and assignments. You'll have regular (usually weekly) applied assignments to complete for most courses, so it's important to manage your time well and perform consistently throughoutthe school year.
Classes start in September and end in mid-April. From April on, you will spend all your time applying your newly gained GIS skills to your industry research project or workplace practicum. You'll finish by the end of May or June, depending on the scheduling of your practicum.
Program length
9 months, full-time
Program structure
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Credits |
| GIS Technology Courses |
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45.0 |
| Management Courses |
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5.0 |
| Projects Courses |
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12.0 |
| Total |
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62.0 |
graduating & jobs
When you graduate from the program, you will have completed one of the best educations in GIS technology available anywhere and be ready for the workforce.
A career in GIS can open a lot of doors. Opportunities exist in all parts of the private and public sectors, and in all sorts of application areas.
Job Opportunities
The majority of GIS graduates are working for either private industry (forestry, GIS vendors, natural resource exploration, computer systems) consulting companies (environmental, engineering, forestry, mapping, scanning, and software) or government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal). The graduates are developing GIS databases, using GIS to analyze data and predict the result of planned changes, managing GIS projects, planning the acquisition of GIS technology, developing GIS custom systems and training GIS users.
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2007-2009 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2006-2008 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
faculty, advisors & staff
GIS Faculty are dedicated, energetic and knowledgeable, and have both GIS industry experience and formal schooling. The Department also utilizes instructors from the BCIT Geomatics Department, as well as sessional instructors from industry.
The Geographic Information Systems program benefits from the combined expertise of educational and industry professionals who form our program Advisory Committee. Their valued input and liaison with BCIT have helped ensure the relevance and currency of the program. We would like to acknowledge their continuous support for the success of the program.
GIS Faculty
Jonathan Candy, Instructor/Part-time Studies Coordinator
BSc, DiplT(SIS), MSc(Geog/GIS)
Tel. 604-432-8378
Loc. SW3-2091
Sheila Churchill, Program Head/Instructor
BSc(Geology), DiplT(GIS), PGeo, MSc(GIS)
Tel. 604-432-8737
Loc. SW3-2090
Carmen Heaver, Instructor
BSc, DiplT(GIS), MSc(GISc)
Tel. 604-412-7421
Loc. SW3-2079
Rob Hewlett, Instructor
BSc, DiplT(GIS), MSc(CIS)
Tel. 604-432-8746
Loc. SW3-2079
GIS Staff
Maryann Newmeyer, Program Assistant
Tel. 604-451-7001
Loc. SW2-214
Jack Read, Systems Analyst
DiplT
Advisory committee
- K. Stewart (chair), ESRI Canada Ltd.
- P. Bates, District of West Vancouver
- K. Bingham, GE Energy
- J. Clarke, Spatial Vision Group Inc.
- G. Cooney, Ministry of Sustainable Resource Mgmt.
- M. Doherty, ESRI Canada Ltd.
- W. Johnstone, Spatial Vision Group Inc.
- L. Kaivanto, Ministry of Advanced Education
- B. Klinkenberg, UBC, Department of Geography
- H. Lee, Franz Environmental Inc.
- C. Lim, Bureau of Intelligent Transportation Systems & Freight Security - Engineering, UBC
- P. Lippe, Weyerhaeuser
- S. Mak, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
- K. MacLachlan, the Oppenheimer Group
- D. Murray, TransLink
- H. McLaughlin, Photosat Information
- D. Stewart, Consultant
- M. Stoakes, Safe Software
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
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Testimonial
"The very technical nature of the program combined with programming language exposure, challenging labs requiring considerable personal problem solving, usage of web applications for specific labs and assignments, industry project design, implementation and management experience and the other comprehensive skills obtained have helped to put us a step ahead....the BCIT GIS Program has provided me with solid skills and experience"
Mike Fowler, Class of 2004
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