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 Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is
designed for students with a background in a related discipline or
technology. The program is available in a full-time, nine-month program format, or through Part-time Studies.
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.
program entry
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.
Students do not need to apply for entry into the GIS Advanced Diploma program in order to take GIS part-time courses, however, students should apply for the acceptance into part-time studies program after taking two courses and have decided to complete the Advanced Diploma through Part-time Studies.
Part-time courses start in January, April and September each year and are subject to enrolment. The Part-time courses are filled each term through our registration department on a first come first served basis. Anyone may take these courses if they meet the individual course prerequisites.
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.
A large number of full-time GIS students start the program by taking a few part-time courses.
courses
Program matrix
1. GIS Technology Courses (45.0 credits)
Credits
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.
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.
Covers the basic technical skills required in spatial data collection and management within Autodesk Map. Topics include CAD issues, workflow, spatial data tools, GIS definitions, topology (spatial relationships), advanced queries, property alteration and spatial analysis. Prerequisites: AICO 1000
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.
Presents a hands-on course which introduces students to Microstation PC, a powerful and popular software for digital mapping. Topics include Microstation basics, 2D element constructions and manipulations, data entry, data editing, and data integrity.
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.
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).
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)
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
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)
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
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.
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
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
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
Note: Most of these courses are also available online.
* Completion of GIST 8107 in the full-time GIS program may be applied towards exemption of GIST 7107.
** Completion of SURV 5108 and SURV 5208 in part-time studies may be applied towards exemption of GIST 7108.
*** Completion of GIST 7111 in the full-time GIS program may be applied towards exemption of GIST 7109.
 
2. Management Courses: (5.0 credits)
Credits
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
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.
Provides candidates with a perspective on the experience needed to assume a role in management in a technology based organization. Focus is on those individuals who possess a formal technical education and are contemplating moving into management or those who are already working in management positions. The course will examine how technologists and engineers can make the often difficult move from a technical specialist role to manager.
This course provides the candidate with the skills necessary to successfully manage a small corporate research and development department. Emphasis is on identifying the unique characteristics of an R&D department in terms of its funding, its personnel, and mandate to be creative and productive.
An examination of the nature of change in high technology and the forces active in the management of change as they affect the individual, group and organization. This course analyses, diagnoses and integrates the individual, group and corporate forces in managing change. Particular focus is placed in integrating interpersonal skills models with the task of managing technological change among people.
Provides the candidate with the knowledge to understand how Information Technology is used in technology based organizations. It covers all aspects of systems architecture and systems life cycles. It reviews how data are collected and turned into information by all parts of the organization with an emphasis on how that information can be used in problem solving. The business issues arising from the introduction and use of Information Technology are discussed.
Integrates two important aspects of decision- making in high technology companies: how to choose a particular technical option, and how to develop a business strategy that works in today's business environment. By looking at the factors that determine technological and business strategy, the candidate will have an important opportunity to analyze real world situations and develop career goals. This course is linked to TMGT 7132, Managing Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Managing Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Orients managers in the tasks of management of technological innovation. The candidate will learn how to manage technological innovation and how it can contribute to organizational productivity and increased competitiveness. This course is linked to TMGT 7131 Business Strategy and Structure and reflects the importance of technological innovation in the implementation of strategy. Prerequisites: TMGT 7131
Assists those working in complicated technologically intensive businesses to understand and to function within the legal environment. Focus is placed on the nature of the legal system and its institutions generally, as well as selected areas of law vital to the functioning of Canadian business. The course also relates law to modern business practice especially in the field of ethics.
Emphasizes the skills necessary to manage effectively in a technology based organization. Emphasis is placed on the issues of leadership and the skills required to do an effective job which include how to improve performance by giving constructive feedback, how to give and receive effective information, how to handle disruptive behaviour, and how to provide positive recognition.
This course deals with a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving and decision-making using an analytical, process-oriented approach. Tools and techniques are used to better maximize the problem- solving and decision-making skills of the participant.
Gives candidates the knowledge to develop Technology Assessment processes that are specific to the Graduation Project but can also be applied to their organizations. It provides candidates with the means to increase the probability that a selected technology will provide tangible benefits in addressing specific organizational issues and that will take into account social and environmental concerns.
Note: Students may also select management course electives from other advanced diploma or degree programs at BCIT, subject to program approval.
 
3. Project / Practicum Courses: (12.0 credits)
Credits
GIST 7122
GIS Project/Practicum Proposal****
Prepares part-time GIS students for their industry project or practicum. Topics include literature searches and reviews in a GIS topic/business of interest to the student, identifying a suitable project/practicum, establishing faculty and industry supervisors, developing a project/practicum plan and schedule, and writing a project proposal for approval. Prerequisite: Department Approval.
Focus of this course is on identifying project management issues in a rapidly changing business environment and strategies for managing changes resulting from the introduction of Information Technology.
Examines the specific communication process necessary to convey messages effectively in both written and oral formats. It is designed to give candidates "hands-on" practice and feedback using the specialized techniques in the communication process.
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
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
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
Program length
The part-time program courses are generally offered evenings, Saturdays or as workshops spanning a few days. The GIS department also offers some online GIS courses. Most students complete the part-time program in 2-4 years depending on educational background and number of courses taken each term. The Part-time studies GIS program must be completed within 5 years of commencing studies.
Program structure
Credits
GIS Technology Courses
45.0
Management Courses
5.0
Project/Practicum Courses
12.0
Total
62.0
graduating & jobs
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 2005-2007 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2004-2006 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.