Course Overview
This course provides an overview of the theory, concepts and related disciplines of GIS. Topics include fundamental terminology and technologies associated with GIS, practical examples of GIS applications, raster and vector spatial data representations, the data modelling process, concepts of file and database systems, methods of data collection, extraction, translation and loading; spatial analysis and geoprocessing, data quality, spatial data management, and organizational issues.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$863.60 - $881.16 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and characteristics of GIS.
- Compare representations and uses of spatial data.
- Describe the data modelling process.
- Describe file and database systems.
- Describe architectures of GIS software.
- Discuss data acquisition, conversion and integration issues.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2011
Related Programs
Fundamentals of GIS (GIST 7100) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Diploma Full-time
- Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Diploma Part-time
- Geographic Information Systems
Bachelor of Technology Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of GIST 7100 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 55230
Dates
Apr 09 - Jun 25 Loading
- CRN 55230
- $863.60 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 09 - Jun 25 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Naz Ali
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- For more information about online courses at BCIT, please visit: www.bcit.ca/distance/foryou.shtml Students must check your my.bcit.ca e-mail account for start-up instructions sent upon registration of this course. To be successful in our online courses, plan to spend 4-6 hours per course each week on your studies, starting Week 1. Our courses are highly interactive with participation requirements weekly. Most of our online learning courses require a textbook. You can search for your course textbook at : www.bcitbookstore.ca/distance/ If no textbook is listed, course material will be provided via e-mail.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below are three offerings of GIST 7100 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 48350
Dates
Sep 10 - Nov 26 Loading
- CRN 48350
- $881.16 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10 - Nov 26 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- For more information about online courses at BCIT, please visit: www.bcit.ca/distance/foryou.shtml Students must check your my.bcit.ca e-mail account for start-up instructions sent upon registration of this course. To be successful in our online courses, plan to spend 4-6 hours per course each week on your studies, starting Week 1. Our courses are highly interactive with participation requirements weekly. Most of our online learning courses require a textbook. You can search for your course textbook at : www.bcitbookstore.ca/distance/ If no textbook is listed, course material will be provided via e-mail. Most of our online learning courses require a textbook. You can search for your course textbook at : www.bcitbookstore.ca/distance/ If no textbook is listed, course material will be provided via e-mail.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 51113
Dates
Sep 11 - Nov 27 Loading
- CRN 51113
- $881.16 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11 - Nov 27 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Naz Ali
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- For more information about online courses at BCIT, please visit: www.bcit.ca/distance/foryou.shtml Students must check your my.bcit.ca e-mail account for start-up instructions sent upon registration of this course. To be successful in our online courses, plan to spend 4-6 hours per course each week on your studies, starting Week 1. Our courses are highly interactive with participation requirements weekly. Most of our online learning courses require a textbook. You can search for your course textbook at : www.bcitbookstore.ca/distance/ If no textbook is listed, course material will be provided via e-mail.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 32295
Dates
Sep 09 - Nov 25 Loading
- CRN 32295
- $881.16 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 09 - Nov 25 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- For more information about online courses at BCIT, please visit: www.bcit.ca/distance/foryou.shtml Students must check your my.bcit.ca e-mail account for start-up instructions sent upon registration of this course. To be successful in our online courses, plan to spend 4-6 hours per course each week on your studies, starting Week 1. Our courses are highly interactive with participation requirements weekly. Most of our online learning courses require a textbook. You can search for your course textbook at : www.bcitbookstore.ca/distance/ If no textbook is listed, course material will be provided via e-mail.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.