- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
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 field of geomatics.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$863.60
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Differentiate between surveying and mapping.
- Describe the different branches of geomatics activities.
- Understand the use of various instruments to make field measurements.
- Understand the origins and uses of datums and associated coordinate systems.
- Perform horizontal and vertical position computations.
- Describe the differences between accuracy, precision and error.
- List the accuracies associated with field observations.
- Map types and map scales.
- Describe the principles of map projections.
- Describe characteristics and uses of common B.C. and Canadian map projections.
- Describe the basic theory of GPS.
- Acquire field data using GPS technology.
Effective as of Fall 2008
Related Programs
Fundamentals of Mapping (GIST 7108) 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 Diploma Full-time
- Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Diploma Part-time
- Geographic Information Systems
Bachelor of Technology Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2026
Below is one offering of GIST 7108 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 88482
Dates
Jan 08 - Mar 26 Loading
- CRN 88482
- $863.60 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08 - Mar 26 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Scott Netherton
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Internet delivery format.
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- 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 the Learning Hub or e-mail.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.