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
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
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
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of GIST 7108 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 58478
Dates
Apr 08 - Jun 24 Loading
- CRN 58478
- $863.60 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 08 - Jun 24 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Scott Netherton
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
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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.