Course Overview
This course is an introduction to database systems, geodatabases and Big Data. Topics will include database, GIS, and cloud computing services terminology. Database systems will be compared, and ESRI’s enterprise geodatabase and ArcGIS Online cloud capabilities will be examined. Data modelling (conceptual, logical and physical models), advanced spatial data structures, spatial SQL and international metadata standards will be covered. Data discovery, Open Data (e.g., OpenStreetMap) and RESTful Big GeoData services will be discussed. The use of Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) tools such as Safe Software’s Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) will also be demonstrated. The students will each develop their own geodatabase for one of five application areas: regional transit and commuting; regional weather and natural hazard emergency management; municipal infrastructure management; retail, logistics and eCommerce; or public health. Finally, this course provides a basic introduction to what Big Data is, how these datasets can be imported into a geodatabase, and how they can be visualized using ArcGIS Pro (desktop) and ArcGIS Online (cloud). This is a rapidly-changing field with high levels of innovation.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Distinguish between and give examples of data concepts such as: spatial vs attribute data, structured vs semi-structured vs unstructured data, and regular data vs metadata.
- Distinguish between and give examples of DBMS models: RDBMS, OODBMS, ORDBMS, GIS, and Spatial DBMS.
- Distinguish between and give examples of basic and advanced spatial data structures.
- Describe the architecture of a modern enterprise spatial DBMS.
- Describe the essential characteristics of Big Data and web (cloud) services
- Describe how to scope and design a Big Data geodatabase for an application area.
- Download and import cloud-based Open Data and Big GeoData into your own geodatabase.
- Implement spatial databases using GIS desktop tools including ArcGIS Pro, and cloud data tools such as ArcGIS Online.
- Develop visualizations of Big GeoData datasets using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Dashboards.
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
GIS Databases & Big Data (GIST 7160) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Certificate Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.