Course Overview
This course covers two distinct aspects of geomatics engineering technologies: remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). The remote sensing portion explores both passive and active sensors operated from satellite platforms during data acquisition. This part of the course covers the fundamentals of remote sensing, including the technology, data collection, processing, and interpretation of space-borne remotely sensed imagery. Students are introduced to the theory, processes and techniques related to the capture and analysis of passive and active (radar) remote-sensing data. The GIS information covers definitions, concepts and technology, including different sources of spatial data, metadata, spatial data models, databases, query, analysis, data input and editing. Students learn to use open-source and commercial GIS software through hands-on exercises.
Domestic fees
$1,175.85
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the fundamentals of remote sensing, including its applications and common terms such as active/passive remote sensing and different types of resolution.
- Classify and label the electromagnetic spectrum and describe interactions between EMR and matter.
- Explain how different sensors work.
- Describe and differentiate atmospheric, target scatter and absorption.
- Justify the use of ground validation for remote-sensing projects.
- Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of remote-sensing versus other data-collection techniques.
- Outline and carry out the process of image correction, enhancement, filtering, and fusion.
- Describe and complete the process of geometric correction, selection of ground control points, image re-sampling, and image-to-map and image-to-image registrations.
- Conduct supervised and unsupervised image classification and describe the difference between the two approaches.
- Evaluate the results of classification and assess the sources of error.
- Describe the fundamentals of SAR, the radar image formation process, applications, and different sources.
- Conduct basic radar image processing.
- Explain advantages and disadvantages of radar imageries.
- Define GIS, its components and applications, and the corresponding technical terms.
- Describe data sources, metadata, standards, and role of standards in interoperability.
- Explain the problems associated with integrating spatial data from different sources.
- Apply the fundamental concepts of GIS and databases to carry out spatial and aspatial query operations.
- Differentiate between spatial data models.
- Utilize ArcGIS software to perform common analytical operations.
- Import and edit data in ArcGIS and create a map layout.
Effective as of Winter 2025
Related Programs
Remote Sensing & GIS (GEOM 4016) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Geomatics Engineering Technology
Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of GEOM 4016 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 92618
Dates
Jan 06 - Apr 14 Loading
- CRN 92618
- $1175.85 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Apr 14 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Make sure you have passed the prerequisite courses GEOM 3071 Introduction to Photogrammetry, PHYS 2153 Physics for Geomatics 2, GEOM 2031 Surveying CAD 2, MATH 3513 Matrix Methods and ODEs. To receive approval, please email your official academic transcript(s) and BCIT Student ID to geomatics@bcit.ca. If you are new to BCIT, create an ID at secure.bcit.ca/sis/reg/.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
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.