Program

Occupational Certificate in Geographic Information and Global Positioning Technology

The GIS/GPS Technology offers a unique blend of outdoor activity and computer technology. The Geographic Information and Global Positioning Technology captures your interests and develops your talents in mapping, scientific data collection, computers, and much more. Applications of this technology vary widely and include environmental monitoring, natural resource management, emergency planning, transportation systems design and site analysis.

Geographic Information System, or GIS, is a computer system capable of capturing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying geographic data. Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a system that uses satellites and ground based receivers to find locations and create geographic data. GIS/GPS technology is expanding rapidly across business, industry and government. This new technology is sweeping land management professions. You will experience the revolutionary manner in which GIS manages, manipulates, analyzes and displays geographically referenced data. GIS offers unparalleled planning speed and versatility to land managers.

This 22-credit certificate is a great addition to any of the other degree options in the School of Natural Resources. Typically, several of the classes required in the certificate are also required in other degree programs. This makes it easy for students to complete the certificate without greatly extending their graduation date. The surveying and mapping skills acquired in this certificate will increase the employability of any of our graduates. Furthermore, these skills are also quite attractive to both private and government organizations as well as baccalaureate students that use spatial data is a part of their business. We offer these courses on a regular basis but can also offer them in a more compact and modular form if there is a group need.

Please contact the Associate Dean, Ken Bowald at 740.753.6285 if you have a request to offer these classes to an industry group in a particular format.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Geographic Information and Global Positioning Technology Certificate:

• Collect, manipulate and manage data using geospatial equipment, techniques, and methods;
• Utilize basic geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), surveying and cartographic skills;
• Ensure quality of data and product meets professional and industry standards;
• Create effective visual, tabular, and analytical products i.e. maps, graphs, charts, statistics, databases, tables and models;
• Ability to think spatially and perform spatial analysis on geographically referenced data;
• Assist in development and implementation of a project plan while monitoring time and budget constraints;
• Use verbal and written communication skills;
• Use interpersonal skills to collaborate with others, establish relationships, network, market, and advocate for projects and the profession;
• Develop professional skills and continue to update them; and,
• Exhibit versatility and the ability to change, problem solve and maintain balance.

Curriculum

• 2011 Transition
• 2012 Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Geographic Information and Global Positioning is currently used at all levels of government, business, and industry. Employment opportunities are available with auditors, city planners, engineers, fire and police departments, resource planners, service providers, utility companies, and federal, state and local governments.

Occupation Profile

Hocking College Career Services