selk irk.ca - Selkirk College

Geographic Information Systems
done so at Selkirk College. International students
will be expected to provide a TOEFL
exam score of 550 or above unless they
have equivalent documentation of English
proficiency. (A “B” or above in English 12 or
an LPI score of 4 or above would be examples
of such equivalency.)
• Applicants may be required to complete
modules in mathematics, writing and
computer technology skills if knowledge gaps
in one or more of these areas are identified by
the School Chair.
General
• Personal Reference. All applicants must
submit two personal references on the form
provided in the application package.
• Letter of Intent.All applicants must complete
a brief essay of 500 words or less that states
their background and personal interest in
the Advanced Diploma in GIS. Applicants
should highlight experience in GIS and
computer skills in their essay.
• Specific Requirements for Students Without
A Formal Credential from an Accredited
Post-Secondary Institution
• An applicant with reasonable potential for
success on the basis of work experience or
other criteria may be admitted, notwithstanding
some deficiency in prior formal
education.
• Applicants with no accredited post‚ s
secondary credential may require academic
upgrading. They are urged to apply for the
program at least one year in advance.
Application Procedure
• Before an applicant’s file is considered
complete, the following must be received by
the Admissions Office:
• Completed application form,
• Official transcripts of all relevant postsecondary
education,
• Official transcripts of high school grades will
be required for applicants entering without a
credential from an accredited post-secondary
institution,
• Two personal reference forms completed by a
current or previous instructor, counsellor or
employer, e.g., supervisor. Personal references
should be submitted by the referee directly to
the Admissions Office. (Photocopies are not
acceptable),
• Completed letter of intent.
Program Courses
GIS 302 Introduction to GIS
This course is an introduction to GIS theory,
history and application. Emphasis will be placed
on understanding how geospatial features are
represented and captured as data and how these
data can be managed, analyzed and presented using
state-of-the-art GIS tools. Hands-on expertise will
be developed with ESRI’s ArcGIS software.
GIS 303 GIS Analysis and Automation
This course will build upon the fundamentals of
GIS theory by examining geodata models, data
management and metadata, cartography, advanced
analysis, 3D modeling, batching and scripting,
and accessing, importing, and translating data.
The lab portion of this course will focus on the
use of Python scripting for automating ArcGIS
and its extensions.
GIS 306 Introduction to
Remote Sensing
This course will integrate both lecture and lab
time to cover the foundations of remote sensing
and engage in specific applications such as image
classification and multi-spectral analysis.
GIS 310 GIS Data Management
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals
of spatial data and data management principles.
With a focus on data specifically in BC and in
relation to federal, provincial, municipal, regional
and industry, students will learn about the variety
and types of data and datasets commonly used.
Topics include the ethics of data use, access to BC
data, data translation and management tools and
data management principles.
GIS 316 Introduction to CAD
for GIS Professionals
This course provides an introduction to Autodesk’s
computer-assisted design and drafting software for
GIS students. Students will learn the fundamentals
of the drafting environment, including setting
up their workspace, utilizing common tools,
creating and modifying drawings, and crafting
print layouts.
This course will frequently touch upon the
differences and similarities of CAD and GIS as
well as when and how GIS professionals will use
CAD in their career and how transitions between
the two environments may occur. GIS students
should gain appreciation of the complementary
technology that CAD offers.
GIS 318 Cartography and
Geovisualization
Cartography is the art and science of map making
and map use. Preparation of high quality maps
that readily reveal land management, planning,
environmental or other concerns is critical to
ensure that important messages are conveyed in an
easily interpretable fashion. This course introduces
the concepts and methods of cartographic
communication, design, and geovisualization.
Mapping fundamentals will address subjects
such as coordinate systems, projections, datums,
cartographic generalization, map types, and map
design considerations. Virtual cartography and
other topical methods of conveying geoinformation,
such as computer atlases, web mapping, and
3D-4D visualization will also be explored.
GIS 321 New Media for GIS
A venue to showcase your work or business is
important, no matter what your profession.
This New media course consists of a series of
workshops designed to build skills using some
popular New media industry tools, including
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CamStudio,
and an Open Source CMS; Wordpress.
In addition to creating New media products, we
will also explore social media tools and their benefits.
Learning these tools will provide you with a
strong foundation from which you can build your
own website, hosting your own interesting media
outputs to showcase your work.
GIS 323 Introduction to Global
Navigation Satellite Systems
This course will introduce the fundamental concepts
of Global Navigation Satellite Systems with
specific emphasis on Global Positioning System
(GPS) and the applied technologies for GPS data
collection and GIS integration. Through interactive
instruction and hands-on course exercises, students
will work with a variety of GPS tools and field
collection techniques to learn how to create, edit,
update and manage geographic information.
Emphasis areas will include familiarity with GPS
receivers, GPS processing software, data collection
standards and cartography.
GIS 329 Principles of Programming
Selkirk College offers GIS 329 Visual Basic
Programming to students enrolled in the
Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s programs in
Geographic Information Systems. GIS329 Visual
Basic Programming introduces fundamentals in
programming, user-interface design, and software
development to novice programmers.
GIS 307 Remote Sensing in
Resource Management
Building upon the skills introduced in Introduction
to Remote Sensing I, this course will cover topics
in the biophysical, geophysical, and human activity
applications of remote sensing as well as change
detection, object-oriented analysis, and active and
passive imaging. Lectures will be integrated with
labs emphasizing practical experience in remote
sensing software applications..
This course consists, in part, of an independent
project designed and conducted by groups of
students to foster a team approach in executing a
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