Geographic Information Systems

Overview

This graduate certificate is an intensive post-graduate level program designed to provide you with a sound basis in geographic information management systems.

You learn to:

• Manage, manipulate and analyze data with a variety of geographic information systems (GIS)-based software
• Use GIS technology in your area of interest, for example: biology, ecology, forestry, geology
• Use remote sensing techniques, including image analysis and the transfer and incorporation of remotely sensed data into a GIS database
• Develop customized applications using programming languages to automate geoprocessing tasks/analysis and deploy web mapping solutions

This program has a strong connection to geomatics programming and industry. It also leverages the expertise of the Applied Geomatics Research Group.

Choose NSCC

• NSCC's Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) provides a focused approach to geomatics training. COGS has earned a strong reputation among employers and geomatics professionals for the quality of the programs, hands-on training and practical learning provided to students.
• You learn at a campus location that is dedicated to geomatics training and work alongside other students studying related disciplines.
• Small class sizes provide you with lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction and support.
• You use the most up-to-date equipment and software and get the hands-on training that makes COGS grads the preferred choice of employers.
• You are supported by faculty who bring strong industry connections and years of experience to the classroom.

Other info

• Important abilities and skills – Coursework or experience in geographic science, as well as good computer skills (computer terminology, file management, internet and office applications), are recommended to be successful in this program.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus Classes at COGS	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Annapolis Valley Campus	Full time	Synchronous online Delivered fully online with both non-scheduled and scheduled classes.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Diploma or undergraduate degree in a related field of study such as geographic information systems (GIS), archeology, geography, forestry, geology, resource management, urban planning, science, engineering, computer science, marketing, commerce, economics or business administration.
  • International students – Submit your official post-secondary documents for assessment. View document and language requirements by country
• View NSCC programs that meet the admission requirements for this program.

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Geographic Information Systems

Career options

• Graduates are qualified to work as GIS specialists, GIS analysts, GIS application programmers, GIS developers, spatial database managers, or other related occupations.
• Graduates are employed in small and large business, governments, academia and not-for-profits across Nova Scotia and around the world.

Future study options

• Take advantage of our joint masters program with Acadia University. Completion of the graduate certificate in GIS is the equivalent of year one in the Master of Science in Applied Geomatics.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

GDAA 1001 - Fundamentals of Geospatial Data Analytics
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and techniques of geospatial data analytics, with an emphasis on practical applications. Students learn to design and implement ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines tailored for geospatial data workflows, enabling efficient data integration and preparation. The course also covers exploratory data analysis (EDA), equipping learners with the skills to identify patterns and insights in spatial datasets through statistical methods and visualizations. Additionally, students develop essential dashboarding and reporting skills, gaining experience in creating interactive tools and outputs to communicate geospatial insights effectively. Hands-on practice with GIS, statistical, and visualization software prepares students to manage the entire geospatial analytics pipeline—from raw data to actionable insights.

GDAA 2020 - Location Analytics
Location analytics is an important component of business intelligence. In this course, learners apply the most appropriate tools and techniques to solve locational problems. Acquired skills include selecting and processing business and demographic data, evaluating existing business locations, finding the optimal location for new businesses, creating reports and mapping results. Location analytics tools are used for geocoding, creating trade areas, analyzing sites and markets, predicting sales or target marketing.

GDAA 2040 - Spatial Analysis and Geostatistics
This course provides learners with insight into spatial analysis and geostatistics, and promotes an understanding of how they can enhance project methodology. Learners will choose and use appropriate tools given aims and available data, and work to interpolate spatial data, study geographical distributions, analyze spatial patterns and relationships, and identify spatial clusters.

GEOM 4030 - Raster Modelling and Map Algebra
Learners are required to use the ArcMap Desktop Spatial Analyst to complete a number of analytical tasks involving multi-factored analysis for modelling using Dana Tomlin’s map algebra. Map Algebra can be embedded in Model Builder, within the Raster Calculator tool or embedded in various scripting languages such as Python.

GEOM 5005 - Geodesy, GNSS and Geosensors
This course exposes students to basic concepts of geodesy, global navigation satellite systems, and geosensors. Students are introduced to map projections, geoids, ellipsoids, horizontal and vertical datums, and datum transformations. They explore the theory required to plan, acquire, and process GNSS data. They are introduced to geosensor technologies and applications and investigate the issues associated with handling the data. Students use a variety of desktop and online tools assist in manipulating spatial data and in appreciating why one spatial reference may be preferable at times than others. Given the hands-on nature of the course, students are familiarized with key parameters of commonly used coordinate systems. The course focuses on the practical applications of managing a wide variety of spatial datasets, including both newly acquired datasets and those that are either in older or disparate coordinate reference systems. Spatial datasets are downloaded from multiple websites and are re-projected to a variety of industry standard coordinate system using GIS software. The course strives to provide students with the confidence to articulate many of the key concepts related to geodesy, many of which are complex and abstract in nature.

GISY 5003 - Spatial Database Management
This course introduces learners to principles and techniques of relational database design, development, maintenance and use, including spatial database objects. Learners will gain a basic insight into database systems terminology and issues facing database managers and analysts.

GISY 5004 - Fundamentals of GIS
This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, applications and data analysis. Learners will gain experience in data input, processing, analysis, and final-map-product creation following technology advancements and industry standards. Hands-on activities provide experience in basic map design, reading, interpretation and analysis. Moreover, learners will investigate how spatial thinking and spatial perception influence spatial behaviour and assemble and process data from a variety of sources and formats.

GISY 5040 - Fundamentals of Spatial Extract, Transform, and Load
The world is awash with data in different formats. This course is an introduction to spatial ETL (extract, transform, and load). ETL is a general concept in the IT industry for moving data between systems and formats. It allows for reading (extract), data manipulation and transformation (transform), and writing (load). Spatial ETL adds the ability to handle geospatial data in an ETL workflow. Students gain practical experience in spatial ETL using industry standard software applications. Hands-on activities provide experience in different vector geospatial formats, converting between them and in data manipulation.

GISY 6020 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems
This course allows the learner to address a number of advanced issues in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology including ways to use various data models, programming techniques, and means to manage large data sets and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in GIS and Spatial Data Analysis (GISY 5004). Topics include digital elevation modelling and 3D display, systems building, raster data modelling and image integration, object modelling, and large spatial database management. Custom applications will be developed utilizing a number of programming languages.

GISY 6021 - Information Systems
This course introduces students to Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and makes extensive use of an industry-standard RDBMS. Students identify, qualify, and classify the data needs of end users and build logical models to represent these needs with Entity-Relationship Diagrams. During the course, students use formal strategies for data normalization to finalize entity and attribute design decisions. Students implement their models in an RDBMS using SQL scripts.

GISY 6044 - Applied Geomatics Research Project
The Applied Geomatics Research course is an opportunity for the learner to work in a project-oriented environment on an application of choice, compile required data sets (if necessary), use various software tools, complete the development/analysis of the project and fully document findings. The projects will include project definition, database definition, data collection, learning software, data manipulation, data analysis and presentation.

GISY 6048 - Investigating Technologies
The workplace today requires employees to be self-directed learners. This is especially true in careers related to Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data analytics, where the tools and technologies of the trade rapidly evolve. In this course students independently research and study of a technology specialty with program instructor approval and guidance. This course allows students to customize their learning around an additional topic of interest. Students prepare a proposal for approval by the instructor. Upon approval, they pursue their proposed studies, culminating with a final project, essay, presentation, or demonstration. While the content of the final deliverable should be accurate and well documented, the goal of this course is to develop the skills required for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field.

GISY 6049 - Geospatial Data Servers
This course provides students with an overview of geospatial data servers and their applications. Students examine different types of geospatial data servers, including their architecture, underlying technologies, and the nuances of open-source and proprietary servers. They install and configure data servers for geospatial applications, and conduct backup and upgrade procedures that mirror maintenance activities typical in industry. Students use these servers to serve up both spatial and non-spatial datasets for common industry applications.

GISY 6400 - Capstone Project
This course requires independent research involving geospatial technologies with the learner customizing his/her learning around a topic of interest. The learner prepares a project proposal for approval by the faculty advisor. Upon approval, work begins on the chosen topic area, culminating with a final presentation and code/data delivery and potentially report and/or live demonstration. This course applies learning from first- and second-semester courses in a self-directed manner and can be taken individually or within groups.

PROG 5000 - Programming Fundamentals for Geographic Sciences
This course is intended for those with minimal or no prior programming experience and exposes the learner to programming in various environments. This course includes an introduction to the fundamental tools of the Internet – Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Stylesheets (CSS). Learners will develop basic web site content and control web page presentation. Object-based programming then begins with basic assignments and progresses toward Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (GIS/RS) related data manipulation; learners will apply programming theory to a range of tasks.

PROG 5075 - Web Programming for GIS
This course explores web mapping as a tool for accessing and analyzing spatial data. Learners will use client-side scripting and associated toolkits to develop web-based maps for multiple devices. Security issues will be explored using server-side scripting and associated databases. Projects include many aspects of website development, from design to administration.

REMS 5001 - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
This course is an introduction to the concepts, principles and applications of remote sensing technology. The specification and use of airborne and space-borne imagery for the investigation of various earth resources and environmental monitoring will be discussed. Applied learning opportunities will be provided in the laboratory and field relating to the applications of remote sensing.

REMS 6023 - Advanced Digital Image Processing
The Advanced Digital Image Processing course allows students to apply basic introductory skills including radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, image classification and data integration learned in previous courses. This course consists of laboratory and classroom instruction, and encourages students to approach remote sensing challenges with a logical and real-world approach. Advanced concepts covered may include: orthorectification, mosaic, colour space transformations, aerial photo orthorectification, digital elevation modelling, three-dimensional visualizations, and advanced enhancement techniques.

REMS 6090 - LiDAR Applications
This course exposes learners to various industry-related applications of LiDAR data and derived products. Focus is on data analysis and application of point and raster data manipulation techniques using a multitude of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.