Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a popular and affordable technology, are used to automate the gathering, storage, analysis and communication of geospatial data in a variety of contexts, and used for many specialized purposes by corporations and governments. Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing Devices that produce aerial earth imagery, are integrated with specialized software to develop maps that are clear, readable and useful.
Seneca Polytechnic's GIS Certificate Program is designed to provide students with a strong general foundation in GIS applications. The program provides you with the ability to visualize, understand, interpret and question data (in the form of maps, globes, reports and charts) and to integrate images of the earth with other data in order to solve geographic problems.
The skills learned in the program can be applied in any discipline in both public and private sectors. Graduates of this program are prepared for entry level positions in the fields of urban planning, civil and transportation engineering, natural resources, and business.
GIS professionals are employed in many exciting occupations with private companies and municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments and agencies, including:
Some job titles include:
For more information on GIS careers, please see the following sites:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older.
You do not need to apply to begin this program. Start by ensuring you meet the admission requirements listed above and then register for the courses listed on the Curriculum page when they are offered.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
An overview of the fundamental concepts and terminology and the role of GIS in business, government, surveying and natural resources. The course will cover the collection, management, analysis and presentation of spatial data. Additional topics will include concepts of database systems, data modeling and digital mapping.
GIS100-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
At the end of this course, the student should be able to create data in ArcView, to query and manipulate data and geocode addresses, perform spatial analysis, produce map outputs and charts. Included with the book is a fully functioning 180 day trial version of ArcGIS software that can be downloaded from the internet and a CD of data for the book's exercises. Students will require Windows OS to install the software.
GIS100-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
This course is designed to teach principles and applications of remote sensing at the introductory level. Remote sensing looks at the Earth from above, and is increasingly used by many professions in including planning, environmental science, real estate, agriculture and many others. At the end of the course, the student should understand the basic principles of remote sensing, how to use the software to manipulate image data and perform preliminary interpretation of data.
GIS100-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
This course examines various types of internet mapping. Topics include managing data for your internet map project, geographic markup language, web map service standards, open-source and commercial solutions to serving geographical data and common tasks, and issues involved in creating maps.
GIS100-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
In this course students develop a foundation for designing and maintaining a geographic information system and become familiar with existing databases, standards and industry practices for data management.
Required software: MS Access.
GIS100-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
This course will start with an overview of GPS history and applications. With an emphasis on the principles of GPS and how they work, students will learn about satellites and the information and signals they transmit, types of receivers and what GPS can be used for. Topics covered include accuracy and positioning, errors associated with using GPS, absolute and differential techniques, types of signals, data collection considerations, undertaking mission planning. An introduction to other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), GPS modernization, augmented GPS and future trends are also discussed. The use of a GPS receiver is NOT required for this course.
Recommended prerequisite: GIS100 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Explore building data models, normalization, and querying a database to benefit GIS. Work with spatial data that is stored in a relational database management system and build on storage techniques using relational databases (non-spatial) and spatially enabled databases (Geodatabases). You will also navigate security, administration, and the beginnings of enterprise driven data management.
This course will explore large scale enterprise integration of spatially enabled databases to secure, administer and set rules for data that has a spatial component. Students will use spatial measurements, functions, and indexes to process points, lines, and polygons. The course will prepare students to develop and integrate a Spatial Database Management System (SDBMS) and deploy the database for multiple user access and editing. Students will learn how to develop an enterprise GIS data model and make use of efficient data processing strategies. Students are required to purchase a subscription to a managed cloud service to participate in this course. Fees will be charged by the provider to a student credit card and the actual expense will be based on usage; approximately $50 to $100 for the semester.
Excel (OCA303)
Microsoft Access is a computerized database that allows you to manipulate, link, chart, query and report your data to customize the information you need. You will learn to use Microsoft Access 2016 to create databases, view, format, manage and modify data tables and fields. You will learn to create forms, queries, reports and explore data relationships using its pull-down menus, toolbars and dialog boxes. Microsoft certified courseware publication is used to present the software features in a well-illustrated graphic format to prepare students to complete the appropriate Microsoft Certification exam #77-730 for students who wish to write the MOS (Microsoft Office Certification).
Students can identify Access Skills to potential employers by successfully completing the course capstone project to earn a skills badge.
Please note:
Course schedule
| Course Code | Course Name |
Fall
(Sep to Dec) |
Winter
(Jan to Apr) |
Spring
(May to Aug) |
| GIS100 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | X | X | X |
| GIS101 | GIS Software | X | ||
| GIS102 | Remote Sensing | X | ||
| GIS103 | Internet Mapping | X | ||
| GIS104 | Designing/Implementing/Managing a GIS | X | ||
| GIS105 | Global Positioning Systems | X | ||
| GIS108 | Relational Database Management Systems | X | ||
| GIS109 | Spatial Database Management and Integration | X | ||
| OCA403 | Access | X | X | X |
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.
Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.