The diploma in geographic information sciences is of interest to students from a broad range of backgrounds. It is a valuable complement to social and natural sciences programs such as anthropology, biology, computer sciences, earth sciences, history, economics, engineering, health and medicine, physical oceanography, environmental sciences and environmental studies.

The fields of remote sensing, geographic information systems and cartography provide the most effective methods of gathering, managing, analyzing and representing geographic information. Remote sensing images provide resourceful information to observe and study cultural and physical landscapes. Examples of remote sensing applications include the monitoring of spatial changes, environmental quality evaluation, natural resource exploration, assessment and monitoring, and archaeological site assessment. Geographic information systems enable the compilation, organization, and processing of spatial (maps) and non-spatial (text statistics, graphs) data. Socio-economic, political, and environmental management decision-making is supported by the results of GIS analyses and modeling. Cartography involves the compilation, organization, and visual representation of spatial information. A variety of geographical information can effectively be communicated through cartography.

Sample courses

GEOG 2195 - Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences
GEOG 3202 - Introduction to Cartography
GEOG 4250 - Environmental Image Analysis