Geographic Information Systems

Advanced Diploma Full-time School of Construction and the Environment

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Overview

A career in GIS can take you where you want to go. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to manage and utilize geographic data, and is widely recognized as an essential tool in such diverse fields as forest management, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies.

The potential uses of GIS technology are almost too numerous to list, and are found everywhere – from local government to the United Nations, from volunteer organizations to global corporations, in the public and private sectors.

The Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is designed for university or college graduates with a background in a related discipline or technology.

The curriculum combines theory and practice and covers GIS principles, training in GIS software, technical issues, remote sensing, digital mapping and management issues. Students must also successfully complete a supervised work experience before graduation. This may be either an industry project or an industry practicum.

Whether you are a recent university or college graduate getting started in a career, or an experienced professional seeking new employment opportunities or career advancement, we invite you to study our web pages to learn more about the GIS program at BCIT. With over 20 years of experience in delivering advanced GIS technology programs and courses, the GIS program has established an excellent reputation for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates.

The GIS Department has compiled a list of frequently asked questions [PDF] to help you decide which BCIT GIS option is best for you.

NOTE: BCIT also offers a Bachelor of Technology Degree in GIS. Students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma can change to the Bachelor of Technology program early in the Fall semester if required. Once the student has committed to the Advanced Diploma and has graduated, they cannot take subsequent courses and apply for the Bachelor of Technology.

Missed an info session?

If you’ve missed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) information session, the full video is now available. Note: This information session was held May 21, 2020 and topics discussed in this session are subject to change without notice.

Entrance Requirements

Application processing

Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).

Entrance requirements

Geographic informations systems (GIS) is a multidisciplinary field and has applications in a wide variety of professions and industries. The GIS Department welcomes applicants from most academic areas.

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.

English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent

Post-secondary: one of the following from a recognized institution:
- BCIT Diploma or equivalent
- University degree
- A minimum of 60.0 credits of courses from one or more recognized post-secondary institutions including:

Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.

Recommended for success

Interested in the program? Great, but do your research carefully to ensure that GIS is the right program for you.

Attend a GIS INFO session, talk to faculty and students, research the career opportunities and job market, and do an honest self-assessment that you are ready to enrol and capable of succeeding.

Ready to apply? Excellent choice, but it's important to be prepared for this challenging program.

You'll significantly improve your chances of admission and success if you come well-prepared. Read the following and spend some time in assessment and preparation.

Strongly recommended fundamental computer literacy and computer programming skills.
Computer programming is emphasized strongly in the BCIT GIS program. Students who arrive unprepared usually find the programming and GIS customization courses a great deal of work, which affects other studies.
Regardless of your abilities and experience, you should develop your skills as much as possible before you start the program. The GIS program covers many programming languages. Programming languages taught currently in GIS courses include Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP and others. You should know programming concepts and program design before starting GIS studies at BCIT, but you do not need to know any particular programming language.
You will be using the Web a great deal in the program. For example, you will be developing your own pages in September to present your resume and project/practicum. You should also learn how to create basic web pages using HTML, and how to use an HTML editor before you arrive in September.
Refresh your skills in basic algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry (e.g. polar and rectangular coordinates, equation of a straight line, distance between two points). You will find this helpful in a number of courses.
It is recommended that students possess good communication, teamwork and technical problem-solving skills.

Admissions/Registration

Students accepted into the full-time program are registered into all the required courses in the program matrix as a block. Many students are able to receive exemptions for some courses completed previously in part-time studies at BCIT or from other institutes. These students can apply for credit/exemption once they have started the full-time program in September.

Please note that completing flexible learning (part-time studies) courses in advance will not reduce your full-time tuition.

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants.

Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.

Apply to program

To submit your application:

Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.

Apply Now

Learn more about how to apply

Scheduled Intakes

September each year.

myCommunication

Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.

For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:

BCIT tuitions are based on a per credit calculation to a maximum or cap tuition amount. Students registered in a full-time program who are not taking a full course load or who have received course exemption(s) may not receive a refund as a result of the per credit calculation amount exceeding the maximum tuition.

Books & supplies

Level 5: $600; Level 6: $300
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Learning about GIS technology means learning a lot more than just GIS software.

Our program is built upon years of experience in delivering GIS education and training, and is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in the diverse and challenging GIS industry.

Our technology courses cover CAD, Remote Sensing, databases, computer programming, GIS algorithms, spatial analysis, and mapping. And of course, advanced courses in GIS software use and customization. You’ll see first hand how primary data capture is done, how data is processed, and gain skills in editing and managing GIS data.

In software courses, you’ll delve deeper, and gain extensive hands-on experience using industry standard software. Through the database courses, you’ll see the critical importance of data modelling and management.

Through computer and programming courses, you’ll learn about different ways to program and customize software for data handling and specialty applications, Web-mapping, web applications, and how these tie into current developments in GIS.

Management courses will introduce you to the IT (hardware, software, and networks), management and organization issues associated with GIS.

You’ll put all these pieces together as you pursue your GIS project or practicum. Through the project/practicum courses you’ll develop skills in planning and executing GIS applied research or gain real world work experience with a GIS employer.

You’ll hear guest speakers from industry, be involved in GIS conferences or the BCIT Open House, and be encouraged to get involved in BCIT activities and the local GIS community.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have all the necessary skills to pursue a career in GIS.

Through it all we’ll be encouraging you to develop the workplace skills essential for success – critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving, initiative, self-reliance and communications.

Program matrix

Level 7 - Fall Term (15 weeks)			Credits
	GIST 7010	GIS Programming 1 This course provides the foundation for GIS students to approach programming problems in an intuitive, realistic and logical fashion. Students use the latest IDEs to develop programs that manipulate GIS data and implement GIS concepts. This course covers such additional topics as arrays, complex data structures and file output. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7100	Fundamentals of GIS This course provides an overview of the theory, concepts and related disciplines of GIS. Topics include fundamental terminology and technologies associated with GIS, practical examples of GIS applications, raster and vector spatial data representations, the data modelling process, concepts of file and database systems, methods of data collection, extraction, translation and loading; spatial analysis and geoprocessing, data quality, spatial data management, and organizational issues. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7108	Fundamentals of Mapping This introductory course will acquaint GIS students with the fundamental concepts of geomatics and will demonstrate the important relationship between surveying & mapping and GIS. Topics include an introduction to the field of geomatics, a description of the theory associated with basic survey computations, methods for determining horizontal positions and elevations, map projections, accuracy and reliability of spatial data and an introduction to positioning by GPS. The overall objective is to give students an understanding of the origin of the coordinate systems and coordinates used in the field of geomatics. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7111	CAD for GIS Introduces students to the operational use and role of computer aided drafting software in GIS. Students will gain hands-on experience with Autodesk products and be exposed to other CAD software and vertical products used in industry. Topics include AutoCAD basics, 2D entity constructions and manipulations, data entry, data editing, data integrity, data exchange. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7120	GIS Project/Practicum Planning and Proposal Allows students to research project topics, present a project proposal, establish supervisors, identify sources of data and begin data acquisition. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7128	ArcGIS 1: Introduction Introduces the latest versions of the Esri Desktop GIS software family and data models. Students use Desktop GIS software to create and edit GIS data, and perform mapping, data management and geographic analysis. Successful completion of this course will give you a background in GIS concepts, help you to operate the basic components of the Esri Desktop GIS software, and assist you in planning and executing a GIS project. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7130	GIS Computing and the Internet Focuses on developing skills for solving the diverse problems of the latest GIS computer systems. Students will examine operating systems, explore GIS web client-server relationships, write utility programs and simple GIS web server applications. Prerequisite(s): Previous programming experience required OR GIST 7010 must be taken concurrently. course outline	3.0
	GIST 7132	GIS Database Systems 1 This course is an introduction to databases, their terminology and an overview of various data models and modelling techniques. Topics include relational database design, Codd's rules, constraints, relationships, normalization, and the structured query language (SQL). Examples will be GIS-based, use an ORDBMS for storage and web-based customizations. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7010^† (^† may be taken concurrently) course outline	3.0
	GIST 8118	GIS Remote Sensing Examines current satellite image acquisition systems, image display, image enhancement, image classification, and remote sensing applications in GIS. Digital image processing and analysis techniques are studied in theory and in practice using digital image processing software. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	GIST 8128	ArcGIS 2: Data Management and Analysis GIST 8128 gives an introduction to the more advanced aspects of GIS software using Esri Desktop GIS software. Topics include map projections, advanced editing, data conversion, image display, customization, 3D geographic data, proximity and adjacency analysis, scripting and models, geocoding, routes, networks and cartography. Previous programming experience is recommended. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7128 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0

Level 8 - Winter Term (10 weeks)			Credits
	GIST 8010	GIS Programming 2 This course covers advanced geospatial programming technologies. Topics include accessing the latest cloud and on premises geospatial datastores, working with the latest geospatial APIs, and comparing application patterns, responsive and reactive frameworks. Students will create various UI-based applications for the web and web-mobile realms. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7010 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0
	GIST 8100	Technical Issues in GIS This course provides theoretical exposure to fundamental GIS algorithms and spatial information data structures. Students will also gain a practical understanding of 3D GIS computer applications. Topics covered include raster and object file formats, data conversion and display, view transformations, feature generalization, and 3D operations. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7100 and 50% in GIST 7130 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0
	GIST 8106	Spatial Analysis Introduces students to vector and raster modeling using ArcGIS (Spatial Analyst, Geostatistical Analysis). Problems drawn from business geographics and natural resource applications. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7010 and 50% in GIST 8128 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0
	GIST 8107	GIS Digital Mapping and Cartography Examines sources of digital mapping data, derived product creation for mapping, and an introduction to cartographic principles. Map composition, typography, thematic mapping and symbolization, colour and pattern are reviewed as part of cartographic principles. Prerequisite(s): GIST 7108 course outline	3.0
	GIST 8109	Geospatial Systems Management This course examines the fundamentals of geospatial systems management. Topics include hardware, software, networking, web configurations, security, enterprise systems, systems development and maintenance. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7130 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	2.0
	GIST 8132	GIS Database Systems 2 Develops skills for using database software with GIS. Topics include database server architecture, Enterprise Geodatabase architecture, Database Versioning and GIS database Web server programs. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7132 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0
	GIST 8138	ArcGIS 3: Customization and Modelling This course in GIS customization introduces the Esri Desktop GIS development environment using Python scripting. Topics include writing Python Scripts, extending the functionality of GIS models, importing external .txt files, creating custom tools and integrating with other development environments. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 8010^† and 50% in GIST 8128 (^† may be taken concurrently) Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0

Level 8 - Spring Term (10 weeks)			Credits
	GIST 8110	Management Issues in GIS Use of project management and systems design engineering techniques to identify, document, analyze, and meet user needs for GIS. A strong emphasis is placed upon working with other students as a multidisciplinary team; each team will move progressively through a typical GIS implementation and management process for an organization. Case studies are examined for the insight they can provide in GIS management. Prerequisite(s): Completion of GIS technical core courses. Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	3.0
and
	GIST 8125	GIS Project Students will undertake a major independent project in a selected area of GIS technology, in consultation with industry/academic sponsors and faculty advisors. You will solve GIS technical problems, demonstrate thorough knowledge of your project topic, and present your GIS project results by writing a technical report and making an oral presentation to GIS industry standards. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7120 or 50% in GIST 7122 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	13.0
	or
	GIST 8126	GIS Industry Practicum Provides students with short-term GIS industry work experiences. The practicum involves GIS project or production work and presents the opportunity to interact with supervisors in a mentoring relationship. Allows students to develop technical, interpersonal and employability skills, and gain first-hand insight into the organizational context of GIS. Prerequisite(s): 50% in GIST 7120 or 50% in GIST 7122 Course registration is restricted to current students registered in a BCIT GIS program. course outline	13.0

Total Credits:			66.0

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

As a full-time student, you’ll be immersed in a highly structured and demanding environment for the duration of the program. Lectures and labs are offered Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 17:30, except on Wednesdays when classes end at 14:30.

You’ll learn GIS in a number of ways – through lectures and hands-on labs, with integrated e-learning, independently and in teams, through demonstrations and research.

You’ll be one of 45 students accepted into the program. Like yourself, everyone has a university or college background, and many have work experience. Many disciplines and fields of study are represented, leading to a rich, dynamic and varied learning environment.

Your schedule will be busy, with 24-31 in-class hours per week, plus homework. Most classes consists of a lecture and a lab, with the entire class of 45 students attending the lecture. You’ll break out into smaller groups of 15 for the labs. In the computer labs, you’ll have your own computer workstation and access to industry standard software to complete the labs and assignments. You’ll have regular (usually weekly) applied assignments to complete for most courses, so it’s important to manage your time well and perform consistently throughout the school year.

Classes start in September and end in mid-April. From April on, you will spend all your time applying your newly gained GIS skills to your industry research project or workplace practicum. You’ll finish by the end of May or June, depending on the scheduling of your practicum.

Program outcomes

Develop GIS spatial and non-spatial databases which serve the needs of a specific organization or project, following international standards as necessary, for local, WAN, or web deployment.
Develop new GIS systems and procedures for local, WAN, or web deployment, using COTS software, open source software, and custom programming.
Use GIS technology, programming languages, and computer aided software engineering tools to design and program GIS and database applications, and customize other computer applications.
To have detailed knowledge of how to use specialized GIS technology and analysis techniques to enter, display, update, and manipulate spatial information.
Manage spatial information systems and assist in the development of Internet-based GIS and business applications on smart phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Compare and assess COTS and open source software, and hardware for their suitability in handling common GIS applications, and plan the acquisition of GIS technology for enterprise deployment.
Integrate non-GIS external software or datasets (such as spreadsheets, databases, and statistical packages) with GIS desktop, web/cloud, and wireless applications.
To review and respond to Requests for Proposals, conduct cost-benefit analysis, prepare budgets, and manage GIS project teams.
Know how to follow problem solving methodologies to break down large tasks into manageable pieces following a logical order, and to think critically and solve spatially-oriented problems.
Use educational technology and self-directed study to enhance professional currency.
Have a broad understanding of infrastructure components of GIS, including networks, software, data portals, cloud storage, smartphone/tablets, and spatialized databases.
Have a basic understanding of the techniques in primary data acquisition using CAD, softcopy photogrammetry, and surveying.
Have a basic understanding of cartographic techniques and principles.

Program length

9 months, full-time

Program delivery

In person: This program is delivered on campus.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Program structure

			Credits
GIS Technology Courses			45.0
Management Courses			5.0
Projects Courses			16.0
Total			66.0

Graduating & Jobs

When you graduate from the program, you will have completed one of the best educations in GIS technology available anywhere and be ready for the workforce.

A career in GIS can open a lot of doors. Opportunities exist in all parts of the private and public sectors, and in all sorts of application areas.

Job opportunities

The majority of GIS graduates are working for either private industry (forestry, GIS vendors, natural resource exploration, computer systems) consulting companies (environmental, engineering, forestry, mapping, scanning, and software) or government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal). The graduates are developing GIS databases, using GIS to analyze data and predict the result of planned changes, managing GIS projects, planning the acquisition of GIS technology, developing GIS custom systems and training GIS users.

Graduate employment outcomes

The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.

To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.

Geographic Information Systems

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

GIS Faculty are dedicated, energetic and knowledgeable, and have both GIS industry experience and formal schooling. The Department also utilizes instructors from the BCIT Geomatics Department, as well as sessional instructors from industry.

The Geographic Information Systems program benefits from the combined expertise of educational and industry professionals who form our program Advisory Committee. Their valued input and liaison with BCIT have helped ensure the relevance and currency of the program. We would like to acknowledge their continuous support for the success of the program.

GIS faculty

Mike Hill, Program Head/Faculty
BSc, MSc(GIS)
Tel. 604-432-8737
Loc. SW3-2090

Carmen Heaver, Part-time Studies Coordinator/Faculty
BSc, DiplT(GIS), MSc(GISc)
Tel. 604-432-8378
Loc. SW3-2091

Rob Hewlett, Faculty
BSc, DiplT(GIS), MSc(CIS)
Tel. 604-432-8746
Loc. SW3-2079

Kim Hopkins, Faculty
BA, DiplT(GIS)
Tel. 604-412-7421
Loc. SW3-2079

Josh MacDougall, Faculty
BSc, MSc
Tel. 604-412-7752
Loc. SW3-2079

Chris Wright, Faculty
B. App. Tech GIS
Tel. 604-432-8789
Loc. SW3-2079

GIS staff

TBA, Program Assistant
Tel. 604-451-7001
Loc. SW2-215

Advisory committee

N. Ali, CBRE Canada
P. Bates, District of West Vancouver
O. Blasig, GE Energy
J. Clark, Spatial Vision Group
M. Doherty, ESRI Canada Ltd.
K. Hayne, City of Vancouver
C. Huntington, City of Burnaby
W. Johnstone, Spatial Vision Group Inc. (Chair)
H. Lee, RCMP
C. Lim, Acuere Consulting
S. Mak, BC Centre for Disease Control
J. Paillard, Stornoway Diamond Corp.
G. Singh, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources
M. Stoakes, SAFE Software
R. Taylor, Kerr Wood Leidal

Contact Us

Please see FAQs [PDF] for more details or contact Program Advising if you have questions about:

Application process
Entrance requirements
Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
Program costs
Job placement and graduate outcomes

program_advising@bcit.ca | 604-434-1610

TBA
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-451-7001
Email: gis@bcit.ca

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.