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GIS Month: What is Geographic Information Science (GIS)?

November 06, 2024
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GIS, or Geographic Information Science is a powerful tool used to capture, store, analyze, and display spatial and geographic data. In combining layers of information about a place, GIS helps us understand spatial patterns, relationships, and trends. From urban planning to environmental conservation, GIS has become essential in addressing complex global issues like climate change, disaster response, and resource management.

What are the main areas of Geographic Information Science (GIS)?

  • Spatial Data Acquisition and Management – How is geographic data collected and organized? Spatial Analysis in GIS involves examining the locations, attributes, and relationships of features in spatial data.
  • Remote Sensing and Image Analysis – How do we observe Earth from a distance?
  • Spatial Simulation and Space-Time Modeling – How does geography and patterns on the earth’s surface change over time?
  • Data Visualization and Cartography – How do we communicate geographic information visually?
  • Ethics, Privacy, and Emerging Technologies – What are the ethical considerations in GIS? How do we continue to develop spatial technologies that rely on human data while protecting privacy?

Explore the world through GIS

The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science equips you with data management and spatial analysis skills, allowing you to incorporate real world data, map and analyze patterns, visualize complex data, and make informed decisions about real-world issues, from climate change impacts to urban planning. GIS skills are commonly used in urban and land-use planning, healthcare, transportation planning, resource management, public safety and risk assessment, among others.

Geography Programs in GIS

The Department of Geography offer many programs with GIS Components. You can choose from a major or minor or a certificate to complement your studies.

Geographical Information Science Major

The NEW GIS major gives you a full spectrum GIS foundation while allowing you to explore GIS uses in areas of your personal interest. You will learn theory, applications, and management of geospatial technologies as well as ethics and privacy related to ubiquitous spatial data and tracking. This mix of core concepts, critical thinking and advanced technical skills this will equip you to work in a variety of GIS-related positions, addressing both social and environmental challenges. Our focus on hands-on learning enables you to fully explore how to use GIS.

Physical Geography Major in Geosystems and GIScience

The Geosystems and GIScience stream in the Physical Geography major focuses on the linkages between earth systems science and spatial information science. It also covers the requirements for the Certificate in Geographic Information Science and you can benefit from overlapping requirements between your major and the GIS certificate program.

Geographical Information Science Minor

Combining foundational courses in human and physical geography with specialized electives in geovisualization, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling, the GIS minor provides the conceptual and technical skills needed to work in GIS-related positions. The GIS Minor can be applied to majors in Human Geography, Physical Geography, Humanities-related and Science-related fields.

Geographical Information Science Certificate

The GIS Certificate offers a focused program combining geography courses with specialized training in geovisualization, remote sensing, and spatial analysis and modeling also. Designed to provide strong conceptual and technical foundations, the certificate is ideal for students pursuing GIS-related careers across Human Geography and Physical Geography. You can benefit from overlapping requirements between your major and the certificate programs.

What can you study?

Careers in GIS

Career Pathways for GIS graduates are diverse. Career and Volunteer Services can help guide you in choosing a career with your GIS major. You can work as:

  • Cadastral management
  • Cartographer
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Geospatial Data Scientist
  • Geospatial Software Developer
  • GIS Analyst
  • GIS Project Manager
  • GIS Technician
  • Hydrologist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Remote Sensing Specialist
  • Surveyor
  • Transportation Planner
  • Urban Planner

"You never know where life will take you. I followed my interest in geography and aerial photography and now I fly satellites for a living!!"

BRENDAN GOSTMANN

Co-op Opportunities in GIS

As part of your Bachelor of Science degree, you have the opportunity to join the Co-op program where you get the chance to apply your knowledge to real-world projects. You gain experience and develop professional skills, while building a network of contacts over the course of 3 terms. Work in areas of government, conservation and urban planning.

Student Stories in GIS

Akmal Aslam

GIS Analyst (Co-op Placement)

Akansha Vaish - GIS Analyst (co-op placement)

Join our community at SFU Geography

Whether your goal is to work in urban planning, sustainability initiatives or transportation, SFU Geography's GIS programs offer real world exploration and hands on experience. There are many career pathways to explore with this degree!

Interested in becoming a part of the SFU Geography community? Check out our programs to see what major is the right fit for you.

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