GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is everywhere. Long thought of as a tool for urban planners, GIS is now found in a variety of areas. Local and state governments use GIS to keep track of the properties, public works, roads and more within their jurisdiction. Many police departments, fire departments and other emergency services also use GIS in their daily operations. Health care professionals are learning to use GIS to track the spread of disease and real estate agents and bankers are using GIS to track properties, property values and tax information. In the years to come, it is certain that GIS will play an even more important role in our day-to-day lives and those with expertise in this specialized field will be in demand.
Overview
Geographic Information Science and Geographic Information Systems are co-existing terms used in academic, research or industrial circles to describe the fields of geo-spatial analysis, cartography, remote sensing and global positioning systems. Geographic Information Systems is the geospatial discipline that focuses on the technologies and software applications used for geospatial analysis. Geographic Information Science is the study of spatial theory, (e.g. coordinate systems, projections) and methodologies (e.g. data acquisition, database structure, spatial statistical analysis, quality control) which inform the development of geospatial software and valid interpretation of spatial data. GIScience and GISystems go hand-in-hand to help end users analyze network systems, land use, spatial distributions, vegetation, climate, location/allocation models, navigation systems, temporal changes and many other spatially derived relationships.
Who Uses GIS?
GIS end users, researchers and developers are found in: business, marketing, landscape architecture, land surveying, geography, urban planning, local government, legal profession, law enforcement, health care, education, international development, agriculture, biology, water resources, environmental conservation, epidemiology, aeronautics, transportation, anthropology, philosophy, defense, computer programming, and many other fields that use spatially referenced information.
GIS Certification at Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona and the College of the Extended University offer a unique certificate program that combines instruction in Geographic Information Systems and Science. In conjunction with hands-on training in geographic information software, students learn about methodologies for valid and meaningful spatial data collection, analysis, online mapping, customization, and project management.
Courses:
Related Links
Cal Poly Pomona, Center for GIS Research
Cal Poly Pomona, Center for GIS Research: Faculty
Contact Information
For more information on the GIS Program, contact Boykin Withershoon III, 909.869.6913.