Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Classes | Cost | Registration

Why an online certificate course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)? GIS are revolutionizing the way we do business, the way we govern, and the way we live. GIS is a tool that allows end users, analysts, and decision makers to visualize data in several different ways in order to see patterns and relationships in a given area or subject. These patterns generally appear on 2D maps, 3D maps, or animated 4D maps. They can also be found on globes or in reports and charts.

GIS is a computer hardware and software system that is used to store, display, analyze, and map information.  Geographers, planners, land developers, real estate agents, utility companies, and municipal officials all use these systems.  In fact, modern planning cannot move forward without these systems and those trained to run them.  For example, a local government might use a GIS to evaluate alternative locations for roads, landfills, or other facilities. 

Using the GIS, such topics as population distribution, traffic movement, land availability, real estate prices, environmental hazards, soil types, utility inventory, sustainability mapping, site suitability, flood zones, and many more, could be analyzed together to help the decision makers make an informed choice. 

Jobs are available for those who like to work with computers and understand the importance of information retrieval. According to Salaries.com a GIS Analyst I in the United States is expected to make $41,709 and above. Some of the job position titles are: GIS Analyst I, Entry Level GIS Analyst, Level I GIS Analyst, and Level I Geographic Information Systems Analyst.

There are a variety of ways to get started learning GIS. You may be employed in a non-GIS field and are learning GIS as part of your job. Maybe you are switching careers or retraining yourself to find a new job in the growing GIS industry. Perhaps you are a student who wants to earn a GIS certificate to support your field of study with aspirations of landing a job doing GIS. The opportunities are unlimited!!!

To earn the online GIS Certificate, all four classes must be taken consecutively and passed. Each class must be completed during the one month time frame indicated before proceeding to the next class.

The GIS Online Certificate is formatted into four classes:

Class 1: CE 350 Introduction to GIS
Class 2: CE 351 Introduction to Remote Sensing
Class 3: CE 352 Introduction to Coordinate Systems
Class 4: CE 353 Applications of GIS

Each 10-hour online class consists of PowerPoint presentation (PPT) shows (with audio), together with the PowerPoint notes pages and is designed to be completed within one month. Each class has a multiple choice test which must be taken and passed with a minimum grade of 70% in order to move on to the next class. In addition there are hands-on exercises using the GIS software.

 

CE 350: Introduction to GIS

 Date: January 21 - February 16, 2025

The class consists of 10 hours of lectures which MUST be completed in one month and passed before proceeding to the next class. During this period the following GIS topics are covered:

1. GIS Network Architecture
2. Data in GIS
3. Data Structures and Data Management
4. Data Processing
5. Data Output Design
   
   

CE 351: Introduction to Remote Sensing

 Date: February 17 - March 16, 2025

Figure 2 shows different methods used to capture data using Remote Sensing (RS) methods such as using airplanes and satellites.  The data captured methods are varied and spans across the various bands of the electro-magnetic spectrum.

The class is intended to present the concepts of RS.  The material is presented using PowerPoint presentation (PPT) shows (with audio), together with the PPT notes pages.  Each module has a multiple choice test which must be taken and passed.  In addition there are hands-on exercises using the GIS/RS software.

The online class consists of 10 hours of lectures which MUST be completed in one month. During this period the following Remote Sensing (RS) topics are covered:

1. Photogrammetry - Defined
2. Photogrammetry - Data Capture
3. Photogrammetry - Lab Development
4. Photogrammetry - Orientation
5. Photogrammetry - Products
6. Satellite RS
7. Satellite RS - EMW
8. Satellite RS - Sensors
9. Satellite RS - Platforms
10. Satellite RS - Image Processing - LIDAR

CE 352: Introduction to Coordinate Systems

Date: March 17 - April 13, 2025

This course introduces different types of coordinates and reference systems used in geospatial data and applications. It consists of three parts. The first part introduces various types of coordinates and coordinate systems used in geospatial applications and their relationships among each other. These coordinates include geodetic (longitude and latitude), geocentric (X, Y, & Z), UTM and State Plane (Northing, Easting, Elevation) coordinates as well as difference between ellipsoid height and orthometric height. The second part presents several reference systems most commonly used in geospatial data, including horizontal datums (NAD 27 and NAD 88), vertical datum (NGVD 29 and NAVD 88), and future evolution of these datums. The last part discusses conversion methods and tools among different coordinates and reference systems. Examples and tutorials will be given throughout the entire course.

This class consists of 10 hours of instruction which must be completed in one month and passed before proceeding to the final class.

 

CE 353: Applications of GIS

 Date: April 14 - May 11, 2025

This course covers fundamental theories and methods of spatial analysis and their applications in various areas. Below is the outline of the course.

1. Attribute- and location-based spatial queries
2. Geometric processing methods, such as clip, intersect, append, and union operations.
3. Topology of geospatial data and related analysis
4. Network analysis, including finding shortest path, and location based analysis
5. Location and site selection.
6. Each part of the course will be presented with real-world examples and step-by-step tutorials.

This class consists of 10 hours of instruction which must be completed in the time frame indicated.

Upon successful completion of all classes, the participant will receive a certificate.

Recommended Computer Specifications

CPU: Intel i5 or i7; 2Ghz or above.
Memory: 8GB or more
Hard Drive: 500GB or more; 7200 rpm
Graphics/Video Card: Discrete graphics card with 1GB (or more) of memory
Operation System: Windows 7 or Windows 8.1

Minimum Computer Specifications

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or i5
CPU Speed: 2.2 Ghz or above
Memory: 4GB
Hard Drive: 200GB
Operating System: Windows 7 - Home Premium or Professional (64-bit)
Networking: Simple TCP/IP network card
Video/Graphics Adapter: 256 MB Ram or higher which support 24-bit color depth
Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768

Course Fees:

Save money - Register and pay for all four online modules: $2,000.
Register for one online class at a time: $750 per course.

Register Now

For information on class content, contact: Dr. Steve Ramroop, Program Director, Surveying & Geomatics Sciences; sramroop@troy.edu.

For registration and billing information contact the Continuing Education Center at
(334) 983-0005 or email continuinged@troy.edu.

Cancellation Policy 

Failure to log into the online class does not constitute withdrawal. The Continuing Education Center must be notified directly. Withdrawal must be made by the registrant, in writing, at least three working days prior to the course's beginning to receive a refund. Refunds will not be made available after this time. Classes are subject to cancellation based on insufficient enrollment. In the event a course is cancelled, registrants will be notified and an appropriate refund will be made.

Cancellation Contact Information:
Troy University
Continuing Education Center
P.O. Box 8368
Dothan, AL 36304
Email: continuinged@troy.edu