What Can I Do with a Certificate in Geospatial Technology?
What Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Do
Geographic technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and online mapping, are increasingly
important for understanding our complex world. Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists research and develop geospatial technologies. They may
produce databases, perform applications programming or coordinate projects. Many also specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade,
urban planning, or military intelligence.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Using GIS to acquire, manage, display, and analyze
spatial data in digital form
 Geospatial Information Scientist and
Technologist
 Geospatial Analyst
 GIS Developer
 Logistics Analyst
 Transportation Planner
 Environmental Consultant
 Urban and Regional Planner
 Demographer
In 2004 the US Department of Labor released
a statement highlighting geospatial
technology as one of the most important
emerging and evolving fields in the
technology industry (Gewin 2010).
Cartography
Designing paper or digital maps
 Cartographer
 Surveying and Mapping Technician
 Civil Drafter
 Graphics Editor
 Digital Cartographer
Remote Sensing
Understanding the underlying theories and methods
related to acquiring an object without contacting it
physically (e.g., aerial photography, satellite imaging)
 Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist
 Geointelligence Specialist
 Remote Sensing Analyst
 Sensor Specialist
 Radar and Sonar Technician
Photogrammetry
Recording, measuring, and plotting electromagnetic
radiation data from aerial photographs and remote
sensing systems against land features identified in
ground control
 Photogrammetrist
 Commercial Pilot
 Surveyor
 Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist
 Geodesist
Job Outlook
Because the uses for geospatial technology are so widespread and diverse, the market is growing at an annual rate of almost 35 percent, with the commercial
subsection of the market expanding at the rate of 100 percent each year. (Geospatial Information & Technology Association)
Geospatial products and specialists are expected to play a large role in homeland security activities. Information gathering needs to protect critical infrastructure
have resulted in an enormous increase in the demand for such skills and jobs. (Lorraine Castro, NIMA Human Resources Department)
Geospatial Technology Certificate Two-Semester Sequence
(Expected Fall 2016)
Fall Semester:
Physical Geography Lab (GEG 100) – 1 cr.
Physical Geography (GEG 101) – 3 cr.
Digital Earth (GEG 130) – 3 cr.
Cartography (GEG 131) – 3 cr.
Intro to Remote Sensing (GEG 133) – 3 cr.
Spring Semester:
Human Geography (GEG 102) – 3 cr.
Spatial Analysis and GIS (GEG 230) – 3 cr.
Capstone Course in Geospatial Technology
(GEG 239) – 2 cr.
Elective (see below*)
*Elective Options:
Students should consult with their advisor to select an elective based on their career goals or
transfer plan.
 Technical Communication (ENG 251) – 3 cr.
o Requires ENG 101 or ENG 200 with a grade of C or better
 Programming in Python (CPT 101) – 4cr.
o Requires MTH 104 with a grade of C or better, or MCC level 8 math placement
 Business GIS (GEG 135) – 3 cr.
o Offered in fall only