Information Technology: GIS Fundamentals Certificate

Network Management
Program Code: C25590I2

Information Technology: GIS Fundamentals Certificate

The GIS Fundamentals Certificate provides a curriculum based on a solid foundation in GIS concepts. Students enrolled in this certificate will learn the different forms of spatial data and their essential properties; ways spatial data can be used to investigate complex problems; principles and methods for collecting spatial data; principles of map design and effective cartographic communication; designing, creating and manipulating GIS databases and operating GPS technology.

This certificate is designed for students who have experience with computers and want to improve their geospatial technology skills. If a student does not have prior computer proficiency, other coursework might be required to meet course prerequisites.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of "C" or better: CTI, GIS

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the introduction of the tools and resources available to students in programming, mark-up language, and services on the Internet. Topics include standard mark-up language Internet services, creating web pages, using search engines, file transfer programs; and database design and creation with DBMS products. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of programming tools, deploy a web-site with mark-up tools, and create a simple database table.

This course introduces the hardware and software components of a Geographic Information System and reviews GIS applications. Topics include data structures and basic functions, methods of data capture and sources of data, and the nature and characteristics of spatial data and objects. Upon completion, students should be able to identify GIS hardware components, typical operations, products/applications, and differences between database models and between raster and vector systems. The ESRI software used in the course only works in a Windows environment.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers interpreting and understanding of a variety of data formats available in GIS. Topics include the similarities and differences between data models as well as how data is treated differently within each format, to include the conversion of data between different environments. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of GIS data storage and interoperability.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces coordinate systems, fundamentals of surveying, and cartography. Topics include the theory, acquisition, and use of locational data using both continuous and discrete georeferencing methods. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate coordinate systems for a situation and translate data into the correct map form.

Total Credit Hours Required:
12

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Good To Know

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

  • Six hours from Communication
  • Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
  • Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

CommunicationHumanities & Fine ArtsSocial & Behavioral ScienceNatural Science & Mathematics
COM-110ART-111ECO-251BIO-161
COM-120ART-114ECO-252BIO-163
COM-231ART-115HIS-111BIO-168
ENG-110HUM-110HIS-112MAT-110
ENG-111HUM-115HIS-131MAT-121
ENG-112MUS-110HIS-132MAT-143
ENG-114MUS-112POL-120MAT-152
 PHI-215PSY-150MAT-171
 PHI-240SOC-210PHY-110/110A
  SOC-225PHY-121

 

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to eight hours in Mathematics
  • Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
  • 11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • 12 hours in Mathematics
  • 12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to four hours in Mathematics
  • Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

  • Students will demonstrate information literacy.
  • Students will critique works of human expression.
  • Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

  • Students will identify processes.
  • Students will analyze problems.
  • Students will interpret the results.
  • Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

  • Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
  • Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
  • Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.

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