About the program

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the earth. In a more generic sense, GIS is a tool that allows users to create interactive queries, analyze the spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of all these operations.

Geographic information system technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, environmental impact assessment, urban planning, cartography, criminology, history, sales, marketing, and route planning.

For example, a GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, a GIS might be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution, or a GIS can be used by a company to find new potential customers similar to the ones they already have and project sales due to expanding into that market.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English language.

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Describe the fundamental concepts and terminology of GIS
  • Discuss the role of GIS in business, government, surveying and natural resources.
  • Create and manipulate data using ArcView
  • Explain the principles and applications of remote sensing.
  • Discuss the fundamentals of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) including history and applications.
  • Use MS Access to create and manipulate data using tables, queries, forms and relational databases.
  • Design and maintain a Geographic Information System.
  • Discuss types and variations of Internet Mapping.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opened November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025