Geospatial Analysis

Geospatial Analysis is the second microcredential in a series of five stackable microcredentials focused on the application of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) technology to collect, analyze and interpret data for use in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, natural resources and the environment, clean technology, transportation and construction.

Examine industry trends and explore Model Builder in GIS. You will learn about Esri-based ArcGIS StoryMaps and develop interactive, multimedia presentations. You will map watersheds and interpret data to address geographic challenges.

Recommended Experience

• If you do not have previous experience in GIS, it is strongly recommended that you complete GIS501 – Introduction to GIS: Geospatial Data microcredential before enrolling in other GIS microcredentials.
• This microcredential is for those who have completed an introductory-level GIS course and want intermediate technical knowledge and skills.

Skills and Competencies

• Conduct raster analysis such as zonal statistics using desktop GIS software
• Delineate watershed boundaries using advanced modelling and DEM data
• Create tools using ModelBuilder that can be applied to address repetitive tasks
• Use Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs), contours and lidar data to solve problems
• Use a relational database for vector data management
• Apply appropriate classification methods to a variety of data sets for different purposes
• Perform simple image classification
• Develop solutions using vector and raster analysis and present them in class

​​A significant reduction in Canada’s carbon footprint is imperative for mitigating the risks associated with Climate change and to transition to a low carbon economy. This is an ambitious endeavour that requires individual and collective actions to limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and invest in innovative, alternative/renewable energy sources and technologies. GIS technology plays a critical role in the collection, management, visualization, analysis and interpretation of location-based environmental data (e.g., air/water quality, ecosystem/biodiversity, population, energy use, transportation data, etc.). Bureaucrats & technocrats who need to understand the impacts of climate change rely on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for climate risk analytics. Monitoring of rising sea levels or extreme weather events, mapping biodiversity loss, siting of critical infrastructure for water resources, healthcare, renewable energy, optimization of waste collection in our communities or routing logistics for transit systems are a few examples of the application of GIS technology as a spatial decision support tool for mitigating climate change and developing sustainable solutions in a low Carbon economy.

​GIS technology is increasingly used in the public and private sector. New or recent graduates seeking employment in a data-driven, low carbon digital economy will require training and skills development in GIS technology. Seneca’s suite of GIS microcredentials will bridge that training, skills development and competencies gap for graduates or people seeking a career change, due to upheaval in the labour market due to the COVID-19 pandemic for example. The focus of these microcredentials is on geospatial data collection methods, data analysis/visualization & interpretation techniques – skills required for enhancing employability in the digital, low carbon economy. Graduates will gain the expertise needed with geospatial data analytics for a rewarding career in a variety of industries including environmental and civil engineering, health care and manufacturing.​

• Introduction to GIS: Geospatial Data
• Advanced Topics in Geospatial Analysis
• GIS and Data Collection Technologies
• Role of GIS in Workflow and Asset Management