GIS and Data Collection Technologies

Create data collection solutions to distinguish tools based on the requirement of a project. This microcredential covers fundamentals in GPS and RTK data collection to provide a holistic understanding of editing, integration and visualization methods for a complete setup. You will learn how to upgrade your skills to pursue positions such as a certified GIS Professional (GISP) or drone pilot.

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 less than one year of academic training or work experience in GIS. The focus is on frequently used data collection technologies. In addition, pathways to drone operation certifications and becoming a GIS professional are explored.

Opportunity to build on your GIS microcredential

• This microcredential is part of a suite of five GIS microcredentials. You can pursue one or more microcredentials in the Geospatial Data Collection Analysis and Interpretation using GIS Technology program.

Skills and Competencies

• Set up account and use open and citizen science data collection platform
• Identify form-based vs map-based data collection platforms
• Use Esri-based solutions (field map, survey123 etc.) to help meet organizational data collection needs
• Document how to plan for GPS- and RTK-based data collection
• Create, edit and visualize collected data in a form that allows for presentation
• Access, manipulate and apply drone-based data to create products
• Document procedures needed for certification in drone operations (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology) and GISP
• Convert ideas into solutions related to data collection tools and platforms
• Present the solution with a demo in front of the 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.

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