Introduction to GIS: Geospatial Data

Geospatial Data is the first microcredential in a series of five stackable microcredentials focused on the application of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) technology to collect, analyze and interpret data. You will use GIS software and related technologies (i.e. ArcGIS web and mobile apps) for data collection and creation. You will have access to ArcGIS Online, including ArcGIS StoryMaps, ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Pro for the duration of the microcredential. This microcredential will be of interest to you if you want to build your knowledge and skills using GIS software for designing interactive web maps, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Skills and Competencies

• Identify the non-spatial information that is needed for a specific application
• Document data using established standards
• Evaluate and select data for a specific application
• Use GIS software and related technologies for data collection and creation
• Perform basic analysis of spatial data using GIS software, including assessing positional accuracy
• Apply map design principles to interactive web maps, including colour, symbology and labelling
• Apply filters and simple scripts to modify the appearance of data in an interactive map
• Document and report on all stages of the data collection/creation and analysis process

​​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.

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