Geospatial Technology

The Geospatial Technology Certificate introduces students to the scientific techniques, theoretical and practical applications associated with this field and prepares them to enter this exciting field as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician or Analyst. Includes a “hands on” focus where students are introduced to the highly sophisticated software packages through modeling real-world agricultural, conservation, natural resource and sustainability projects with local agencies and businesses. This focus values quick student transition from classroom setting to “real-world” problem solving. Students get familiarity and experience with: Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Global Positioning Systems (GPS); Remote Sensing and Systems Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Telemetry.

20-25 completers p/a

This certificate is an essential part of the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resource (ASNR) Pathway that supports careers in natural resource management,land-use management, water management, geospatial and environmental technologies that are needed in our regional labor market. Focus will be on the implementation of industry- relevant classes, labs and technology.  The ASNR Pathway will prepare students with the education and workforce skills needed to enter rapidly evolving career fields in the many diverse careers in the sustainable management of our natural resources. The scope and type of these career opportunities is driven by the fact that California, the United States and the world are rapidly reaching a crisis situation in the management and conservation of natural resources. The most important issues concern food, water, minerals, energy, air quality,land-use, biodiversity, climate change, and ecological stability.  Individuals that are trained in agriculture sciences, environmental technologies and natural resource management, will be perfectly positioned to address these issues and take advantage of emerging workforce trends. Geospatial Information Science (GIS) is one of the fastest growing industries in the world today. The GIS industry is a 78  billion per year enterprise. The influence and utility of GIS is being applied virtually in every field of human endeavor and creating a symbiotic relationship and integration through-out industry, business,and government. GIS is currently projected to grow at over 10% per year and expected to play a significant role in resource management for decades to come.

Students are required to take all classes in Group 1 and select one class from Group II

Group I - All of the following must be completed: 14 units

AGNR 74 B Biodiversity Conservation Technology                        1.0

AGNR 74 D Ecological Restoration                                                  1.0

AGNR 171 Introduction to GIS in Natural Resources                    3.0

AGNR 172 Natural Resources Remote Sensing and GIS              3.0                                        

AGNR 173 Water Resource Management                                      3.0

AGNR 175 Sustainable Agriculture, Environment and Society     3.0

Group II – One of the following must be completed:3 or 4 units

AGNR 138 Cooperative Education                                                3.0

AGNR 150 Landscape Design                                                        3.0

AGNR 170 Environmental Science and Sustainability                  4.0

AGNR 177 Principles of Wild Management                                   3.0                                        BET 112 Spreadsheet: Excel for Windows A/B/C                         3.0                                         

BET 118 Microsoft Access                                                              3.0                                          

CIS 280 Fundamentals of Database Management Systems       3.0                                         

FIRE 109  Wildland Fire Control                                                     3.0                                          

 GEOG 101 Intro to Physical Geography                                      3.0

GEOG 110 Introduction to GIS                                                       3.0

POLS 206 Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Man        3.0

Total 17 or 18 Units

 Program Learning Outcomes:

      1. Apply the scientific concepts and technological skills that support Geospatial Technology

      2. Implement Geospatial Technology best practice, to solve water and other natural resource management issues