Geographic information systems (GIS) are becoming increasingly widespread in their use. These systems are a means of gathering, organizing, and displaying data which contains a geographical tag for further analysis. These systems are used in healthcare, by governments in urban planning, by marketing firms, and even surveyors and cartographers; serving highly useful purposes in each of these areas. If you are interested in learning how to use this innovative technology and applying it to your own line of work, you may want to consider enrolling in a formal undergraduate or graduate degree (depending on your experience) program which could help you develop the required skills.
What Will I Learn In A GIS Degree Program?
Most programs begin by explaining what geographic information systems are, and how you develop one. You will learn the methods of collecting data from various sources and ensuring that this data is accurate. From here, you will be taken through the processes by which the collected data is integrated with maps, and how it could be displayed in a manner which is easy to understand.
A heavy emphasis of the programs also lies in teaching students how to analyze this data and use it to develop more meaningful plans for future development. For instance, those interested in marketing will learn how to sift through information to identify those neighborhoods which match their target consumer descriptions, and develop more targeted marketing campaigns for these areas. Urban planning agencies and government officials could use GIS to determine if the number of doctors and police officials is sufficient for every area. Within each context, the method of analysis may be slightly different, and students will be able to realize how to apply these differences for their specific cases.
Online GIS Degree
Recently, the popularity of GIS programs has increased more than the number of degree programs available. As a result, students may face difficulty in enrolling in programs. There may also be individuals who wish to specialize in the development and management of GISs. For these individuals, an online GIS degree may be a feasible option.
These online programs work much the same way as conventional degree programs. Students are provided access to course materials through the internet, which they could look through at their own convenience and from anywhere they have an internet connection. This convenience allows students to work through the modules more thoroughly and develop a comprehensive understanding of the concepts involved before moving on to the next module. Furthermore, online programs do not face enrollment issues because there is no physical classroom; therefore, the cap limit on enrollment is considerably high.
The curriculum offered in these programs is also in line with campus-based offerings. Finding an institute with accreditation is recommended, since these are authorized by relevant authorities to teach their courses. Completing a degree from such institutions is also recommended since it adds credibility to your degree. Employers may look favorably upon this, which could help your chances of securing a better job. Opportunities are open in areas from healthcare to town planning to marketing. The skills you learn could help you thrive in your career.