1. GIS Foundations & Cartography [Notes →]
1.1 What is GIS, GIS concepts, spatial thinking
1.2 Vector vs raster
1.3 Coordinate systems, projections, datums
1.4 Map design, symbology, classification
1.5 Layouts, typography, cartographic standards
2. Spatial Data Management [Notes →]
2.1 Geodatabases (file, enterprise)
2.2 Data models, schemas, domains, subtypes
2.3 Metadata standards
2.4 Data quality, accuracy, error handling
2.5 Spatial data acquisition and cleaning
3. Spatial Analysis & Geoprocessing [Notes →]
3.1 Overlay analysis (clip, intersect, union, dissolve)
3.2 Proximity analysis (buffer, near, distance)
3.3 Spatial joins, selections
3.4 Terrain analysis (DEM, slope, aspect)
3.5 Suitability analysis
3.6 Topology
4. Remote Sensing & Image Analysis
4.1 Remote sensing fundamentals
4.2 Spectral bands, indices (NDVI, NBR, etc.)
4.3 Landsat/Sentinel workflows
4.4 Image classification (supervised/unsupervised)
4.5 Change detection
5. Programming & Automation
5.1 Python basics
5.2 arcpy or QGIS Python
5.3 Batch processing
5.4 ModelBuilder workflows
5.5 Basic spatial SQL
6. GNSS / GPS & Geomatics [Notes →]
6.1 GNSS fundamentals
6.2 Field data collection
6.3 Coordinate reference frameworks
6.4 Accuracy and error sources
7. Web GIS & Geovisualization
7.1 ArcGIS Online
7.2 Web maps and feature services
7.3 Dashboards, Experience Builder
7.4 Publishing and sharing data
8. Applied Project / Capstone
8.1 Problem definition
8.2 Data acquisition
8.3 Analysis
8.4 Visualization
8.5 Report + presentation
Based on Unified Canadian GIS Core Curriculum synthesized from 5 Programs:
| → BCIT — Geographic Information Systems Program A full GIS program overview including curriculum structure, applications, and career pathways. Source: https://www.bcit.ca/programs/geographic-information-systems/ |
| → Mount Allison University — Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor Describes GIS curriculum fundamentals, program highlights, and course structure. Source: https://mta.ca/academics/programs-and-degrees/geographic-information-systems-gis |
| → Trent University — Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Outlines introductory GIS coursework, lab components, and required skills. Source: https://www.trentu.ca/geography/program/geographical-information-systems-gis |
| → University of Calgary — MGIS (Master of Geographic Information Systems) Graduate‑level GIS curriculum including core courses in remote sensing, spatial analysis, and GIS theory. Source: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/geography-mgis-course |
| → Fanshawe College — Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate (Co‑op) Program details, course list, and curriculum structure for a Canadian GIS graduate certificate. Source: https://www.fanshawec.ca/programs/gis1-geographic-information-systems-gis-co-op/next |