GIS course, class at University Center at Gaylord

North Central Michigan College is initiating a new certificate program in geographic information systems at the University Center at Gaylord. The program will begin in January with the first course, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems I.

The class will help students prepare for a wide variety of careers requiring GIS skills. GIS careers exist in many disciplines including environmental science, mining, urban planning, commercial businesses and national defense. According to the US Department of Labor, many jobs exist across the country where workers with GIS training are needed to fill positions as cartographic designers, computer programmers, database administrators, project managers and system administrators. They also encompass business development, managerial and administrative roles. Training is only available through certificate or degree programs at colleges and universities.

The GIS class will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:50 pm from January 19 through May 15, 2009. Students will learn the concept of GIS and its applications, including basic mapping concepts, coordinate systems, georeferencing spatial data, vector and raster data models, and the use of on-line digital spatial concepts.

To register for the course, students must first be enrolled at NCMC. Enrollment and registration can be completed online at www.ncmich.edu. Questions regarding the GIS course can be directed to Michele Andrews at 989-705-3775.