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Department of Geography | Faculty of Environment Simon Fraser University Calendar | Fall 2024

Geographic Information Science

Certificate

Admission Requirements

Consult with the advisor as early as possible for program admission. Formal approval is required before completion of the certificate.

Units applied to one certificate may not be applied to another Simon Fraser University certificate or diploma.

Program Requirements

Students complete the following courses including all of

GEOG 251 - Quantitative Geography (3)

An introduction to basic quantitative techniques for the collection of geographic data. Topics include describing data, gathering samples, theoretical distributions, linking samples and populations, testing significance, and exploring spatial relationships all within practical, real-world application contexts. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shivanand Balram
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 253 - Introduction to Remote Sensing (3)

An introduction to the theories and practices of remote sensing, including sensors and platforms, image collection, preliminary image analysis and interpretation, and a review of remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring and resource management. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Eva Snirer
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 255 - Geographical Information Science I (3)

A basic overview of Geographical Information Systems and Science; GIS software, hardware, data structures and models; spatial data, operations and algorithms; practical applications and limitations. Students with credit for GEOG 354 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shivanand Balram
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D102 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and three of the following

GEOG 351 - Multimedia Cartography (4)

Elements of cartographic analysis, design and visualization, with an emphasis on digital mapping, animation techniques, cartographic software and internet mapping. Prerequisite: GEOG 255. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Suzana Dragicevic
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 352 - Spatial Analysis (4)

Advanced quantitative techniques for spatial analysis of geographic data and patterns. Topics include geostatistics, spatial interpolation, autocorrelation, kriging, and their use in geographic problem solving with spatial analysis software. Prerequisite: GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270. Quantitative.

GEOG 353 - Advanced Remote Sensing (4)

Advanced remote sensing principles and data processing techniques, including image correction and enhancement, advanced image analysis and information extraction, land cover classification and change detection, and integration of remote sensing and GIS. Prerequisite: GEOG 253. Quantitative.

GEOG 355 - Geographical Information Science II (4)

An examination of technical components of GIS. Topics include spatial representations, generalization and data management; computational algebra and set theory; digital surfaces and terrain models. Prerequisite: GEOG 255. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nadine Schuurman
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 356 - 3D GIScience (4)

Introduction to 3D spatial data, 3D analysis, and 3D visualization for spatial problems. Students will gain skills in 3D aspects of GIScience concepts; data generation and use; analysis and simulation; visualization and its use for interpretation and communication. Prerequisite: GEOG 255.

GEOG 451 - Spatial Modeling (4)

Spatial models for the representation and simulation of physical, human and environmental processes. GIS and spatial analysis software are used in the laboratory for model development, from problem definition and solution to visualization. Prerequisite: GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270; one of GEOG 351, 352, 353, 355 or 356. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Suzana Dragicevic
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 453 - Theoretical and Applied Remote Sensing (4)

Students will work in teams on real-world remote sensing projects in their area of interest. Each team will complete the project independently from literature review to project presentation. Cutting-edge remote sensing technologies and research that are related to the projects will also be introduced. Prerequisite: GEOG 353. Recommended: One of GEOG 351, 352, 355 or 356. Students with credit for GEOG 453W may not repeat this course for further credit. Quantitative.

GEOG 455 - Theoretical and Applied GIS (4)

A critical examination of advanced topics in GIS, such as: boundary definition, expert systems and artificial intelligence, error and uncertainty, and scale in a digital context. Examines social applications and the roles of GIS in society. Students will design original projects, including data acquisition, analysis, and web site development. Prerequisite: GEOG 355. Students with credit for GEOG 452 or GEOG 455W may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

or GEOG 455W - Theoretical and Applied GIS (4)

A critical examination of advanced topics in GIS, such as: boundary definition, expert systems and artificial intelligence, error and uncertainty, and scale in a digital context. Examines social applications and the roles of GIS in society. Students will design original projects, including data acquisition, analysis, and web site development. Prerequisite: GEOG 355. Students with credit for GEOG 452 or GEOG 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

GEOG 457 - Geovisualization Interfaces (4)

The concepts, theories, and technology behind interactive and immersive interface technologies used for geospatial visualization. Applications and implications for GIScience and spatial knowledge acquisition. Combines GIScience, spatial cognition, and virtual environments/interface research perspectives. Prerequisite: GEOG 356. Students with credit for GEOG 457 (STT) Geospatial Virtual Environments in fall 2005 or fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.