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Home » Continuing Studies » Certificate in Geomatics: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Certificate in Geomatics: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Geomatics encompasses the logic, art, science and technology involved in collecting, managing, and communicating geographically-referenced information in its many forms. It is concerned with the accurate measurement, representation, storage, query, retrieval, analysis, mapping, and presentation of geographic data and information.

The Geomatics Certificate combines the study and immersion within the major developments experienced in geographical information science, geographic information systems, remote sensing, photogrammetry, and global positioning systems by linking theories and science to experiences that intersect hardware, software, equipment, algorithms, and techniques.

The certificate provides students with hands-on training in:

  • Spatial analysis applications
  • Topographical surveying
  • Geospatial database development
  • Cartographic communication
  • Project planning and management

Key learning outcomes for all students:

  • Experience applying a range of spatial analysis techniques
  • Proficiency with quantitative methods
  • Hone abilities at the presentation of spatial data in cartographic and other forms
  • Proficiency with GIS and remote sensing computing environments

In the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, our approach is to focus on the development and application of geomatics in environmental, physical, and social sciences. We provide broad exposure to human and physical applications and emphasize connections where they intersect.

Planet Earth

At a Glance

2 to 3 years of study

Certificate

Offered full time and part time

Accepts applications for Fall (September)

Application Process

Direct Entry Students: The certificate is open to students who previously completed an undergraduate degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Students are admissible with a cumulative grade point average of 5.00/9.00 (C+). Individuals without an undergraduate degree but who have previous relevant work experience may also apply to the certificate.

Concurrent students: The certificate in Certificate in Geomatics: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing may be completed concurrently with either a Bachelor’s or Honours degree program at York University. Students may  register in the certificate program after completing 24 credits at York University with cumulative GPA of 5.00/9.00 (C+). Certificates will not be conferred until candidates have successfully completed their undergraduate degree program.

Tuition and Fees will be paid to York University. Please see the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees information on the Future Students Website.Entrance Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries are available each year to support your education.

We recommend reviewing funding available exclusively for our students and the funding available for all York University students

Direct Entry Students: If you are a new applicant to York, you must ensure first that you meet the minimum requirements for admission to the University and meet any additional requirements. You may then apply through the Office of Admission

Concurrent Students: If you are a current York student, contact your Academic Adviser to find out about admission requirements and the application process.

Hands-on Learning and Field Studies

Learning in the field is a key component in our program. Your courses will take you on location with field trips to various places in Toronto, across Ontario and in the workplace. 

student taking picture of a plant with his phone

In the Geomatics certificate, students are exposed to opportunities in labs and classes to experience all methods, tools and techniques taught, including field-based data collection for analysis, designing and implementing individual research projects and the development of digital media skills (e.g. web and video) for content delivery and teaching.

Program Curriculum

Geomatics encompass the art, science and technology involved in collecting, managing and communicating geographically-referenced information. This Certificate prepares students with hands-on technical training. Students develop skills in spatial analysis applications, topographical surveying, geospatial database development, cartographic communication, and project planning and management

Applications to declare the certificate must be obtained from and filed with the Office of Student and  Academic Services in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Transcript notation that the requirements for a certificate have been completed will be made once the Registrar's Office has received notice from the unit administering the program

The Faculty does not award certificates retroactively.

Notes:

(i)Students who have been exempted from any of the required courses or students entering the program as a direct entry who have previously completed the equivalent of any of the required courses must substitute additional credits from the certificate program elective courses list for an overall total of 24.00 credits from the certificate program.

(ii) Course offerings may vary from year to year. Some courses have additional course prerequisites. Students are responsible for ensuring that these prerequisites are satisfied before enrolling and that the chosen courses are not course credit exclusions to other courses already taken. Students who have previously attained/earned post-secondary credentials in the introductory Statistical Analysis in Geography are exempted from the following prerequisitesEU/GEOG 1000 6.00; EU/GEOG 1401 3.00; EU/GEOG 1402 3.00; and EU/GEOG 2420 3.00.

Completion Requirements for the Certificate in Geomatics: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

  • EU/GEOG 2340 3.00
  • EU/GEOG 3340 3.00
  • EU/GEOG 3440 3.00
  • EU/GEOG 4340 3.00
  • EU/GEOG 4440 3.00

Students must undertake a geomatics-oriented assignment in each electives course verified by the course director. Additional courses may be considered as electives subject to the pre-approval of the Certificate coordinator.

  • EU/ENVS 3406 3.00
  • EU/ENVS 4523 3.00
  • LE/EECS 1530 3.00
  • LE/ESSE 4220 3.00
  • LE/ESSE 4230 3.00
  • EU/GEOG 3380 3.00
  • AP/ITEC 1010 3.00 

Graduation: Students in the Geomatics certificate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 5.00/9.00 (C+) in their degree program and a minimum grade point average of 6.00/9.00 (B) in the 24 credits required for the certificate. Students must apply to graduate with the certificate using the Application to Graduate with a Certificate form, available on the York University Current Students’ Website. https://registrar.yorku.ca/graduation/apply.