Mountain Empire Community College
Geographic Information Systems
Interested in the world of GIS, remote sensing, and satellite imagery?
… but your busy schedule conflicts with on campus class options? MECC now offers a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program completely online. You can take these courses from your home or office computer. Learn how to map the world in 3D and how to visually display numerous mapping layers simultaneously.

GIS Certification
Mountain Empire Community College has established an online Career Studies Certificate in Geographical Information System. The GIS certificate is a 26 credit hour program. Graduates of the program must complete 4 core GIS fundamentals classes. Additionally, 1 of 3 available GIS specialty courses must be taken along with a presentation software class and public speaking. Students can enroll in these classes at anytime during the semester.

Certified GIS Professional (GISP)
GIS Certification InstituteMECC students completing GIS courses can earn points toward becoming Certified GIS Professionals (GISP). A GISP is a certified geographic information systems (GIS) Professional who has met the minimum standards for ethical conduct and professional practice as established by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). Students can earn 10.5 points for completing the GIS courses required for the MECC Career Studies Certificate and an additional 5 points for earning the certificate. Two students that have completed the certificate program are now "Certified GIS Professionals", Melanie Salyer and Jessica Swinney.
 
GIS Course Information
GIS 200 - Geographical Information Systems I
Provides hands on introduction to a dynamic desktop GIS (Geographic Information System). Introduces the components of a desktop GIS and their functionality. Emphasizes manipulation of data for the purpose of analysis, presentation, and decision making.
Prerequisite: ITE 170 or instructor approval.

 GIS 201 - Geographical Information Systems II
Provides a continuation of GIS 200, with emphasis on advanced topics in problem solving, decision making, modeling programming, and data management. Covers map projections and data formats, and methods for solving the problems they create.
Prerequisite: GIS 200

 GIS 205 - GIS 3 Dimensional Analysis
Introduces GIS 3D (three-dimensional) concepts and practices with a concentration on displaying, creating and analyzing spatial GIS data using 3D. Covers 3D shape files, 3D data formats such as TIN’s, DEM’s, grids and controlling the perspective and scale of 3D data through rotating, panning and zooming.
Prerequisite: GIS 200

GIS 210 - Understanding Geographic Data
Provides the student an introduction to geographic data and the principles behind their construction. Introduces the concepts for measuring locations and characteristics of entities in the real world. Exposes the student to the limitations and common characteristics of geographic data.
Prerequisite: GIS 201

GIS 215 - Software Platforms & Applications
Assists users with the transition to newer GIS software platforms and applications. Covers concepts and terminology needed to become proficient in the latest GIS software.
Prerequisite: GIS 201

GIS 220 - Intro to Regional & Urban Planning
Provides overview of how GIS is used in urban and regional planning. Emphasis will be on the use of GIS software to address real world social, economic, and environmental planning problems.
Prerequisite: GIS 201

 GIS 225 - GIS Applications for Tax Assessors
This course introduces the use of GIS in the local government tax assessment process.  Includes how to create spatial queries, produce maps, generate statistics, manipulate tabular data, use charts, and employ other technical skills in major topic areas including special regulations, ratio studies, comparable sales, and parcel data development and maintenance.
   
GIS Program Contact
Susan Kennedy
(276) 523-7488
skennedy@me.vccs.edu

2004 GIS Program Graduates

"Certified GIS Professionals"
Melanie Salyer and Jessica Swinney

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Updated May 11, 2007                                      Contact MECC                                      MECC Home