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The Bachelor of Technology in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will teach you to use GIS software, hardware and peripheral devices, customize GIS software, develop and design GIS databases, analyze GIS data, write software to convert GIS data formats and write utility programs, use image analysis software and integrate images and other types of GIS information, discuss and use GIS theory to make decisions concerning GIS implementation, manage a GIS, train GIS users, implement and complete a GIS project, compare and discuss GIS software products. After graduation, you may work for either private industry (forestry, GIS vendors, natural resource exploration, computer systems) consulting companies (environmental, engineering, forestry, mapping, scanning, and software) or government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal). Graduates are developing GIS databases, using GIS to analyze data and predict the result of planned changes, managing GIS projects, planning the acquisition of GIS technology, developing GIS custom systems and training GIS users.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Bachelor of Technology

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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1. English 12 (67%) or equivalent
2. One of the following from a recognized institution:
    - Diploma (minimum 60.0 credits)
    - Associate degree
    - Bachelor's degree
    - A minimum of 60.0 credits of courses from one or more recognized post-secondary institutions including:
    - 3.0 credits in BCIT Communications courses or equivalent and
    - 18.0 credits at the second-year or higher level

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Minimum of six months relevant work experience (approved by the program head) to graduate from this program

Note: Students do not need to apply for the GIS Bachelor of Technology program to take part-time studies GIS courses. Anyone may take these courses provided they meet the individual course prerequisites. Students who decide to complete the GIS Bachelor of Technology through part-time studies should apply to the part-time program after taking two courses. Part-time courses are subject to enrolment.

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. Strongly recommended fundamental computer literacy and computer programming skills.

2. Computer programming is emphasized strongly in the BCIT GIS program. Students who arrive unprepared usually find the programming and GIS customization courses a great deal of work, which affects other studies.

3. Regardless of your abilities and experience, you should develop your skills as much as possible before you start the program. The GIS program covers many programming languages. Programming languages taught currently in GIS courses include Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP and others. You should know programming concepts and program design before starting GIS studies at BCIT, but you do not need to know any particular programming language.

4. You will be using the Web a great deal in the program. For example, you will be developing your own pages in September to present your resume and project/practicum. You should also learn how to create basic web pages using HTML, and how to use an HTML editor before you arrive in September.

5. Refresh your skills in basic algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry (e.g. polar and rectangular coordinates, equation of a straight line, distance between two points). You will find this helpful in a number of courses.

6. It is recommended that students possess good communication, teamwork and technical problem-solving skills.

Admission Advice

Accelerated: this program is open to applications beginning October for the Fall (September) intake
Part-time Studies applications accepted throughout the year for intakes in January, April and September.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Bachelor of Technology

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