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Certificate of Achievement
Geographic Information Systems

This Certificate of Achievement in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) targets students interested in becoming a GIS Technician. A GIS technician utilizes standard GIS tools and utilities to enter and correct data in GIS databases such as locating addresses, georeferencing scanned maps, digitizing and collecting and processing data from the field. Most duties assigned to GIS Technicians are routine with a heavy amount of database entry and management with eventual generation of maps from data. A GIS Technician performs no data interpretation after data has been stored unless under the guidance of the analyst. Many students enrolled in GIS at Rio Hondo College have degrees in a variety of disciplines. After completing the GIS courses, these students could be labeled as the GIS Analyst within their area of discipline (Crime Analyst, Environmental Planner, etc.)

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
GIS 120 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial AnalysisM4.0
GIS 120 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (4.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 101
Prerequisite: Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: GIS 120 or GIS 220)

This course introduces fundamental concepts of geographic information and spatial analysis. Using industry standard geospatial application tools including geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAVs), students perform spatial analysis in various disciplines including but not limited to business, public safety, health, politics, civil engineering, and environmental, social, biological and geological sciences. Students learn how to organize geospatial data; visualize spatial patterns by aggregating numbers by areas, analyzing ratios and proportions, generating scatterplots, qualifying volumes and areas, and performing map algebra; and interpret correlations or suitable locations based on provided or researched criteria.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
2nd Semester
GIS 220 - GIS ApplicationsM4.0
GIS 220 - GIS Applications (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:GIS 120
Advisory:CIT 101
Transfers to: UC, CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: GIS 120 or GIS 220)

This course covers advanced applications of geographic information systems (GIS), including digitizing with topology, georeferencing “as-builts,” and deriving new spatial data by importing computer aided drafting (CAD) drawings. Students learn how to distinguish the difference and value of raster data versus vector data, perform new trends in GIS including processing new raster data with photogrammetry of imagery collected by small unmanned aircraft vehicles (sUAVs), and create mobile applications for field data collection (i.e., fire hydrant inventory). The course may include field trips to industry events and to attend off-campus survey field exercises.

GIS 221 - Cartography Design and Geographic Information SystemsM4.0
GIS 221 - Cartography Design and Geographic Information Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: GIS 120
Transfers to: CSU

GIS plays an important role in many disciplines, and improves the understanding of particular kinds of information through visual interpretation. This course is for students who want a better understanding of methods to effectively portray information spatially using conventions of patterns, colors and symbology. Students are introduced to the history of map interpretation, map projections, scales, map accuracy, and layout conventions for publication in reports or large formats at emergency operations center. The course may include field trips for students to visit industry user meetings.

GIS 130 - Field Data Applications for GISM4.0
GIS 130 - Field Data Applications for GIS (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:GIS 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students and working professionals an expanded hands-on study on field data collection and methods using various geospatial technology including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and sUAV (small unmanned aerial vehicles) for applications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RMS). Experience in using field data collection enhances GIS technician and analyst employability. Students will research real world applications for public safety, public works, digital humanities and various sciences. This course will include off-campus field trips.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
3rd Semester
GIS 280 - Geospatial Programming and Web ServicesM4.0
GIS 280 - Geospatial Programming and Web Services (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:GIS 120Transfers to: CSU

Knowledge of a scripting language is a highly desired skill for geographic information system (GIS) technicians. This course teaches how to automate GIS tasks by applying common industry scripting language (e.g., Python or Model Builder). Advanced database management methodologies for spatial data analysis and development of GIS applications will also be covered. Upon completion, students will perform programming fundamentals effectively, providing easier interfaces for end users.

Complete a minimum of 3 units from: CIV 142 / GIS 150 / GIS 222 / GIS 230 / GIS 281 / ENGT 150 / ENGT 170 M3.0
CIV 142 - Introduction to Surveying and GPS (4.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 102; It is also advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra and geometry concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students interested in the career fields of civil design drafting, surveying/mapping, and civil engineering. It covers the principles and practices of land surveying, including measuring distance, direction, elevation and position; topographic mapping; and the use and care of surveying equipment. The fundamentals of global positioning systems (GPS) and their applications in land surveying will also be introduced. This course will also be beneficial for practitioners in the construction industry who need to acquire property data.

GIS 150 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Procedures and Regulations (1.5 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course prepares the student to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test for a Remote Pilot Certificate. Material covers subjects areas in the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test including aerodynamics, aircraft performance, navigation, weather, and aviation regulations. Flight workflow demonstration prepares the student in sUAS operation and flight planning with an overview of trending applications including videography, survey mapping, public safety, and biology.

GIS 222 - GIS for Civil Engineering and Public Works (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: GIS 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course uses GIS software and cloud services as analytical and informational tools for engineers, maintenance planners, and facility managers to aid in civil engineering, facilities management, systems evaluation, maintenance, and asset management of public works utilities or capital improvement projects. Students perform hydrological and volumetric calculations by using surface models, sizing public works infrastructure based on land use, zoning and population data, and managing large-scale construction projects and public works infrastructure based on asset management and maintenance principles. The course includes data collection workflow using small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV) technology, photogrammetry, and the production of professional web and mobile field data collection applications.

GIS 230 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Technology (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: GIS 120
Transfers to:CSU

Environmental technicians collect, manage, manipulate and interpret environmental data using geographic information systems (GIS). This course will prepare students to integrate spatial technologies and environmental information in various disciplines in environmental technology, biology, planning, landscape architecture, engineering, geology, archaeology, and related fields. Practical GIS exercises engage the student with industry-used technologies including global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, and small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) in activities designed to increase comprehension of the concepts, and skills they need to become marketable in their chosen environmental fields.Geographic Information Systems. Possible day field trips are scheduled to visit local industries and for field work.

GIS 281 - Crime Mapping and Analysis (4.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 101
Transfers to: CSU

Crime mapping plays an important role in almost any form of crime analysis and can improve our understanding of the important relationships between people, location, time, and crime. As a result, geographic information systems (GIS) has become an essential tool used by crime analysts to discover crime patterns, implement corrective strategies, optimize resource allocation and to develop crime prevention measures. Students will use ArcGIS to analyze crime series, conduct problem analysis, study crime trends, and address deployment issues as they relate to decision making in law enforcement. Students should have a working knowledge of Windows to be successful in this course.

ENGT 150 - AutoCAD for Basic CADD Applications (4.0 units)

Advisory:ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course is for students preparing for high-technology careers who need the skills necessary to function as an entry-level computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) operator, or to apply CADD to the specific disciplines of mechanical and architectural design, manufacturing, illustration, and engineering-related documents. An overview of computer graphics and CADD utilizing the latest release of AutoCAD software is provided. Students produce 2D orthographic, isometric, and basic 3D model solutions of mechanical and architectural applications.

ENGT 170 - MicroStation for Basic CADD Applications (4.0 units)

Advisory:ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students preparing for high technology careers who need the skills necessary to function as an entry level CADD operator or to apply CADD to specific disciplines of mechanical and architectural design, manufacturing, illustration and engineering related documents. An overview of computer graphics and CADD (Computer Assisted Design and Drawing) utilizing the latest release of MicroStation software will be provided. Students will produce 2D orthographic and basic 3D model solutions of mechanical and architectural applications.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
Total Units for Geographic Information Systems COA program 23.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will describe and discuss the applications of geographic information systems (GIS) in their respective field. Students will use GIS to analyze and uncover spatial patterns and trends, model environmental conditions, and predict future scenarios, (e.g., post-fire conditions, or to model suitable locations for a new housing or wind farm development).


2

Students will evaluate relevance of information for GIS projects and contribute new data from a variety of sources, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS).


3

Students will cartographically examine and assemble information for a target audience.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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