UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Geographic Information Systems Certificate
The Geology and Planetary Science Department offers a certificate in Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). GIS is a computer-based system that accommodates virtually any type of
information about features that are referenced by geographical location. For example, a GIS
database may include both location and attribute data, providing a spatial visualization
capability for analyzing descriptive characteristics about geographical features,
both natural and man-made. One of the most important benefits of GIS analysis is the
ability to spatially interrelate multiple types of information stemming from a range of
sources. Such computational manipulation of geographic data has become increasingly important
in many areas of science, government, and industry. Students who demonstrate experience with
computers in general, and GIS/image processing in particular, are at a distinct
advantage when looking for jobs in geology, environmental science, city and regional planning,
and engineering. This cerificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills
needed for immediate success in GIS-related jobs.
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Requirements for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate:
The program is open to any University of Pittsburgh student, including post-baccalaureate students
(professionals seeking to expand their job-related computer skills). Approximately four terms
(two academic years) will be required to complete this certificate program. It is therefore suggested
that undergraduates begin no later than their junior year. A grade of C or better is required in all
courses for successful completion of the certificate. GIS topics covered include the nature of geographic
data, map projections, raster images, the basic elements of a GIS database, sources of data, and training
in the Arc/Info software package. Students also have the option of focusing on remote sensing theory and
applications. RS topics include image analysis and processing, field validation of satellite and airborne
datasets, GPS training, and the use of software packages such as ENVI, Erdas Imagine, ERMapper, and Trimble's
Pathfinder Office.
Required core courses (6 credits):
- GEOL 1445/2449 Introduction to GIS, GPS and Computer Methods (3)
- GEOL 1460 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3)
Two elective courses may be chosen which have special relevance to the
student's major or employment goals. Appropriate courses will be available
from many different departments. Courses not on the following list may be
selected contingent on approval by the certificate advisor.
Suggested elective courses (6 credits):
Lower-level:
- GEOL 0030: World Physical Geography (3)
- GEOL 0820: Natural Disasters (3)
1000-level:
- GEOL 1060: Geomorphology (3, pre-requisites)
- BIOSC 1044: Ecological Management Summer Field Course (3, pre-requisites)
- INFSCI 1022: Database Management Systems (3, pre-requisites) OR
- INFSCI 1030: Information Storage and Retrieval (3, pre-requisites)
2000-level:
- GEOL 2446: Advanced GIS Systems & Computer Methods (3, prerequisites)
- GEOL 2460: Applied Remote Sensing and GPS Techniques (3, prerequisites)
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Independent Study (4 credits):
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the application of the techniques by completing a project under
the supervision of a faculty advisor. Sufficient work must be performed to earn four Independent Study or
Directed Research credits. Faculty from any department may serve as the advisor, but students are encouraged
to work with faculty in their primary area of interest. Projects must use GIS and/or RS as a major tool,
and result in a published report/map/CD-ROM that describe the results of the research.
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