GIS is central to a lot of work in geography, environment, and other fields. Knowing how to understand and apply GIS tools can benefit students in their careers after completing their degrees.
There are three general paths with regard to learning and practicing work with GIS:
Introduction to GIS (GEOG-ERSC 2090H):
Students may take this course to learn the fundamentals of map making, working with digital geographic data, gaining some experience working with ArcGIS, and performing some elementary GIS operations.
- This course requires one or more of first year Geography, ERS, or Biology.
- This course is a required course for all Geography majors.
Students enrolled in GEOG-ERSC 2090H web-based course for the 2021 Winter term (January 11 - April 30, 2021) must visit Computer Requirements for TSE GIS Courses to learn more about the computer requirements and software needed for this course.
Intermediate GIS
Students may expand their knowledge and experience in GIS by taking one or more of several Trent GIS courses (see list below). These courses each have their own prerequisites, and may include GEOG-ERSC 2090H (to ensure some experience with GIS) and math credits (to ensure an understanding of various data analysis techniques). Consult the Academic Calendar for details on these courses, and the Academic Timetable for which of these courses are offered in current and upcoming academic term(s).
- ERSC-GEOG 3010H: Fundamentals of GIS Analysis
- GEOG-ERSC 3020H: Remote Sensing of the Environment
- GEOG-ERSC 4450H: Spatial Modeling with GIS
- opportunities to apply GIS in other courses, such as ERSC-GEOG 4640H, Thesis and Community-Based Research Project courses
Students conducting GIS work in a lab of ERSC-GEOG 4640H, Watershed Management.
An example of a map created via GIS for use by the Trent Nature Areas and Physical Resources, as preparations are made for the arrival of the invasive species Emerald Ash Borer.