Program Overview

Geographic Information Systems - Cartographic Specialist

Through the Geographic Information Systems - Cartographic Specialist program you can become a proficient GIS practitioner, visual designer and communicator - creating a variety of customized maps and other products for the many users of geographic information.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Cartography - known as the art and science of making maps, has come a long way since the efforts of early mapmakers who worked with pen and ink. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows today's "cartographer" to store geographic data in an organized way, to allow for quick access, correlation, and analysis. By using GIS, cartographers are able to collect, store, and combine data about a given area, subject, or region being researched. GIS helps planners working on environmental, public health, municipal planning, and natural resource projects monitor change, predict trends and manage resources.

While about 80% of the curriculum is shared with the GIS – Application Specialist program, the Cartographic-specific courses in this program include:

Geovisualization

• Visualize a wide range of data using a variety of mapping techniques (i.e. Choropleth, Dasymetric, Proportional Dot, Dot Density, Distributive and Radial Flow, Terrain Visualization)
• Create infographics that effectively summarize data and communicate intuitively using a variety of mapping and graphing techniques
• Prepare data and perform advanced terrain visualization techniques using satellite imagery and SRTM data to build up terrain surfaces manually in Adobe Photoshop using Avenza Geographic Imager
• Learn the theory behind how people process information, how maps impact people cognitively, and how to use that information to make effective, accessible maps
• Prepare, integrate, and render data about human and physical geography using ArcGIS, Avenza, and Adobe software.

Web Communications

• Become proficient in web communications for effective design and interactive maps.

Municipal GIS

• Learn about the business practices that drive municipal operations and how to prepare information products to support decision making in a municipality
• Prepare, analyze, integrate and render data in a variety of formats, using AutoCAD and ArcGIS software, to support various departments in a municipality
• Work on a real-world micro-project in collaboration with a GIS professional working at a municipality

In addition to acquiring a firm, hands-on foundation using GIS technology tools and creating effective map compositions, you will have many opportunities for team building, project management, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Since employers are seeking these broad-based transferrable skills, this experience working in technology teams will give you an edge in the workplace

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance (Co-op Optional)
Prepare to become a compliance specialist in worker health and safety, as well as environmental protection. Employment opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The new Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance program focuses on workplace compliance, including labour, inspection and auditing, public and worker safety, and environmental protection. The program provides a unique, comprehensive combination of training in all aspects of health and safety as well as environmental compliance - a definite hiring asset.

• Acquire knowledge, expertise and professional skills in inspection and investigation relating to occupational health and safety legislation and environmental law
• Develop the ability to plan and implement training to create a safe work environment
• Learn the legal aspects and procedures of inspection, monitoring, investigation and enforcement across a wide range of industries
• Put your new skills into practice through applied learning
• Graduate job-ready

In Ontario, the Ministry of Labour sets, communicates and enforces workplace standards regarding worker protection. Additionally, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change protects and improves the quality of the environment to keep it healthy and protect human health and safety. Private industry and municipal governments also employ compliance specialists.
Graduates will be prepared to find employment in a wide range of jobs, within provincial and federal enforcement, or the private sector, ensuring that legislative obligations in occupational safety and environmental protection are met.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Upon successful completion of this certificate, graduates will be able to:
  • Plan and perform workplace inspections and audits for compliance with occupational health and safety and environmental legislation.
  • Develop and evaluate health and safety programs for a variety of industries to promote the health and safety of workers.
  • Facilitate legal compliance, reduce accidents and train and lead others in creating a safe work environment through the application of health, safety, and environmental policies and practices.
  • Conduct investigations of workplace injuries, fatalities, work refusals, occupational illness or complaints related to unsafe work conditions and hazards.
  • Develop and propose recommendations to address audit findings and verify compliance.
  • Prepare investigative briefs and other documents for the prosecution of infractions of occupational safety and environmental legislation.
  • Inspect facilities for possible contraventions of health, safety and environmental legislation and prepare control documents to resolve identified issues.
  • Investigate environmental incidents, spills or complaints and determine remediation for health and safety of the surrounding environment and persons.
  • Manage and/or defuse potentially difficult situations by applying conflict management skills and strategies.

Optional Co-op
Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. All students in the program participate in a Career Preparation course. Students who are accepted into the Co-op Option must complete 450 hours of co-op, following semester 2. Generally this takes place between May and August, but start dates and total number of weeks may vary according to the employer. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:

• Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
• Explore the variety of careers available in the field
• Network for future job opportunities

The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.