Courses

Visit the ACC Course Schedule to view available GISC (GIS Department) courses. 

GIS Level I Courses

GISC 1411 Introduction to GIS

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. This course introduces students to the basic principles and techniques of GIS. Course exercises and projects emphasize GIS data collection, entry, storage, analysis, and presentation using ArcGIS. Topics include coordinate systems, presenting & modeling information, raster & vector data, attribute & spatial queries, geoprocessing and analyzing information. No Prerequisites.

Level ① | Format C O H Flx | Semester ⒡ ⒮ ⒰ - See bottom of page for legend

GISC 1479 Introduction to Geospatial Data

Geospatial data identify the geographic locations of features on Earth. This course introduces students to geospatial data types that can be used to create maps. Students will complete progressive exercises and projects that collect, assimilate, and analyze geospatial and related data stored in a text file, spreadsheet, database, and geodatabase. Topics include tabular data, data types, relational data, queries, schema, geospatial data, and geodatabases. No Prerequisites. 

Level ① | Format C O Flx | Semester ⒡ ⒮ ⒰

GISC 2420 Intermediate GIS

Master geodatabases and advanced geospatial analysis. Students study the technical aspects involved in modeling vector, raster, and triangulated data to manage and analyze spatial data. Instruction, exercises, and projects emphasize theories and procedures associated with the implementation and management of GIS projects using a variety of GIS software including ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro. Topics include analyzing & presenting information, vector analysis, raster analysis and 3D analysis. Prerequisite GISC 1411.

Level ① | Format C O Flx | Semester ⒡ ⒮ ⒰

GISC 1491 Intro to Map Design and Use

Design intuitive and informative maps using cartographic conventions. This course introduces the student to reference and thematic map use and design. It examines basic cartographic mapping techniques for quantitative and qualitative data, teaches about geospatial analysis and interpretation, and enables students to design basic maps that communicate information effectively. Exercises and projects teach students to design intuitive and informative maps using cartographic conventions. Topics include map design & evaluation, geographic framework, generalization, thematic maps, color and words on maps, symbolizing surfaces & features, mapping time & space and creating a GIS portfolio. Prerequisite GISC 1411. 

Level ① | Format C O Flx | Semester ⒡ ⒮ ⒰

GISC 2401 GIS Data Acquisition and Analysis

Apply the GIS concepts learned in Intro to GIS, Intro to Geospatial Data, Intermediate GIS, and Intro to Map Design and Use within the project management framework. Students use the analytical process to question, inform, analyze, decide, and present GIS projects. Exercises and projects are similar to those completed by an entry-level GIS professional, including the final service learning project presented at an end-of-semester ACC GIS Student Showcase. Topics include project data framework, demographic & administrative data, work breakdown structure, data models, infrastructure & environmental data, site analysis, impact assessment, suitability analysis and presentation mediums. Prerequisite GISC 1411.

Level ① | Format C O Flx | Semester ⒡ ⒮ ⒰

GISC 2164 Capstone

Demonstrate your GIS professional skills by completing an independent study, internship, or work study. Students will complete a competency exam measuring their knowledge and skills relative to the GIS award they are seeking.  The highlight of the GIS Capstone course is presenting a project to peer professionals representing the synthesis of the skills and knowledge acquired in pursuit of your GIS Certification or Degree. Prerequisites GISC 1411; GISC 1479, GISC 2420, GISC 1491.

Level ① | Format O | Semester ⒡ ⒮ ⒰  

GIS Level II Courses

GISC 1421 Intro to Raster-Based GIS

Collect remotely sensed data to create and analyze raster in a GIS. Students learn to interpolate sample data, create orthoimages, and interpret and classify satellite imagery. Exercises and projects use ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine software, as well as Landsat satellite imagery. Topics include sensing information, analytic surfaces, deterministic & geostatistical interpolation, aerial photography, orthoimagery, satellite imagery, image classification, accuracy assessment, and change detection. Prerequisites GISC 1411; GISC 2420.

Level ② | Format C | Semester ⒡

GISC 2435 Programming for GIS

Automate tasks and geospatial processes using Python programming language. Students learn fundamental programming principles and how to apply them in a GIS. Exercises and projects use Python, ArcPy, and ArcGIS software. Prerequisites GISC 1411; GISC 2420.

Level ② | Format C  Flx | Semester ⒮

GISC 2459 Web-Served GIS

Learn how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as dynamic and cached map services, to create and publish interactive maps. Exercises and projects use ArcGIS Online (AGO), AGO Web App Builder, ArcGIS Server, Google Maps API, Leaflet API, Amazon Cloud Computing, and more. Topics include system architecture, markup, styling & scripting languages, map APIs, map clients, web, map & data servers, cached, dynamic & feature services technology stacks, and user experience. Prerequisites GISC 1411; GISC 2420.

Level ② | Format C | Semester ⒮

GISC 2250 Scripting for GIS

Automate tasks and geospatial processes using ESRI's ArcGIS ModelBuilder. Students use a visual programming language to learn basic scripting concepts including variables, parameters, and iterative loops. Exercises and projects using ArcGIS ModelBuilder. This is a two credit hour course that meets once a week. Topics include exploring GIS workflows, models, custom geoprocessing tools, managing data & workspaces, assessing analysis results, workflow diagrams, managing documentation, sharing workflows, intro to Python, map automation and generating map deliverables. Prerequisites GISC 1411; GISC 2420.

Level ② | Format C  Flx | Semester ⒡

GISC 2231 Advanced Problems in GIS

Learn Advanced GIS technology and apply it to real-world projects. Students learn to use GIS networks, remote sensing, 3D, and geostatistical data to perform sophisticated analysis and present information. This is a two credit hour course that meets once a week. Topics include advanced GIS applications, network analysis, image classification, image analysis, LiDAR & LiDAR classification, 3D models, 3D analysis, geostatistics and geostatistical analysis. Prerequisites GISC 1411; GISC 2420.

Level ② | Format Flx | Semester

GIS Elective

Specialize your GIS Level II Certificate by selecting one of the following electives:

Award Level

①  Level I Certificate

②  Level II Certificate

Ⓓ  AAS Degree 

Course Format

C  Classroom

H  Hybrid

Flx Hyflex

O  Online

Semester Offered

⒡  Fall

⒮  Spring

⒰  Summer