The Geographic Information Systems - Cartographic Specialist program focuses on the art and science of communicating geographic data and information through visualization and maps. 

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
• 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. 

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

Over the years, Fleming College's students have captured 80 American Congress on Surveying and Mapping awards in annual competitions (student category), as well as numerous awards from the Canadian Cartographic Association and the Canadian Institute of Geomatics.

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency test scores
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Official translations of documents in a language other than English

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students applying to Geographic Information Systems – Cartographic Specialist must meet the following requirements:

• Undergraduate degree or Ontario College diploma in a related field or equivalent

Applicants who do not meet the requirements listed above and who possess a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis.
 

Recommended (but not required for admission)

• Since GIS is a field of study that makes extensive use of computer hardware and software technology, students entering the GIS-Cartographic Specialist program must be familiar with computers.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

The latest version of windows running on hardware that meets or exceeds the recommended specifications by ESRI for ArcGIS Pro.