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  1. Programs
  3. Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems

Lawson State Community College

Short-Term Certificate

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialty Short Certificate is a 27-credit-hour program preparing students as GIS technicians using state-of-the-art software. GIS is mapping technology harnessing computers and data for visualizing, questioning, analyzing, and interpreting data to understand relationships and patterns. Coursework includes Computer Aided Design, Civil Drafting/Plat Maps, Intro to GIS Technology, Cartographic Design, GIS Application Programming, Visual Basic Programming.

Credits

27 credits

Format

In-Person

Eligibility Calculator

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

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Scholarships

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Locations

Where this program is offered

  • Alabama

    Alabama

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

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Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populated·from O*NET via SOC 15-1299.02

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingWritingMonitoringMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningScience

Knowledge

GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsDesignEngineering and Technology

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityWritten ExpressionVisualizationSpeech RecognitionFlexibility of ClosureCategory FlexibilityMathematical Reasoning

Tasks

  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Infor
  • Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS ha
  • Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  • Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, repo
  • Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural
  • Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical model
  • Estimate resources, such as production hours, required for projects.
  • Use drone technology to capture high-resolution images and data for map creation and updating.
  • Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measu
  • Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
  • Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
  • Use drone technology to capture aerial images or videos for creating detailed and accurate maps.
  • Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
  • Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analys
  • Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
  • Develop protocols and procedures for planning and executing drone-based remote sensing missions to ensure they comply with standards and requirements.

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging softwareDocument management softwareMap creation softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareDesktop publishing softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareWord processing softwareCharting softwareProject management softwareData base management system software

Tools

Computer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer serversDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersGlobal positioning system GPS receiversLaptop computersLarge-format plottersLaser facsimile machinesLight detection and ranging LIDAR systemsMainframe computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipmentAerial imagery mapping-grade global positioning systems GPSAnalytical stereoplottersAutomatic levelsColor digital camera systemsColor inkjet plottersCompassesDigital camcordersDigital image printersDividersDrafting instrumentsDrafting machinesFilm processors and editorsFrench curves3D laser scanning systemsAlidades

Work Values

AchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionSupportRelationships
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians15-1299.02
  • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists17-1021.00
  • Surveying and Mapping Technicians17-3031.00
  • Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists19-2099.01
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: emerging (Level 1)(based on Short-Term Certificate)

  • GIS data entry tasks — execute using keyboard input, manual digitizing, and coordinate geometry under direct supervision in a municipal or environmental office setting.
  • Existing GIS databases — update and maintain basic records following established protocols and data standards on an entry-level technician team.
  • Incoming spatial datasets — review for obvious errors, missing attributes, and formatting inconsistencies using checklist-based quality control procedures.
  • Basic map layers — produce using standard GIS software templates and predefined symbology under close guidance from a senior technician.
  • Scanned paper maps and tabular data — convert to digital vector formats using semi-automated tools with supervisor review before final submission.
  • GIS hardware and software applications — operate at a foundational level to open, view, and navigate spatial datasets in a desktop GIS environment.
  • Technical documentation and data dictionaries — read and apply to ensure correct attribute entry and layer naming conventions on assigned projects.
  • Simple spatial queries — run using database user interface tools to retrieve and display specific geographic features for routine information requests.
  • Colleagues and supervisors — communicate clearly about data discrepancies or workflow questions using active listening and concise verbal reporting.
  • Basic coordinate systems and projections — identify and apply correctly when importing or exporting datasets in a supervised GIS workflow.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate
Not reported
Placement Rate
Not reported