COD offers new Geographic Information Systems certificate

College of DuPage is offering a new Geographic Information Systems certificate that will provide skills in geographic analysis and mapmaking.

While the College has offered GIS courses for more than a decade, recent increases in both enrollment and interest led to the development of the six-course, 18-credit hour certificate.

“We want this program to be more than just technical,” said Joel Quam, professor of Geography. “We're providing our students with real-life skills.”

GIS uses computer software and geographic ideas to evaluate, analyze and store information. Joe Adduci, adjunct professor who teaches GIS classes at College of DuPage, said GIS provides a way for business and government entities to analyze data that could not be done in the past.

“For example, water companies are placing their entire systems in relational GIS databases, so they know the historical work on lines, where line breaks have occurred in the past and any trends they are seeing,” he said. “Now, instead of reacting to situations, they can be proactive in how they monitor and maintain systems. As a result, they are running more efficiently.

“This is the type of information that can be hard to explain to someone. So when a long-time employee leaves, all of the data that's in his or her head is lost. The GIS systems give everyone access to that data.”

Many businesses and government agencies use GIS in their daily operations, Quam said. Two examples are package delivery companies, which use the information to determine delivery routes that maximize time and resources, and fast-food companies, which use GIS to determine franchise placement based upon other franchise and supplier locations.

“The average citizen may not know that these companies are using GIS,” Quam said. “Yet even in a tough economy, the ability to show value and cost-savings is important.”

The six courses that comprise the new certificate are Geography 1151, Geographic Information Systems I; Geography 1152, Geographic Information Systems II; Geography 1153, Applied GIS; Geography 1154, Geodatabase Development; Geography 1155, GIS Capstone Project; and Geography 1140, Urban Geography.

Adduci said GIS is a growing field, and more people need to acquire these skills.

“If you're the person who has GIS knowledge, it's going to make you valuable,” he said. “That's why my classes are filled. Most of my students are working professionals who are all learning new skills or changing careers.”

For information on this certificate, call (630) 942-8831 or (630) 942-3143 or e-mail quamjoel@cod.edu.