Courses at COGS
This page lists the courses I completed and software used to obtain my GIS Graduate Certificate at NSCC COGS (2022-2023).
First term
September 2022 - December 2022
GDAA - 1000: Fundamentals of Spatial Data Analytics
Develop spatial data analytics workflows according to the standards outlined in the Analytics Solutions Unified Method for Data Mining/Predictive Analytics (ASUM-DM) model.
Conduct exploratory data analysis on geospatial data using descriptive statistics.
Generate accurate, informative and scalable data visualizations following the Google Material Design guidelines for visual, motion and interactive design.
Use Machine Learning models to solve real-world problems and validate results using industry standard tools and techniques.
Disseminate results and documentation using industry standard tools and techniques.
Introduced to programming in R
PROG - 5000: Programming Fundamentals for Geographic Sciences
Design efficient programmatic solutions using basic programming logic structures.
Develop documentation reports for coding applications utilizing guidelines provided by faculty
Optimize code by identifying and correcting programming errors utilizing simple testing and debugging techniques.
Utilize spatial data in programming applications at an introductory level.
Present effective websites using basic web language structures.
Introduced to Python, HTML, CSS.
Use of Idle, VS Code, QGIS software.
REMS - 5001: Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
Explain principles of electromagnetic energy and spectral reflectance as they apply to digital image acquisition and interpretation.
Contrast remote sensing platforms in terms of their utilization in geomatics applications.
Create digital image products using industry leading remote sensing software to given junior-level technical specifications.
Use of ArcGIS Pro & Catalyst Professional software.
GISY - 5003: Spatial Database Management
Design a database for spatial and non-spatial data based on the relational database model.
Build a relational database from a database model using data definition language commands.
Maintain a relational database using data manipulation language commands.
Query a relational database using the select command.
Manage spatial data in a spatial object-relational database system
Use of PostgreSQL & QGIS software.
GISY - 5004: Fundamentals of GIS
Apply basic GIS concepts using geomatics data available in formats used in various industry niches.
Process point, line, polygon and raster data to create high-quality maps and reports according to industry standards.
Identify issues of data quality in the analysis process as applicable to the geomatics industry.
Utilize GIS analytical tools commonly employed by the GIS industry, to solve real-world problems.
Perform spatial exploratory data analysis utilizing guidelines provided by faculty.
Use of ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
GEOM - 5005: Geodesy, GPS and Geosensors
Differentiate between various spatial-reference systems as appropriate, and to given project requirements.
Transform between various spatial-reference systems using industry standardized transformation methods.
Investigate how various geosensor technologies are used to support spatial data initiatives.
Utilize geosensor technology to acquire geospatial data using industry standard practices.
Explain principles of datums and map projections as applicable to the geomatics industry.
Use of GPS-H software.
Second term
January 2023 - April 2023
GDAA - 2040: Spatial Analysis and Geostatistics
Use appropriate spatial analysis tools to meet need as defined by instructor.
Analyze spatial patterns and geographical distributions utilizing industry standard GIS software tools.
Use geostatistical tools to predict and estimate errors following technological standards.
Create probability maps for continuous GIS features for specific applications as used in the GIS industry.
Choose the most appropriate spatial analysis and geostatistical tool for a given project.
Advanced use of ArcGIS Pro.
GISY - 6020: Advanced GIS
Interact with geographic information management issues
Operate GIS software using an industry-standard package at an advanced level
Perform batch processing by developing geoprocessing models as applicable to the GIS industry
Advanced use of ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (Field Maps, Story Maps, Survey 123, QuickCapture, Dashboards).
Use of Oracle databases within ArcGIS Pro.
GISY - 6021: Information Systems
Introduction to Oracle Cloud
Database creation and management within Oracle
Advanced query operations
Introduction to PL SQL, Oracle Apex and Python within Oracle.
Use of Oracle within QGIS.
REMS - 6023: Advanced Digital Image Processing (Elective #1)
Introduction to Google Earth Engine.
Use of Python within Catalyst PCI for raster analysis.
Introduction to indices and band ratios.
Use of Bentley software for photogrammetry.
Use of ArcGIS Pro for map creation, image processing and deep learning.
REMS - 6085: LiDAR Systems and Processing (Elective #2)
Explain the operational characteristics of LiDAR instruments and platforms commonly used in the remote sensing industry.
Perform calibration, classification and assessment of LiDAR data as applicable to the remote sensing industry
Apply quantitative and qualitative methods for quality assurance and accuracy assessment of LiDAR data and derived products according to industry standards.
Use of MicroStation and Global Mapper Pro software.
REMS - 6090: LiDAR Applications (Extra Class)
Apply LiDAR data processing and analysis methods to solve real-world problems commonly encountered in the remote sensing industry.
--- 3D modelling, solar radiation mapping, flood simulation mapping, forestry change detection
Use of Global Mapper Pro and ArcGIS Pro (including Model Builder) for LiDAR data processing, analysis and presentation.
Third term
May 2023
6400: Capstone Research Project
Find or create project and submit proposal
Complete project and produce a formal report
Give a formal presentation of project
Complete portfolio
Overall Average at COGS: 88.4% (not including GISY - 6400 Capstone Research Project)
Overall Average at Lakehead University: 86.1%
Geomatics Software Used at COGS (and beyond)
Software provided for course work:
ArcGIS Pro v2.9.5
--- Includes 2D, 3D maps, layouts, model builder, scripting, raster functions, geoprocessing tools, animations, numerous extensions
ArcGIS Online
--- Includes other Esri applications such as Field Maps, Survey123, QuickCapture, Story Maps, Dashboards, Experience Builder
Global Mapper Pro
GPS-H (desktop and online)
Bentley Systems
---- Includes MicroStation, Terra Scan, Terra Match, Context Capture,
PostgreSQL
Oracle
--- includes Oracle Cloud, PL SQL, Oracle Apex
Catalyst Professional
--- includes Focus, OrthoEngine
Google
--- includes Google Earth Engine, Google Earth Pro, Google Sites
Microsoft
--- includes Word, Powerpoint, Outlook, Sharepoint, Teams, Excel
RStudio (for R, R markdown)
Orange (for data visualization)
Idle (for Python)
Visual Studio Code (for HTML, CSS, Python, SQL)
Notepad++
Other software used for projects not provided by COGS:
Adobe Lightroom (Image processing)
Adobe Premiere Pro (Video editing)
DaVinci Resolve (Video editing)
OBS Studio (Video editing, recording)
ArcGIS Enterprise (within my Capstone Project)
Software used since graduating (as of November, 2023):
Adobe After Effects (Video editing and animation)
Adobe Photoshop (Image processing & creation)
MaxEnt (Phillips et al. 2006)
Zotero (Research management)
Agisoft (Image processing)
More advanced Google Earth Engine application
Drone2Map (Drone data processing- used within Esri MOOC)
Dji Fly & Litchi (Drone flight planning & operation)
** I now use ArcGIS Pro v3.2