GIS/Geographic Information Systems
Careers related to digital mapping
and land surveying have developed into the fast-growing employment sector of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The core of GIS is the global positioning
system which gives GIS technicians a variety of geographical information
resources allowing them to manipulate data based on a series of "what if"
scenarios. Data from demographic information: population statistics, street
addresses, phone numbers, and land characteristics can be entered into a GIS
database and extracted in the form of digital maps. These maps can be used
to identify land development patterns, for market analysis, crime statistics,
and a host of other digital reports.
Employers of GUS professionals include: government agencies, engineering and
design firms, environmental firms, health care offices, sales bases businesses,
and finance industries. National projections indicate that need for trained GIS
professionals is increasing. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics website does
not provide specific information on GIS Technicians, related statistics on
Surveyors, Cartographers, and Science technicians who use GIS Technology note
that employment in related fields is expected to increase 10 to 20 percent
annually.
If you are considering becoming a GIS professional, there is no better place to
begin your academic preparation. Lansing Community College provides a Geographic
Information Systems (GIS)/Geospatial Technologies Program that will start as the
catalyst for a successful career. This Applied Science Associate Degree Program
gives students a dynamic package of course offerings from the basic principles
of GIS, Global Positioning Systems, and Technical Writing to Landscape Ecology,
Environmental Resource Management and Landform and Soil Systems. Classroom
lectures, coupled with the critical training on industry-standard software and
computer hardware, make the LCC program one of the best in the region. Many of
our program students are hired before completing the program.
Courses are offered throughout the year. Many are offered in the evening or at
times that adhere to a flexible schedule. Spring semester begins in January,
summer semester begins in June, and fall classes begin in August.
We want you in our classroom next semester. If you need direction on how to
begin at LCC, let us know what you need to get started. We have got a place
waiting for you in the classroom that can lead to a great career. For specific
information about our Geographic Information Systems Program,
contact us online today.
Design and Construction Technologies
West Campus, Room M103
Phone: (517) 483-5338
Additional contact information »