Geographic Information Systems
11 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GIS 120 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- CIT 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces fundamental concepts of geographic information and spatial analysis. Using industry standard geospatial application tools including geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAVs), students perform spatial analysis in various disciplines including but not limited to business, public safety, health, politics, civil engineering, and environmental, social, biological and geological sciences. Students learn how to organize geospatial data; visualize spatial patterns by aggregating numbers by areas, analyzing ratios and proportions, generating scatterplots, qualifying volumes and areas, and performing map algebra; and interpret correlations or suitable locations based on provided or researched criteria.
GIS 130 Field Data Applications for GIS
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students and working professionals an expanded hands-on study on field data collection and methods using various geospatial technology including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and sUAV (small unmanned aerial vehicles) for applications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RMS). Experience in using field data collection enhances GIS technician and analyst employability. Students will research real world applications for public safety, public works, digital humanities and various sciences. This course will include off-campus field trips.
GIS 150 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Procedures and Regulations
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course prepares the student to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test for a Remote Pilot Certificate. Material covers subjects areas in the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test including aerodynamics, aircraft performance, navigation, weather, and aviation regulations. Flight workflow demonstration prepares the student in sUAS operation and flight planning with an overview of trending applications including videography, survey mapping, public safety, and biology.
GIS 220 GIS Applications
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Advisory
- CIT 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers advanced applications of geographic information systems (GIS), including digitizing with topology, georeferencing “as-builts,” and deriving new spatial data by importing computer aided drafting (CAD) drawings. Students learn how to distinguish the difference and value of raster data versus vector data, perform new trends in GIS including processing new raster data with photogrammetry of imagery collected by small unmanned aircraft vehicles (sUAVs), and create mobile applications for field data collection (i.e., fire hydrant inventory). The course may include field trips to industry events and to attend off-campus survey field exercises.
GIS 221 Cartography Design and Geographic Information Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
GIS plays an important role in many disciplines, and improves the understanding of particular kinds of information through visual interpretation. This course is for students who want a better understanding of methods to effectively portray information spatially using conventions of patterns, colors and symbology. Students are introduced to the history of map interpretation, map projections, scales, map accuracy, and layout conventions for publication in reports or large formats at emergency operations center. The course may include field trips for students to visit industry user meetings.
GIS 222 GIS for Civil Engineering and Public Works
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course uses GIS software and cloud services as analytical and informational tools for engineers, maintenance planners, and facility managers to aid in civil engineering, facilities management, systems evaluation, maintenance, and asset management of public works utilities or capital improvement projects. Students perform hydrological and volumetric calculations by using surface models, sizing public works infrastructure based on land use, zoning and population data, and managing large-scale construction projects and public works infrastructure based on asset management and maintenance principles. The course includes data collection workflow using small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV) technology, photogrammetry, and the production of professional web and mobile field data collection applications.
GIS 230 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
Environmental technicians collect, manage, manipulate and interpret environmental data using geographic information systems (GIS). This course will prepare students to integrate spatial technologies and environmental information in various disciplines in environmental technology, biology, planning, landscape architecture, engineering, geology, archaeology, and related fields. Practical GIS exercises engage the student with industry-used technologies including global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, and small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) in activities designed to increase comprehension of the concepts, and skills they need to become marketable in their chosen environmental fields. Possible day field trips are scheduled to visit local industries and for field work.
GIS 280 Geospatial Programming and Web Services
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
Knowledge of a scripting language is a highly desired skill for geographic information system (GIS) technicians. This course teaches how to automate GIS tasks by applying common industry scripting language (e.g., Python or Model Builder). Advanced database management methodologies for spatial data analysis and development of GIS applications will also be covered. Upon completion, students will perform programming fundamentals effectively, providing easier interfaces for end users.
GIS 281 Crime Mapping and Analysis
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- CIT 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
Crime mapping plays an important role in almost any form of crime analysis and can improve our understanding of the important relationships between people, location, time, and crime. As a result, geographic information systems (GIS) has become an essential tool used by crime analysts to discover crime patterns, implement corrective strategies, optimize resource allocation and to develop crime prevention measures. Students will use ArcGIS to analyze crime series, conduct problem analysis, study crime trends, and address deployment issues as they relate to decision making in law enforcement. Students should have a working knowledge of Windows to be successful in this course.
GIS 290 Work Experience Education/Internship for Geographic Information Systems-Related Fields
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 Lecture, 54-216 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GIS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of Geographic Information Systems and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.
GIS 299 Directed Study in Geographic Information Systems
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/ or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take Directed Study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.