Geographic Information Systems
9 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GISG 104 Geographic Information Science and Spatial Reasoning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasis is placed on the fundamental concepts of GIS. Topics include an overview of cartography, remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS) as well as GIS data sources, implementation steps, spatial analysis, and applications in government and business. Students are provided the hands-on experience required to visualize information and identify spatial patterns. This course is designed for all students interested in GIS and for professionals who want to know how to use GIS to better understand and analyze geographic data in their field.
GISG 110 Introduction to Mapping and Geographic Information Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a practical study of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasis is placed on the use of ArcGIS software to map, analyze, and model geographic information relevant to fields such as forestry, economics, cartography, city planning, and health. Topics include map making, GIS data creation and management, and map projections and coordinate systems. This course is designed for students majoring in geographic information systems and professionals in the field who want to update their skills.
GISG 111 Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GISG 110 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is designed for students who possess a basic background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Learning in this course focuses on cartographic principles of map design, production, and evaluation through the application of hands-on activities using ArcGIS software. Topics covered include data acquisition methods used in map production (Global Positioning Systems/GPS, scanning, and georeferencing of data); spatial analysis techniques (using geoprocessing); and GIS project planning techniques. Cartographic tools and enhancements such as map layout, symbology, and labeling are emphasized. Students will apply project management skills to a class project.
GISG 112 Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GISG 111 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course teaches intermediate geographic information systems (GIS) concepts and spatial analysis techniques, focusing on raster data and surfaces. Emphasis is placed on hands-on exercises using GIS software and on the functionality of GIS as an effective tool for modeling and analyzing complex GIS surfaces. This course is intended for students earning a certificate or degree in GIS and/or for GIS professionals who wish to gain more experience with spatial analysis and working with raster data for both 2D and 3D surfaces.
GISG 113 Advanced Geographic Information Systems Applications
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GISG 112 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to advanced topics, techniques, and applications of geographic information systems (GIS) spatial analyses and customizations. Emphasis is placed on using advanced GIS software for spatial analysis, visualization, interpretation, and statistics. Students use real-world data and apply one or more advanced applications to class project analyses to evaluate GIS analysis as a tool in the decision-making process. Students gain a knowledge of, and experience in using, advanced software applications. More advanced class projects may incorporate scripting and modeling. This course is intended for students who have achieved an intermediate level of knowledge and experience in GIS.
GISG 114 Spatial Databases in Geographic Information Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GISG 111 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course focuses on the development and application of spatial database models and processing techniques. Students of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) who wish to gain exposure to emerging data structures and methods via problem-based learning benefit from this course. The course deals with conceptual issues in spatial database development, analysis, display, and designing and creating spatial databases. Students work with a variety of GIS data types and edit GIS data within the geodatabase environment, with emphasis on real-world applications. The class project focuses on the design, creation and use of a geodatabase to solve a problem.
GISG 130 Introduction to Remote Sensing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Advisory
- GISG 111 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to the basics of remote sensing, characteristics of remote sensors, and remote sensing applications in academic disciplines and professional industries. Emphasis is placed on image acquisition and data collection in the electromagnetic spectrum and data set manipulations. This course is designed for geographic information systems (GIS) students interested in imagery analysis.
GISG 131 Introduction to Digital Image Processing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 - 45 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Advisory
- GISG 111 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and GISG 130 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to concepts related to processing, analysis, enhancement, correction, and interpretation of remotely sensed images. Emphasis is placed on photogrammetry, image acquisition, information extraction, scientific visualization and practical applications for geospatial professionals. This course is designed for geographic information systems (GIS) students interested in analysis of remotely sensed images.
GISG 270 Geographic Information Systems Work Experience
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
- Prerequisite
- GISG 111 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a directed field study where students apply classroom instruction to real world Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects in the community. Students arrange for faculty and department chair approval prior to enrolling in work experience Students are supervised by a college faculty member while participating in a short-term work experience/internship program in a business or government agency that uses GIS. Work experience students meet periodically with their assigned faculty member, complete interim reports and present a final report. One unit of credit may be earned for every 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period.