The Higher Diploma in Geographical Information Systems is a part-time course designed to give you a theoretical understanding of geographical information systems (GIS) and practical hands-on training in key GIS software. The course focuses on developing the skills and knowledge of the participants to enable the effective use of GIS technology in a professional environment. GIS is a fundamental technology for the effective management, manipulation, analysis and display of spatial data. The use of GIS technology has grown rapidly in the past 10 years and the demand for suitably qualified GIS professionals has increased significantly. The course has been designed to ensure that you will acquire the skills and expertise to meet the needs of potential employers.

The Higher Diploma in Geographical Information Systems is taken on a part-time basis over a 10 month period (10 x 3 day seminars). You will take five modules:

 

Year 1 Modules:

• GG5800: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (10 credits)
  The nature of geographical data; data structures; data sources; basic GIS functions and introduction to GIS database features.
• GG5801: Visualisation of Spatial Data (10 credits)
  This module will introduce students to the principles of cartography and visualisation. Emphasis will be placed on the production of effective maps based on established principles of cartographic design. The module will also focus on recent developments in geographic visualisation and the areas of internet mapping and interactive visualisation. Topics covered include projections and scale, cartographic design, symbology and colour, thematic and topographic mapping, 3D mapping and web GIS.
• GG5802: Spatial Analysis and Geographical Information Systems (10 credits)
  The aims and purpose of spatial data analysis; boolean and other forms of logic; spatial autocorrelation; generalisation of spatial and non-spatial data; database querying through SQL; buffering, dissolve-and-merge and data overlay in vector GIS; map algebra and raster data analysis; interpolation and analysis of surfaces.
• GG5803: G.I.S. Software and Systems (10 credits)
  Introduction to and overview of the functions of ArcGIS, MapInfo, Erdas. Practical experience using the leading commercial GIS software. Current and future trends in GIS. Web GIS and customisation.
• GG5804: G.I.S. Research Project (20 credits)
  Students will develop their research proposal in agreement with relevant staff and carry out independent research over a 2 month period.

Assessment for the course is a combination of written exams, continually assessed work and a research project.

The core programme lecturers will be Darius Bartlett and Helen Bradley, from the Department of Geography. A range of guest lecturers from outside the department and the university present specialist sections of the course.

Darius Bartlett: http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/A010/dbartlett 
Helen Bradley: http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/A010/hbradley 

If you have a question about the HDip in GIS, please contact Helen Bradley (Course Coordinator).

Helen Bradley
E: h.bradley@ucc.ie
T: +353 (0)21 490 2920
F: +353 (0)21 4271980