Geographic Information Science is a multidisciplinary inquiry into the effective use of geographic data, systems, and methods to inform decision-making concerning diverse aspects of human interactions with each other and with the environment. Geographic data are being created by governments, corporations, civil society institutions, and individuals in dizzying quantities and can be applied to the study of problems ranging across many environmental, social, political, and economic topics including but not limited to urban planning, business operations, health planning, community organization, criminology, and ecology.
GIS and cartography skills are in great demand in a wide variety of job markets. Just as spatial data sources such as Google maps, OpenStreetMap and others, have become a part of everyday life for anyone with a computer or a smart phone, so too has the demand grown for GIS literate employees in a huge range of industries. Ability to understand, use, analyze, map and develop online systems for digital geographic data is quickly becoming a core set of skills needed for many professions including planning, marketing, government, policy analysis, and international development, among others. This program will provide a solid training in GIS methods and practical skills for UTSC students.
Geographic Information Science (Minor: Arts)
The Minor Program in Geographic Information Science is designed to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical skills to apply GIS methods, tools, and data in their research and practical problem solving. Learning to work with geographic information systems and explain results obtained using them will also strengthen your abilities to work with, understand, and explain empirical evidence. Students enrolled in the Minor program will take courses that include: