Geographical Information Systems


Staff List

Academic Counselor
Ferzeen Sammy
advisor.gge.utm@utoronto.ca

Program Advisor
Matt Adams

 

The Geographical Information Systems program offers an analytical perspective on geographical information, and is applicable to employment in public and private sectors including but not limited to healthcare, urban and transportation planning, natural resource management, and conservation agencies. In-depth studies — beyond basic geography — include mapping, spatial analysis, digital databases with specializations in modelling, statistical analysis and remote sensing.

The Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment offers both BA and BSc programs in Geography, a BSc program in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and it is closely integrated with the spectrum of Environment programs.
The general structure for each program is the foundation course (1st year), the core stream courses (2nd year) and specializations in upper years. The programs, particularly in the first two years, integrate various elements of the human-social-cultural and the biogeophysical traditions with environmental perspectives and analytical methods. After the foundation course(s), students are required to take two courses from their selected core stream and two courses from the other three core streams before they can choose their specialization.

The Geography, Geomatics and Environment curriculum stresses the integrative nature of the discipline as well as the development of skills in geographical information analysis. We expect students to develop the high levels of geographical problem-solving skills required for some of the most dynamic areas of today’s job market. Field studies complement lectures by providing material for workshops, developing skills in geographical information analysis, encouraging student involvement in basic enquiry, and building cooperation.

Geography, Geomatics and Environment has close links with other disciplines and interdisciplinary programs. Students in other fields will find many courses within Geography that complement their interests and expertise. From Literature to Geology, Chemistry to History, Fine Art to Economics, Geography offers new ways of combining and developing knowledge about the environment in which we all live.

Professional Advancement for Geography and Environment Students (PAGES)
The program is based on a series of workshops, career events and related activities designed to help students develop: an awareness of research, career and graduate possibilities; skills required to apply successfully for employment and graduate studies; and personal skills to improve self-confidence and potential within the workplace, professional direction and self-awareness. On successful completion of the program students receive a transcript annotation. Please contact Professor Matthew Adams (md.adams@utoronto.ca) for details on registering for this program.