Geographical Information Systems


Staff List

Academic Advisor
Ruhina Shaikh
advisor.gge.utm@utoronto.ca

Program Advisor
Tingting Zhu

 

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.

Geographical Information Systems Programs

Geographical Information Systems - Major (Science)

Geographical Information Systems - Major (Science)

The GIS BSc offers an analytical perspective on geographical information. In-depth studies, beyond basic geography, include mapping, spatial analysis, digital databases with specializations in modeling, statistical analysis and remote sensing.

Completion Requirements:

7.5 credits are required.

First Year (1.0 credit):

  • 1.0 credit at the 100-level

Second Year (2.0 credits):

Third/Fourth Year (4.5 credits):


Note:

Students may take no more than 2.0 credits combined in ROP, individual project courses, or thesis courses at the 300/400 level for credit toward their GIS program. Students must receive permission from Faculty Program Advisor and Academic Counsellor prior to taking GGR courses on other U of T campuses toward their program requirement. No more than 1.0 non-U of T Mississauga credit is accepted in the Geography Specialist program; and no more than 0.5 non-U of T Mississauga credit in the Geography and GIS Major programs. No substitution is allowed for GGR276H5, GGR278H5, GGR321H5, GGR337H5, GGR382H5.



ERMAJ0305

Geographical Information Systems - Minor (Science)

Geographical Information Systems - Minor (Science)

Completion Requirements:

4.0 credits are required.

Second Year: 1.0 credit:

Third/Fourth Year: 3.0 credits


Note:

Students may take no more than 2.0 credits combined in ROP, individual project courses, or thesis courses at the 300/400 level for credit toward their GIS program. Students must receive permission from Faculty Program Advisor and Academic Counsellor prior to taking GGR courses on other U of T campuses toward their program requirement. No more than 1.0 non-U of T Mississauga credit is accepted in the Geography Specialist program; and no more than 0.5 non-U of T Mississauga credit in the Geography and GIS Major programs. No substitution is allowed for GGR276H5, GGR278H5, GGR321H5, GGR337H5, GGR382H5


ERMIN0305

Geographical Information Systems Courses

GGR276H5 • Spatial Data Science I

Introduction to the study of geographical phenomena using descriptive and inferential statistics. Fundamentals of geographic data and statistical problem solving using non-spatial and spatial descriptive statistics. Decision making using evidence gathered from inferential statistical analysis. Graphical summary, geographic visualization and mapping of analytical results. Application of state of the art software for statistical analysis. Provides background for future studies in geographic information systems and advanced statistical analysis. The course strikes a balance between developing an understanding of core non-spatial and spatial statistical concepts, while demonstrating technical proficiency in the application of software to the study of geographical questions.

Prerequisites: 4.0 credits
Exclusions: GGR270H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR278H5 • Geographical Information Systems

Introduction to models of representation and management of geographical data for scientific analysis. Basic quantitative methods and techniques for geographic data analysis, including collection, manipulation, description and interpretation. Practical exercises using GIS and statistical software packages with examples drawn from both physical and human geography.

Prerequisites: 4.0 credits

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR311H5 • Landscape Biogeography

A geographical, multi-scale perspective on the relationship between the physical landscape and the distribution, movement, dispersal, and abundance of select animal species. Landscape measures including (but not limited to) fragmentation indices, habitat metrics, and estimates of animal movement will be considered. Emphasis is placed on understanding the biology of the species being studied, the physical structure of the landscape, and the intricacies of various modeling software. Students should expect to develop a well-rounded set of skills in analyzing animal movement, and producing relevant and usable results towards the management of varied landscapes and the conservation of species.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR321H5 • Geographic Information Processing

Problem solving using geographic information systems (GIS). Essential distributed computing aspects of GIS are presented. Among topics covered are the use of logic in spatial analysis, line-of-sight analysis, route selection, site selection, and landscape analysis. Hands-on assignments are emphasized.

Prerequisites: 8.5 credits and GGR278H5
Recommended Preparation: GGR276H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR322H5 • GIS and Population Health

The purpose of this course will be to develop an appreciation for the conceptual and methodological intersections that exist between geographical information systems and population health. While population health can include incidence and prevalence of disease and ill-health, as well as concerns about service provision, this course will focus mainly on disease, injury, illness more broadly. The course will include both lectures, where foundational concepts will be introduced and related to practical lab sessions, where students will gain experience using GIS to map and study health information. Topics will include: spatial databases for population health, mapping health data, analyzing the spatial clustering of disease and/or injury, mapping and analyzing environmental and social risk factors.

Prerequisites: (8.5 credits and GGR278H5) or permission of instructor
Recommended Preparation: GGR276H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science, Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR335H5 • Remote Sensing Applications

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the various ways in which remote sensing images have been used for environmental applications among the sectors of government, industry, and academia. A part of the course will be devoted to application projects employing remote sensing and spatial data analysis in natural resources and environmental assessments.


Prerequisites: 8.5 credits and (GGR276H5 or GGR278H5 or GGR337H5)

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR337H5 • Environmental Remote Sensing

This introductory course emphasizes mastering fundamental remote sensing concepts and utilizing remotely sensed data for monitoring land resources and environmental change. Topics include surface-energy interactions, sensor systems, image interpretation, and applications for examining soil, vegetation and water resources. Upon completion of this course, students should have the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue more advanced work in digital image processing and remote sensing applications.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits
Exclusions: GGR337H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class, Online (Summer only)

GGR338H5 • Environmental Modeling

An application of environmental models to contemporary problems of decision-making. The course demonstrates the relevance of techniques of data management (statistics, computer systems) to issues facing Canada and the global community. 

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits including GGR276H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR370H5 • The Geography of Transportation

Transportation is an integral aspect of our daily lives and plays a key role in shaping the economy and the environment. Through this course, students will explore the geography of transportation. Topics will include, mobility and accessibility, transportation networks and flows, Geographic Information Systems in Transport (GIS-T), planning and policy, environmental and human health impacts, and other current issues.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits including GGR278H5
Exclusions: GGR424H1
Recommended Preparation: GGR276H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR372H5 • Geographical Analysis of Land Resources

This course focuses on the nature of land resources information and its analysis. Emphasis is on use of geographic information systems to model and analyze a variety of land resources. Topics such as terrain analysis and interpolation will be covered.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits including GGR278H5 or permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR376H5 • Spatial Data Science II

This course builds on quantitative methods introduced in GGR276, and aims to provide a broad study of advanced statistical methods and their use in a spatial context in physical, social, and environmental sciences. The course covers theories, methods, and applications geared towards helping students develop an understanding of the important theoretical concepts in spatial data analysis, and gain practical experience in application of spatial statistics to a variety of physical, social and environmental problems using advanced statistical software.

Prerequisites: (9.0 credits including GGR276H5 or STA256H5) or permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR381H5 • Spatial Database

Students will gain basic knowledge of spatial database design, implementation, query, and sharing. Playing with real-world datasets, students will create, edit, and manage geospatial databases using a variety of commercial and open-source software such as ArcGIS and PostgreSQL.

Prerequisites: GGR278H5 or CSC263H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR382H5 • Digital Mapping and Principles of Cartography

This course will cover foundational concepts in mapmaking (cartography) using geographical information systems (GIS). The course will also explore map rendering in the digital and mobile worlds where the power of geography and cartography are leveraged through development of location based services used increasingly in everyday life. Topics covered will include but are not limited to: coordinate systems and map projections, measurement and classification, making maps using GIS, critical appraisal of mapped information. The course will combine lectures with practical sessions where foundational concepts will be applied using GIS and related technologies and software.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits including GGR278H5
Exclusions: GGR272H5
Recommended Preparation: GGR276H5 and STA256H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science, Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR437H5 • Cloud-based Image Analysis

This course builds on the fundamental remote sensing concepts, techniques, and applications introduced in GGR337H5, and aims to provide an advanced study of digital image processing and remote sensing applications. In specific, this course will use a cloud-based platform for large-scale analysis of satellite imagery, including mapping ground features, detecting changes, and identifying trends on the Earth's surface.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including GGR337H5 or permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR440H5 • Drone Remote Sensing

Industries from agriculture through to defense and mining are investing in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology to support operational and strategic objectives. This course will cover the adoption of UAV technologies as a remote sensing tool and the impact of logistical, regulatory, and technical hurdles on UAV technology now and in the future. Through the course, students will gain the knowledge requirements to operate a UAV following Transport Canada guidelines and develop skills in processing UAV imagery into information assets that support applications where high resolution, spatial accuracy, and high detail is required.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including GGR337H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR442H5 • GIS Capstone Project

Students apply prerequisite knowledge and techniques to real-world GIS projects requested by external partners. Through background research, proposal, data management, and implementation, students develop GIS professional competencies, which will be demonstrated through collaboration, presentations and reports.

Prerequisites: 12.0 credits including (GGR276H5 or STA256H5) and GGR278H5 and (1.0 credit from GGR321H5 or GGR335H5 or GGR337H5 or GGR376H5 or GGR381H5 or GGR382H5 or GGR463H5) or permission of instructor.

Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR444H5 • Space Time Data Analysis

This course is designed for senior undergraduate students in a workshop format with a specific focus on application. Topics include space-time data collection, processing, analysis, and visualization. Widely used space-time analysis tools and newly developed data mining techniques will be introduced and discussed with examples and hands-on practices in the class. With practical experience on real-world space-time datasets, students will learn the basic knowledge and various tools for analyzing spatiotemporal datasets. The course encompasses practical instruction and training in ArcGIS Pro to use multiple public available space-time datasets. The primary outcome for students taking this course will be an independent analysis of a substantial space-time dataset, a formal report of the analysis, and a professional oral presentation.

Prerequisites: 13.5 credits and GGR321H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR463H5 • Geographic Information Analysis and Processing

This course focuses on the digital representation and analysis of geospatial phenomena using open source software. Class discussions cover the foundational methods, algorithms, and scripting languages used in GIS analysis, which are reinforced in lab using current, widely used open source software. The course is structured as a series of modules that culminate in a final project. Students are encouraged to incorporate individual areas of interest into class discussion and assignments. Successful students will broaden their GIS toolset, increasing the flexibility of their work.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including GGR321H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

GGR494H5 • Special Topics in GIS

(Formerly GGR394H5) Studies of selected topics in Geographic Information Systems not covered in regular courses. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits or permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

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