Program Overview

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) (TU5405)

Overview

This Level 8 one-year programme provides a sound theoretical and practical foundation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The module comprises lectures and complimentary laboratory practical exercises using industry-standard software.

Programme Details

Course Title

CPD Cert in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

TU Code

TU5405

NFQ Level

Level 8

Award Type

Special Purpose

Award

CPD Cert (10 ECTS credits)

Duration

1 Year

Course Type

CPD, Undergraduate

Mode of Study

Part Time

Method of Delivery

Blended

Commencement Date

September 2025

Location

Bolton Street

Fees

€1,275

Programme Description

The aim is to provide the learner with the necessary technical, analytical, and administrative expertise to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all types of geographical data required for assisting in making informed evidence-based decisions.

Minimum Entry Requirements

As a continuing professional development certificate, this is aimed at individuals who are ideally but not necessarily working in GIS or a related industry and require development of skills in this area. Candidates will normally hold an existing qualification at Level 5 (Leaving Certificate) or higher.

Course Content

• Overview GIS: Components of a GIS, historical development and evolution of GIS, capabilities and applications of GIS.
• Data Models: Concept of a data model - object/field models, vector and raster. Development of a data model in GIS - Cad, Geo-relational and Geodatabase models, concept of topology.
• Cartographic Design and thematic mapping: Create thematic maps and produce a layout for publishing maps and visualisations in ArcGIS online (AGOL) or printing maps.
• Database technology: System analysis and database design process - data modelling, Entity Relationship Diagrams and relational model. Database construction and operation - forms, reports and querying.
• Spatial analysis and modelling: Classification, generalisation, retrieval and querying. Spatial operations (overlay, buffering, proximity, etc.). Raster data structures, algorithms and analysis. Surface and terrain analysis.
• Spatial data management: Spatial data sources. Web services and open data portals for accessing spatial data from authoritative and volunteered mapping sources. Data quality and error modelling.
• Data acquisition: Co-ordinate reference systems. GNSS. Introduction to remote sensing and photogrammetry.
• GIS Lab (continuing coursework & assessment).

Schedule

3 hour sessions on 1 evening per week (usually Tuesday). This programme is delivered as a HyFlex course to enable flexible participation for students who have the choice of attending either in person or online/remotely.