Description
Geography is more than just knowing the names of countries, cities, rivers, mountains, and other features of the Earth. It is the study of the spatial distribution and relationships of the Earth, its people and physical environment. Geographers analyze the relationship between humans and the environment; examine patterns and processes of place; and take a broad perspective to look at current topics such as climate change, global economics, urban diversity and development, immigration, origin and diffusion of disease, and natural resource use. The Geographic approach is applied at different scales, from local to global.
Geographers work with quantitative and qualitative data and use a variety of tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing, and Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) to ask and answer questions about our world. GIS and other spatial analysis tools allow geographers to explore the world in much greater detail, and to study and address complex issues.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Technologies
GIS and Geospatial Technologies are some of the top emerging industries in the 21st century. It combines data, design, technology, and research to create maps and other visualizations that inform decision making and help us understand our world. PCC offers three Geospatial programs: GIS Certificate, Geospatial UAS (Unoccupied Aerial Systems or drones) Specialist Certificate, and Geomatics Associate's of Applied Science.
As modern-day Cartographers, GIS and Geospatial professionals view the world through a spatial lens, think analytically, are technology savvy, and communicate visually through maps. Geospatial tools can be used in predictive modeling of climate change, mapping community services, emergency response planning, and optimizing site selection for business expansion. These are tools that help build better communities.
A diverse range of geospatial skills are covered in our programs including cartography, UAS or drones, global positioning systems (GPS), interactive map design, cultural mapping, data visualization, remote sensing and imagery analysis, programming and automation, surveying, and Geospatial applications.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Geomatics
Less Than One-Year Certificate
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geospatial UAS Specialist
Academic Prerequisites
- WR 115 or IRW 115 or equivalent placement.
- RD 115 or IRW 115 or equivalent placement.
- MTH 58 or MTH 60 or equivalent placement.
Academic Requirements
- None
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Geomatics AAS Degree
Minimum 98 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. Math/computation competency is met through the math course(s) required in the program of study. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Geomatics Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CCET 140 | Introduction to Civil & Construction Drafting | 3 |
| or CADD 126 | Introduction to AutoCAD | |
| CCET 210 | Introduction to Surveying | 4 |
| CCET 220 | Computer Applications for Surveying | 3 |
| CCET 230 | Intermediate Surveying | 4 |
| CIS 125D | Database Application Development I | 4 |
| CIS 122 | Introduction to Programming Logic | 4 |
| GEO 170 | Maps and Geospatial Concepts * | 4 |
| or CCET 100 & CCET 110 | Civil Engineering Construction Overview and Plan Reading | |
| GEO 223 | GPS Theory and Design | 4 |
| GEO 240 | Cartographic Principles and Applications | 4 |
| GEO 242 | GIS Programming | 5 |
| GEO 244 | Interactive Map Design | 4 |
| GEO 246 | Remote Sensing and Image Analysis | 4 |
| GEO 248 | Fundamentals of Drone Operations | 4 |
| or UAS 101 & UAS 102 | UAS Pilot Test Prep and UAS Flight Operations | |
| GEO 252 | Geospatial Modeling with Drones | 4 |
| GEO 254 | Geospatial Modeling with Drones II | 4 |
| GEO 260 | Boundary Surveys & Maps | 4 |
| GEO 265 | Intro to GIS & Mapping Techniques | 4 |
| GEO 266 | GIS Analysis | 4 |
| GEO 267 | Geospatial Applications | 4 |
| or GEO 280A | CE: Geography | |
| GEO 270 | Creating a Map Portfolio | 1 |
| MTH 111 | Precalculus I: Functions (MTH111=MTH111Z) (or any mathematics course for which MTH 111 is a prerequisite) Z | 4 |
| MTH 112 | Precalculus II: Trigonometry (MTH112=MTH112Z) (or any mathematics course for which MTH 112 is a prerequisite) Z | 4 |
| WR 121 | Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) (or any writing course for which WR 121 is a prerequisite) Z | 4 |
| WR 227 | Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z | 4 |
| General Education: 2 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 98 | |
- *
Could be used as General Education
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
MTH 111 and MTH 111Z
MTH 112 and MTH 112Z
WR 121 and WR 121Z
WR 227 and WR 227Z
Less Than One-Year Certificates
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geospatial UAS Specialist
Geographic Information Systems Less Than One-Year Certificate
Minimum 41 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.
Course of Study1
The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| GEO 170 | Maps and Geospatial Concepts | 4 |
| GEO 265 | Intro to GIS & Mapping Techniques | 4 |
| GIS Elective | 4 | |
| Geography Elective | 4 | |
| Second Term | ||
| GEO 266 | GIS Analysis | 4 |
| GIS Elective | 8 | |
| Technical Elective | 4 | |
| Third Term | ||
| GEO 267 or GEO 280A | Geospatial Applications or CE: Geography | 4 |
| GEO 270 | Creating a Map Portfolio | 1 |
| GIS Elective | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
- 1
Electives can be distributed throughout the year in a variety of ways, not just the way it is listed above. Students can start the GIS Certificate any term during the year although some GIS-specific classes have limited offerings. It is highly recommended that you talk to the GIS Certificate Program adviser to plan your coursework.
Geographic Information Systems Certificate GIS Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO 221 | Mapping Cultural Landscapes | 4 |
| GEO 223 | GPS Theory and Design | 4 |
| GEO 240 | Cartographic Principles and Applications | 4 |
| GEO 242 | GIS Programming | 5 |
| GEO 244 | Interactive Map Design | 4 |
| GEO 246 | Remote Sensing and Image Analysis | 4 |
| GEO 248 | Fundamentals of Drone Operations | 4 |
| GEO 252 | Geospatial Modeling with Drones | 4 |
| GEO 254 | Geospatial Modeling with Drones II | 4 |
| GEO 280A | CE: Geography | 4 |
Geographic Information Systems Certificate Geography Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO 105 | Human Geography | 4 |
| GEO 106 | World Regional Geography | 4 |
| GEO 110 | The Natural Environment | 4 |
| GEO 202 | Geography of Europe | 4 |
| GEO 204 | Geography of Middle East | 4 |
| GEO 206 | Geography of Oregon | 4 |
| GEO 209 | Climate Change and Human Systems | 4 |
| GEO 212 | Geography of Global Issues | 4 |
| GEO 215 | Geography of Latin America | 4 |
| GEO 230 | Geography of Race & Ethnicity | 4 |
| GEO 250 | Geography of Africa | 4 |
| GEO 298 | Independent Study: Geography | 4 |
Geographic Information Systems Certificate Technical Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BA 216A | Data Analytics with Excel and Tableau | 4 |
| CADD 126 | Introduction to AutoCAD | 3 |
| CCET 140 | Introduction to Civil & Construction Drafting | 3 |
| CIS 122 | Introduction to Programming Logic | 4 |
| CIS 125D | Database Application Development I | 4 |
| CIS 133W | JavaScript for Web Developers | 4 |
| CIS 195H | HTML and CSS | 4 |
| CIS 275 | Data Modeling and SQL Introduction | 4 |
| CIS 277A | Data Analytics | 4 |
| STAT 243 | Elementary Statistics I (MTH/STAT243=STAT243Z) Z | 4 |
| WR 227 | Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z | 4 |
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
MTH 243, STAT 243, and STAT 243Z
WR 227 and WR 227Z
Geospatial UAS Specialist Less than One-Year Certificate
Minimum of 12 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.
Geospatial UAS Specialist Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO 248 | Fundamentals of Drone Operations | 4 |
| or UAS 101 & UAS 102 | UAS Pilot Test Prep and UAS Flight Operations | |
| GEO 252 | Geospatial Modeling with Drones | 4 |
| GEO 254 | Geospatial Modeling with Drones II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
GEO 105. Human Geography. 4 Credits.
Introduces key geographic themes of location, place, region, human-environment interaction, and mobility. Includes an examination of spatial patterns of topics such as population, migration, language, religion, culture, cooperation and conflict, natural resources, and political organization. Addresses these topics at varying scales and with respect to their influence on the global landscape. Focuses on current issues and events. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 106. World Regional Geography. 4 Credits.
Examines the human and environmental factors shaping world regions. Includes information on spatial patterns of economic development, natural resources, international trade, population and migration, and cultural landscapes. Analyzes each region as part of the larger global community, with specific emphasis on current issues and trends. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 110. The Natural Environment. 4 Credits.
Examines natural processes that create the diversity of physical landscapes on Earth. Analyzes local, regional, and global impacts of environmental events, climate change, and the connections between human activities and Earth systems. Focuses on atmosphere dynamics, ecosystems, biodiversity, water, and landforms. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS
GEO 170. Maps and Geospatial Concepts. 4 Credits.
Introduces fundamental principles of geography needed to understand the use and interpretation of maps, geospatial technologies, and Geographic Information Systems(GIS). Investigates the role of maps in society and culture, and examines spatial concepts of scale, reference systems, coordinate systems, map projections, data visualization, global positioning systems, land surveying, remote sensing, and digital landscapes. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS
GEO 202. Geography of Europe. 4 Credits.
Introduces the physical and human characteristics of Europe, including the natural environment, population distribution and settlement, cultural coherence and diversity, geopolitical framework, and economic and social development. Analyzes the ways in which humans have arranged politically throughout Europe and the conflicts that take place in this region. Examines the geographical basis of the European economic and political integration. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS
GEO 204. Geography of Middle East. 4 Credits.
Introduces the physical and human characteristics of the Middle East, including the regional and international significance of its geographic location, vital natural resources, and present day geopolitics. Explores the geographical dimensions of population increase, resource use, internal conflicts, external interventions, and contemporary border and territorial disputes in the region. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 206. Geography of Oregon. 4 Credits.
Explores the historical, social, economic, physical, and geographic factors that have contributed to the present Oregon landscape. Delineates the major cultural and physical divisions within Oregon in order to better understand the state's significant diversity. Emphasizes current issues and trends, and places the growth of Oregon into context with regional and national growth patterns. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 209. Climate Change and Human Systems. 4 Credits.
Examines climate change by identifying atmospheric processes, climate types, and trends over time. Focuses on climatic variability, its causes, and the relationship between human activities and climate. Examines humankind as a modifier of climate, and explores adaptations and issues of climate justice. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS
GEO 212. Geography of Global Issues. 4 Credits.
Examines human and environment interaction as they relate to current issues of cultural, economic, and political globalization. Includes issues on global spatial patterns of agricultural production and hunger, economic development and poverty, population and migration, conflict and security, human rights, climate change and environmental justice. Illustrates geographic concepts using local, regional, and global examples. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 215. Geography of Latin America. 4 Credits.
Explores the physical and human processes that create present day Latin America as a distinctive region. Analyzes the impact of colonialism, development, and globalization on the changing physical and cultural landscapes of the region. Covers topics such as social inequality and poverty, Indigenous peoples, population and migration, urbanization, political conflict, climate change, and environmental justice. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 221. Mapping Cultural Landscapes. 4 Credits.
Introduces field research methods in human and cultural geography, as well as applications of geospatial tools to explore local landscapes. Incorporates a variety of field components to engage students in data collection and field observations. Includes research on a local issue, applying field method techniques to collect data, and digital storytelling with maps. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 223. GPS Theory and Design. 4 Credits.
Provides a conceptual overview and hands-on experience with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Includes GPS theory, techniques, and field data collection using various GPS technologies. Covers geodesy, differential correction, precision and accuracy, survey controls, triangulation, vertical positions, data conversions, and creating maps from GPS data. Prerequisite/Concurrent: GEO 265. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 230. Geography of Race & Ethnicity. 4 Credits.
Examines geographic aspects of race and ethnicity, and analyzes their relationship to present day patterns of politics, economics, religion, and nationalism. Includes the changing definitions of race and ethnicity, and demonstrates their role in quality of life and development at local, regional and global scales. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 240. Cartographic Principles and Applications. 4 Credits.
Explores basic cartographic design principles and how to apply them to produce high quality maps using GIS software. Introduces cartographic terminology, principles, and map-making tools. Covers visual representation and communication; how to turn geographic data into effective maps for print and the web; how to critique maps; map design and elements; and color, fonts, labels, and symbols for maps. Prerequisite: GEO 265, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 242. GIS Programming. 5 Credits.
Introduces the fundamentals of computer science in the context of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Covers concepts used in automating mapping procedures, handling different types of data, and building custom functions using ESRI's ArcGIS software platform. Provides opportunities to understand the dynamic inner workings of GIS using Python scripting language. Prerequisite: GEO 265, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 244. Interactive Map Design. 4 Credits.
Introduces interactive and web-based mapping technologies and applications. Develops knowledge and skills to plan, design, develop, and publish custom interactive, web-based maps. Covers how to prepare spatial data and apply cartographic principles to web maps. Prerequisite: GEO 265. Audit available.
GEO 246. Remote Sensing and Image Analysis. 4 Credits.
Introduces theory, methods, and application of remote sensing and image analysis. Includes remotely sensed data acquisition and analysis, aerial photographs and photogrammetry, visual image interpretation, characteristics of various sensing systems, and digital image processing techniques. Prerequisite: GEO 265, and WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 248. Fundamentals of Drone Operations. 4 Credits.
Introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of small drone (a quadcopter weighing less than 5 pounds) operation. Includes history, categories, air frames, ground support equipment, optical systems, operation theory, desktop and mobile applications, mission planning and control for still image and video capture, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Authorization process. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 250. Geography of Africa. 4 Credits.
Explores the physical and human processes that create present day African landscapes. Analyzes the impact of colonialism, development, and globalization on the changing physical and cultural landscapes of the region. Studies topics such as social inequality and poverty, Indigenous peoples, population and migration, urbanization, political conflict, climate change, and environmental justice. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS
GEO 252. Geospatial Modeling with Drones. 4 Credits.
Focuses on data capture with drones for geospatial technology applications. Covers basic and intermediate workflows for using drones with high accuracy and precision GPS to create digitally derived Point Clouds, Digital Terrain Models, Digital Surface Models, 3D objects, and Orthomosaics, with the intent of integrating this data into multiple platforms. Required: Current Part 107 UAS Certificate of Authorization from the FAA or meet course prerequisites. Prerequisites: (GEO 265 and GEO 248) or instructor permission. Audit available.
GEO 254. Geospatial Modeling with Drones II. 4 Credits.
Focuses on high precision drone and terrestrial geospatial modeling. Addresses advanced principles and concepts of the workflow for medium and large sized drones, terrestrial laser scanners, and high accuracy and precision GPS to create digitally derived Point Clouds, Digital Terrain Models, Digital Surface Models, 3D objects, and Orthomosaics with the intent of extracting data for use in multiple platforms. Required: Current Part 107 Certificate of Authorization from the FAA or meet course prerequisites. Prerequisites: (GEO 265 and GEO 252) or instructor permission. Audit available.
GEO 260. Boundary Surveys & Maps. 4 Credits.
Introduces common practices for survey and boundary systems, survey evidence, laws of boundary location, fundamentals of real property, and the Surveyor as a profession. Explores methods to plan and implement boundary surveys, interpret boundary maps, collect field data, and conduct records research. Prerequisites: CCET 210 and GEO 265, or instructor permission, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GEO 265. Intro to GIS & Mapping Techniques. 4 Credits.
Provides an overview of how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and understand the Earth's cultural and physical features through hands-on projects. Introduces fundamental principles of mapping, cartography, creating and working with geospatial data, and asking spatial questions. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS
GEO 266. GIS Analysis. 4 Credits.
Provides a more advanced overview of ArcGIS software and introduces extensions to the main ArcMap interface. Topics include preparing data for analysis, creating and managing databases, geocoding, creating and editing spatial data, and analyzing data using the Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions. Prerequisite: GEO 265; or instructor permission. Audit available.
GEO 267. Geospatial Applications. 4 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to apply geospatial knowledge and skills to a real-world project in a collaborative environment. Focuses on geospatial project design and management, professional code of ethics, and building on skills and techniques acquired in prerequisite courses. Application focus varies. Prerequisite: GEO 266 or instructor permission. Audit available.
GEO 270. Creating a Map Portfolio. 1 Credit.
Provides an overview on the creation and production of print and web portfolios in preparation for employment as Geospatial professionals and/or cartographers. Prerequisite/Concurrent: GEO 267 or GEO 280A. Prerequisites: GEO 266 or instructor permission. Audit available.
GEO 280A. CE: Geography. 1-4 Credit.
Enables students to extend their knowledge of Geography through work in settings which provide learning experiences that are not available in the classroom, but which supplement classroom learning. Under the employer's supervision the student learns to apply classroom theory to actual work situations. Department permission required. Audit available.
GEO 298. Independent Study: Geography. 4 Credits.
Offers individualized study at an advanced level in areas of geography not considered in other courses to meet special interests or program requirements. Requires completion of a term project and readings approved by the instructor. Recommended: prior study of geography. Audit available.