GIS/Geospatial Technology Program

Careers related to digital mapping and land surveys have developed into the fast-growing employment sector of geographic information systems (GIS). The core of GIS is the global positioning system which gives GIS technicians a variety of information allowing them to manipulate data based on a series of “what if” scenarios. Data from demographic information as population statistics, street addresses, phone numbers and land characteristics can be entered into a GIS database and extracted in the form of digital maps to identify land development patterns, market analyses, crime statistics maps, and a host of other digital reports.

Employers including governmental agencies, engineering and design firms, and environmental firms employ professionals with GIS expertise. National projections indicate that need for trained professionals is increasing. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site doesn’t provide specific information on GIS technicians, related listings as surveyors, cartographers, and surveying technicians who use GIS technology note that employment in such fields is expected to increase 10 to 20 percent through 2010.

If you’re considering entering the field of GIS, there is no better place to begin than with the academic preparation Lansing Community College provides within the Geographic Information Systems/Geospatial Technology Program. This applied science associate degree program gives students a dynamic package of course offerings from the basic principles of GIS, global positioning systems and technical writing to landscape ecology, environmental resource management and landforms and soil system. Classroom lectures coupled with the critical practical training on industry-standard software and computer hardware make the LCC program one of the best in the region. Many of our program students are hired before completing the program.

Courses are offered throughout the year. Many are offered evenings as well as days to accommodate your schedule. Spring semester begins in January, summer semester begins in June and fall classes begin in August.

We want you in our classroom next semester. If you need direction on how to begin at LCC, let us know what’s on your mind and what you need to get started. We’ve got a place waiting for you in the classroom that can lead you to a great career start. For specific information about our Geographic Information Systems Program, contact us online today.

Geospatial Technology Programs (GIS)
2007 Advisory Board

Career Facts
GIS/Geospatial Technology Program

What They Do:
Geographic Resource and Environmental Technology combines computer technology, mapping technologies, aerial photography, and satellite imagery with the most current environmental resource management and environmental analysis software. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technicians work with computer drafting, design, database management, graphic design, and computer analysis of these various instruments. GIS technicians are employed with engineering and design firms, state and federal agencies, environmental firms, parks and recreation departments, and with municipalities and local government units.

Environmental technology requirements include a working knowledge of natural systems and related regulations and their assessment, planning, restoration, and management. Environmental technicians perform laboratory and field tests to monitor environmental resources and determine the contaminants and sources of pollution. They may collect samples for testing or be involved in abating, controlling, or remediating sources of environmental pollutants.

Who Would Enjoy It:
An individual in this field should enjoy working with geography based information. They should enjoy computer technology as well as technologies related to satellite imagery and global positioning systems. The application areas of this field are widely ranging from business applications to natural resources to health careers, so one must enjoy working in one of these fields. Environmental technicians perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations, so someone in this field must enjoy an outdoor work atmosphere.

What They Earn:
Starting hourly salaries range from $9.00 to $19.00 dollars per hour. Students with an Associate’s two year degree may earn a starting salary of about $30,000 to $35,000 a year. This is an exploding field with many opportunities thus one’s salary will increase depending on one’s experience and the specialty which they are working in.

How Many Jobs Available:
Employment of science technicians is expected to increase about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2008. However, this is a relatively new field which has many career options, thus allowing more variance for opportunities. Although the overall outlook tends to be about average, job opportunities are expected to be very good for qualified graduates of Environmental and Science technician training programs or applied science technology programs, who are well trained on equipment used in industrial and government laboratories as well as different production facilities.

How Much Schooling, Training, or Skill Development:
Individuals can start positions with only a few computer based classes many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an Associate’s degree in applied science or science-related technology. Because employers’ preferences vary, however, some employees may prefer a Bachelor’s degree. Many technical and community colleges offer Associate’s degrees in a specific technology or a more general education in science, computers and mathematics. A number of 2-year Associate degree programs are designed to provide easy transfer to a 4-year college or university, thus allowing one to build upon their education as job requirements increase.

Related Occupations:
Landscape Architecture and Precision Agriculture
 

Faculty / Staff Members
GIS/Geospatial Technology Program

 

		JaNice Marshall, Department Chair pittsmoj@lcc.edu 517/483-5338
		Jim Lynch, Professor Program Coordinator  and Academic Advisor lynchj@lcc.edu 517/483-1335
		Stephanie Palagyi, TC Support palags@lcc.edu 517/483-5338
		Gary Bilow, Faculty
		bilowg@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Gilbert Chesbro, Faculty
		chesbrog@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Kurt Cunningham, Faculty
		cunnink2@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Jane Knapp,  Faculty
		knappj@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Eric Nischan,  Faculty
		nischae@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Edward Schools,  Faculty
		schoolse@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Anita Lees leesa@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336
		Gary Taylor,  Faculty
		taylorg@lcc.edu
		517/483-1336

 

Related Links
GIS/Geospatial Technology Program

GISCareers.com

The GIS Jobs Clearinghouse

GeoWeb Interactive

GeoSearch Inc.

GeoInformatica (Journal on advances of computer science for Geographic Information Systems)

Directions Magazine

GeoPlace.com

GeoSpatial Solutions

LCC Virtual Resource Room