BCIT GIS - Frequently Asked Questions

Our faculty and staff have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Please click
the link for answers to the following questions. If you have further questions after
reviewing our answers, please contact the GIS program assistant.

BCIT and GIS

Where is BCIT? What is it like there?
Is there a lot of GIS activity in British Columbia and the Metro Vancouver region?
What will I be able to do once I have completed the program?
What type of work do the GIS graduates do?
Why choose to study GIS at BCIT?
What is the content of the GIS program?
How did BCIT decide which courses should be in the GIS program?
Can I take GIS courses without applying to a GIS program?
All Students
What are the options for studying GIS at BCIT?
What is the Online GIS program option?
Why choose to study entirely Online?
What are the differences between the Advanced Certificate, the GIS Advanced
Diploma and the Bachelor of Technology in GIS?
How does the BCIT GIS program differ from a GIS Master's degree?
What qualifications do I need to get in?
I have an Associate Degree. Do I qualify for entry?
I don't have a degree or a diploma. Do I qualify for entry?
What computer background do I need?
What are the English language entrance requirements?
What do I need to submit for my application?
Is there a January intake?
Can I get credit for equivalent courses I have completed at University or College?
How do I do this?
Can I get credit for work experience?
How do I do this?
How do I choose between a GIS Project or a GIS Practicum?
Can I continue if I fail a course?
Program Abandonment
Full-time Students: ADP or BTech
How many students are in the full-time programs?
Do I have to select courses when registering (like University)?
 How long will the GIS ADP or BTech take me to complete on a full-time basis?
How should I prepare for the full-time program?
Computer Programming:
Web Site Skills
Mathematics Skills
What programming courses should I take to prepare for the full-time program?
Part-time Students – ADP, BTech, Adv Cert
Can I complete the entire program through online and distance learning?
How long will the GIS program take me to complete on a part-time basis?
When are the part-time GIS courses typically offered?
Where is the part-time course schedule?
Are there suggested schedules of courses?
Part-Time Student: A four-year schedule ADP or six-year BTech
Part-Time Student: A two-year ADP or three-year BTech Schedule
Part-Time Student: Advanced Certificate four term schedule (16 months)
Can I get exemption credit for part-time courses if I take the full-time program later?
Can I get credit for part-time course tuition fees if I take the full-time program later?
Which courses should part-time students do first?
Is there a limit on how many courses a part-time student can take in a semester?
Do I need to have my own computer?
Are all courses in the program offered through part-time studies?
How do I register for an 8000-level course through part-time studies?
Can part-time students switch to the full-time program?
How do I write my GIS online final exams?
List of approved Examination Centres:
Information for the Exam Centre:
Can I use a Virtual Invigilator such as ProctorU?
If I am at another University and I wish to take a GIS course via the Western Deans'
Agreement through Part-Time Studies, how does that work?
BCIT and GIS

Where is BCIT? What is it like there?

The GIS program is delivered on BCIT's campus in Burnaby British Columbia which is
part of metro Vancouver. Vancouver is consistently named one of the best cities in the
world to live, and the surrounding region has outstanding natural beauty, year-round
outdoor activities, a temperate climate, and numerous cultural and social events.

Is there a lot of GIS activity in British Columbia and the Metro Vancouver
region?

Yes, there are GIS user and professional groups, software and consulting firms, and a
diverse GIS industry, including environmental, forestry, geology, utility, and business
companies, and municipal/regional/federal government and Indigenous organizations.

What will I be able to do once I have completed the program?

You will be able to use GIS software, hardware and peripheral devices, customize
GIS software, develop and design GIS databases, analyze GIS data, write software to
convert GIS data formats and write utility programs, use image analysis software and
integrate images and other types of GIS information, discuss and use GIS theory to
make decisions concerning GIS implementation, manage a GIS, train GIS users,
implement and complete a GIS project, compare and discuss GIS software products.

What type of work do the GIS graduates do?

The majority of GIS graduates are working for either private industry (forestry, GIS vendors,
natural resource exploration, real estate, business geographies, computer systems)
consulting companies (environmental, engineering, forestry, mapping, scanning, software)
or government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal).

The graduates are developing GIS databases, using GIS to analyze data and predict the
result of planned changes, managing GIS projects, planning the acquisition of GIS
technology, developing GIS custom systems and training GIS users.

Why choose to study GIS at BCIT?

The BCIT GIS programs are renowned for their intensive workload and technical
content. The BCIT GIS courses are developed in consultation with leading employers.
Courses do not consist of simple pre- packaged software vendor training but are each
uniquely designed to help you learn to solve problems and work independently. The
best way to learn something is by doing it. Yes, you will have lectures but most of your
time will be spent directly applying what you've learned. Our GIS Advisory Committee
provides direct input to curriculum development to ensure that you'll be at the
forefront of the latest developments in your industry. BCIT instructors have years of
practical expertise and bring an insider's perspective of their industry knowledge and
experience that will benefit you in the classroom and after you graduate.

What is the content of the GIS program?

The program starts by covering computer systems, GIS theory and GIS software. This is
followed by more advanced GIS theory and software, and related GIS topics such as
digital mapping, remote sensing, and database systems. The course concludes with GIS
management and acquisition issues. A major GIS project or practicum is undertaken
during the second part of the course to help students use all their GIS knowledge and
skills and to involve students with the GIS industry.

How did BCIT decide which courses should be in the GIS program?

The courses in the GIS program are selected and designed based on ongoing input
from the Program Advisory Committee, government and the GIS industry. The main
goal is to provide students with current relevant skills and knowledge needed in the
GIS industry.

Can I take GIS courses without applying to a GIS program?

Yes, you can try our courses that do not have prerequisites (GIST 7010, 7100, 7108,
7109, 7128, 8118) before applying to the Advanced Certificate or ADP or BTech
program but you should apply as soon as you have decided to take a program as
your admission is not guaranteed.

All Students

What are the options for studying GIS at BCIT?

Advanced Certificate in GIS

 • Option 1: over 16 months (e.g. Fall, Winter, Spring, Fall) as a part-time student
with all courses taken online.
• Option 2: over up to seven years as a part-time student with all courses taken
online.

Advanced Diploma in GIS (ADP)

• Option 1: over nine months as a full-time student at the BCIT Burnaby Campus
• Option 2: over two years entirely as an online student
• Option 3: over up to five years entirely as an online student

Bachelor of Technology in GIS (BTech)

• Option 1: over two years with the first year as a full-time student at the BCIT
Burnaby Campus and the second year as an online student
• Option 2: over three years entirely as an online student
• Option 3: over up to seven years as part-time student with all courses taken
online

What is the Online GIS program option?

You can complete the entire chosen credential entirely online. This means you never
need to attend the BCIT campus. You will complete identical course material and
computer practical work as an on-campus student. Each online course is organized in
a similar manner: you can use your computer to listen to lectures, connect to the BCIT
computer servers, use GIS software and complete GIS software assignments just as
you would in a BCIT campus computer lab, discuss questions with other class
members, connect up with your instructor in virtual office hours when the instructor
can help with problems and demonstrate software or access your computer to help
you. You do not install GIS software on your home computer so you can use a MAC,
Windows or UNIX operating system machine.

Why choose to study entirely Online?

You do not live near the BCIT Burnaby (British Columbia, Canada) campus or you have a
job and want to study part-time.

What are the differences between the Advanced Certificate, the GIS
Advanced Diploma and the Bachelor of Technology in GIS?

The Advanced Certificate in GIS is designed for a person with a full-time career,
who needs to add some GIS knowledge to their existing skill set, but not be a major
component of their job.
The Advanced Diploma is intended for students who already have a degree or
diploma and are expecting to use GIS as a major component of their job.
The BTech is intended for technology graduates who wish to attain a baccalaureate
credential.

The Advanced certificate introduces the GIS technology where the Advanced Diploma
goes into technical depth.
The technical content of the ADP and BTech programs is identical although BTech
students must select the project course.

The BTech also consists of additional management and Liberal Arts courses and
requires six months approved GIS work experience before graduation.

How does the BCIT GIS program differ from a GIS Master's degree?

Most GIS master's degrees focus mainly on GI science and theory. At BCIT we provide
a tightly structured, comprehensive education and training program in GIS technology,
designed to prepare you for a career in GIS.

What qualifications do I need to get in?

All three credentials have the same entry requirements. Please refer to the Advanced
Certificate entrance requirements or ADP entrance requirements or BTech
entrance requirements .

Typically, students have a Degree in Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, or

Engineering, or a Diploma in Forestry, Survey, Computer Science, Engineering, or
Urban Planning. Other backgrounds are also acceptable. For example, past students
had degrees or diplomas in such areas as biology, physics, economics, mining,
photogrammetry, or archaeology.

I have an Associate Degree. Do I qualify for entry?

Students with an Associate degree may be admitted to the program. Please refer to the
Advanced Certificate entrance requirements or ADP entrance requirements or
BTech entrance requirements. Please contact Program Advising with admissions
related questions.
I don't have a degree or a diploma. Do I qualify for entry?

If you have two years or more of university study from an accredited institution and the
credits that you have earned are equivalent to an Associate degree, then you may be
admitted to the program. Please contact Program Advising with admissions related
questions.

What computer background do I need?

You must be a competent Personal Computer (PC) user and be able to use Windows
operating systems, and 'office' programs (word- pro cessing, spreadsheets), with
confidence. You should have at least introductory level programming skills. You do
not need to be a 'computer expert' but should have an aptitude for computers, enjoy
working with computers and learning computer software. You should be 'web literate'
and be able to create simple web pages with an HTML editor.

What are the English language entrance requirements?

Students applying to a GIS program must meet BCIT's general English language
entrance requirements. Please contact Program Advising with admissions related
questions.

What do I need to submit for my application?

The application is all online and all documents you need are listed on the Admission &
Registration Pages.

Is there a January intake?

Full-time students can only start their studies in September each year. Part-time students
can start their studies in September, January or April of each year. See the suggested
schedules section for more details.

Can I get credit for equivalent courses I have completed at University or

College?

Yes, if approved by the GIS Department.

Once you have been admitted into the Program you can complete a Course
Credit/Exemption [PDF] form. You will need to submit supporting documentation, such
as a course outline and other documents supporting equivalent course content, for the
Department to assess a transfer credit.

How do I do this?

Only courses taken within 5 years will be considered. A 5-year recency requirement is
in place for all GIS courses.
Often the course outline is not enough. You must provide documentation supporting
greater than 80% equitant material. You should look at the course outline and
learning objectives and make a table matching your course(s) to BCIT courses. BCIT
course outlines and learning outcomes are online.
You may use one or more courses to match one of the GIST courses, however you
may not use one of your courses to request exemption from multiple GIST courses.

Course credit is only assessed once you have been admitted in to one of the GIS
programs.

Can I get credit for work experience?

You can apply for a Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) for the
GIST course(s) in question.

How do I do this?

You should look at the course outline and learning objectives and make a table
matching your experience to BCIT courses. BCIT course outlines and learning
outcomes are online.

You would then submit a request to the department (full-time to the Program Head or
part-time students to the Part-time Coordinator) detailing why you are eligible (with
details and examples) for a PLAR.

Depending on the course and instructor the PLAR could be an exam, a portfolio OR
other methods. See the Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition website for
options:

The PLAR is 50% of the current course fee (subject to change). The PLAR fee is non-
refundable regardless of the result. Payment is required prior to processing the
assessment.
PLAR is only assessed once you have been admitted in to one of the GIS programs.

How do I choose between a GIS Project or a GIS Practicum?

Advanced Certificate students must complete a Capstone Project. The Capstone

Project is the final course of the credential. In the course the student, with
consultation with the course instructor, develops a project plan and completes the
capstone project over a single term.

Advanced Diploma students can choose between a project or a practicum.

BTech students must complete a project.

The GIS Project typically involves applied research or development, in consultation

with an Industry 'sponsor' the project is completed either at BCIT Burnaby campus or
your study location for online students.

The GIS Practicum is workplace placed, where you will be involved with a company's
GIS work.

The project or practicum is determined and planned in the GIST 7120 Planning
course (full-time) or GIST 7122 Planning course (part-time) in the fall term of your
final year.

The Project is executed in the GIST 8125 course where the practicum is completed in
the GIST 8126 course in the following winter (and or spring) term(s).

The Capstone project is planned and executed in GIST 8150 and the final course of
the Advanced Certificate.

You are strongly encouraged to start thinking about project topics or practicum
workplaces that interest you.

However, it is not essential to have a project or practicum before coming into the
program. The GIS faculty are in contact with industry representatives and may have
some suggested projects and or practica to assist you. Most students find their own
project or practicum after entering the program.

Can I continue if I fail a course?

Yes. You can repeat courses.
BCIT Policy 5103 - Student Evaluation (PDF) permits a maximum of three attempts
to successfully complete each course within a credential.

Full-time student may be able to take a distance an online course and your graduation
may be delayed. If the failed course is a prerequisite for other courses, you will have
to first successfully complete it. However, you may still be able to carry on with other
courses.

Program Abandonment

Students approved for a part-time studies program are expected to register and
complete courses on a continuous basis. A student that has not completed a course
from their approved program of study over a period of three consecutive academic
terms will be considered to have abandoned the program.
Throughout the duration of the program, a student is permitted a maximum of five
academic terms where they are not required to register and complete a course from
their approved program of study. Students who exceed the five-term maximum will be
considered to have abandoned the program.
Students who have abandoned their approved program of study and wish to be
reinstated will be required to reapply for a current credential. BCIT cannot guarantee
that courses taken prior to this reapplication will be credited towards the current
credential.

Full-time Students: ADP or BTech

How many students are in the full-time programs?

The full-time programs have a capacity of 45 students.

Do I have to select courses when registering (like University)?

No, full-time students are automatically registered for all the courses offered in the
nine-month academic year.

Part-time students register on a course-by-course basis. Please refer to Key

Registration Dates Part-time Studies web page to ensure you know when registration
for each term opens. The part time courses fill fast.
How long will the GIS ADP or BTech take me to complete on a full-time
basis?

ADP Students: Nine or ten months. Classes begin in September. If you choose a
project or 'gradual' mode practicum, you will complete your course work by the end of
May. 'Block' mode practicum students complete at the end of June.

BTech. Degree Students: A minimum of two years. The first year is the same as the full-
time ADP as above except that you must take the project option. The second year
consists of six online courses (some may have an on-campus option as well) plus
acquiring six months of relevant GIS work experience.

How should I prepare for the full-time program?

There are three areas that have been identified by the GIS faculty and industry
advisors: computer programming, web site skills and math.

Computer Programming:
Computer programming is emphasized strongly in the BCIT GIS program. Students who
arrive unprepared usually find the programming and GIS customization courses a great
deal of work, which affects other studies.
Regardless of your current abilities and experience, you should develop your skills as
much as possible before you start the program. You should know programming
concepts and program design before starting GIS studies at BCIT, but you do not have
to know any programming language as this is covered in your course work. However,
you are encouraged to start learning a programming language. The GIS program
covers many programming languages. The primary language is Python.
Recommended Steps:
Complete a Python tutorial such as the Non-Programmer's Tutorial for Python
Instructions for downloading and installing Python are provided.

Web Site Skills

You will be using the Web a great deal next year. You will also be developing your own
web pages in September to present your resume and project. You should learn how to
create simple web pages using HTML before you arrive in September.
Recommended Steps:
Complete an HTML tutorial at one of the many available on the web, for example, the
HTML primer .
 Mathematics Skills
We strongly advise you to refresh your skills in basic algebra, trigonometry, statistics
and analytical geometry (e.g. polar and rectangular coordinates, equation of a straight
line, distance between two points). You will find this helpful in several courses.
Recommended Steps:
Review your math skills for example from Purple math by reading the pertinent
preliminary and beginning algebra topics.

What programming courses should I take to prepare for the full-time

program?

GIST 7010 which is available online as well as on campus.

Part-time Students – ADP, BTech, Adv Cert

Can I complete the entire program through online and distance learning?

Yes, all courses are available online.

How long will the GIS program take me to complete on a part-time basis?

This depends on your educational background and on how many courses you take
each semester. It is possible to complete the ADP in two years or the BTech in three
years or the Advanced Certificate in 16 months (1.33 years) as a distance and online
student.
This Online schedule commits you to at least 30 hours per week of course work
between September and the end of June each year and is only suitable for a student
with a part-time job. Students who are working full-time should be able to complete
the part-time ADP in four years or BTech in five years or the Advanced Certificate in
three years.

When are the part-time GIS courses offered?

See the table below for typical offerings of courses for the ADP, BTech and some
Advanced Certificate courses.
 Requires
department
Fall Winter Spring Prerequisites
approval to
register
Tech GIST GIS Programming
x x
7010 1
GIST Fundamentals of
x x x
7100 GIS
GIST Fundamentals of
x x
7108 Mapping
GIST Mapping Using
7109 Microstation
x x
(equiv to 7111
FTS)
GIST ArcGIS 1:
x x x
7128 Introduction
GIST GIS Computing Previous
7130 and the Internet programming
experience
x x required OR
7010 must be
taken
concurrently
GIST GIS Database 7010* (* may
7132 Systems 1 x be taken
concurrently)
GIST GIS Programming 7010
x x x
8010 2
GIST Technical Issues in 7100 and 7130
x x
8100 GIS
GIST Spatial Analysis 7010 and 8128
x x
8106
GIST Cartography and 7108
8117 GeoVisualization
x x
(equiv to 8107
FTS)
GIST GIS Remote x x x 7010 and 8128
 8118 Sensing
GIST ArcGIS 2: Data 7128
8128 Management & x x x x
Analysis
GIST GIS Database 7132
x x
8132 Systems 2
GIST ArcGIS 3: 8010* and
8138 Customization and 8128 (* may be
x x
Modelling taken
concurrently)
Mgmt
GIST Management most tech
x x
8110 Issues in GIS courses
GIST Geospatial 7130
8109 Systems x x
Management
Project
GIST GIS most tech
7122 Project/Practicum courses
x - Must be in
Proposal
x final year of
(GIST 7122 +
courses
TMGT7102 + 7142
= GIST 7120)
GIST GIS Project x - Must be in 7122 and most
8125 x final year of tech courses
courses
GIST GIS Industry x - Must be in 7122 most
8126 Practicum x final year of tech courses
courses

Advanced Certificate specific courses

Requires
Sprin department
Fall Winter Prerequisites
g approval to
register
 Tech GIST GIS and Big 7100 and 7128
x x x x
7160 Data
GIST Mapping and 7100
x
8140 Cartography
Project GIST Completion of
X X X X
8150 all courses

PLEASE NOTE: These GIST course offerings are subject to change. Courses may be
canceled due to low enrollment.

Where is the part-time course schedule?

Part-time students are responsible for planning a course schedule and registering for
courses. When reviewing course descriptions, pay special attention to the
prerequisites.

Please refer to Key Registration Dates Part-time Studies web page to ensure you
know when registration for each term opens. The part time courses fill fast.

Consult with the GIS Part-time Studies Coordinator for additional advice.

Are there suggested schedules of courses?

Yes. The following tables show sample schedules of studies. Note: all samples start
in the fall term.

Part-Time Student: A four-year schedule ADP or six-year BTech

This schedule is for the ADP courses and the technical BTech courses. BTech
students must select GIST 8125 and must also complete other courses.

Fall Winter Spring

Year 1 7100 8118 7109
7128 8128 7108
Year 2 7010 8010 8106
7132 8132 8117
Year 3 7130 8109 8138
8100 8110
 Year 4 7122 8125 or 8126 8125 or 8126
TMGT 7102
TMGT 7142

Advanced Diploma students have completed all courses at the end

of year 4.

BTech
only
Year 5 BUSA 7205 LIBS 7002 LIBS elective
Applied
Management
LIBS 7001 LIBS Elective Elective
Applied Management
Year 6 Elective
6-month work
6-month work experience 6-month work experience experience

BTech students have completed all courses at the end of year 6.

Part-Time Student: A two-year ADP or three-year BTech Schedule

Sample schedule starting September. You must contact the department if you are
intending to complete your studies with this schedule. Please note this is a very
challenging option. It requires you to be very proactive and register and pay for
courses the moment they are offered for registration (courses fill very fast), you must
also have all approvals in advance of registration. Taking more than two courses a
semester is only recommended if your do not have a full-time job.

Fall Winter Spring

Year 1 7010 8010 (p. 7010) 7109
7100 8118 8106
7108 8128 8117
7128
Year 2 7122 8100 8110
TMGT 7102 8109 8138
TMGT 7142 8132 8125 or 8126
 7130 8125 or 8126
7132

Advanced Diploma students have completed all courses at the end of year 2.

BTech
Year 3 BUSA 7205 LIBS 7002 LIBS elective
LIBS 7001 LIBS Elective TMGT elective
And work experience work experience work experience

BTech students have completed all courses at the end of year 3.

Part-Time Student: Advanced Certificate four term schedule (16 months)

Fall Winter Spring

Year 1 7100 8118 7160
7128 8128 8140
Year 2 8150

Can I get exemption credit for part-time courses if I take the full-time
program later?

Yes, if you have recently successfully completed the course with a good mark and the
course is part of the program.

Can I get credit for part-time course tuition fees if I take the full-time
program later?

No.

Which courses should part-time students do first?

Generally, you should start with GIST courses numbered at the 7-thousand level. You
need to complete most 7-thousand level courses before the 8-thousand level courses.
Most students start with GIST 7100 - Fundamentals of GIS to get the GIS theory, GIST
7128 - ArcGIS to get some hands-on GIS software, and GIST 7010 - GIS
Programming to start practicing coding which is used in many other courses,

Is there a limit on how many courses a part-time student can take in a

semester?

No - but a limit of two is suggested for those students who are working full-time.

Do I need to have my own computer?

Yes. Windows (preferred), Android, or Mac and with high speed, reliable Internet
access. A desktop or laptop computer is required. A tablet or smart phone is not
enough. Our GIS program software runs in a Windows environment through a CITRIX
interface, so the student needs to know how to work in a Windows environment,
preferably Windows 10.

Are all courses in the program offered through part-time studies?

Yes. However, not all courses will be offered every term.

How do I register for an 8000-level course through part-time studies?

All 8000-level courses, excluding 8118, require permission from the department.
Students must be an accepted student in a GIS program in order to receive approval
to take 8000-level courses. To get permission, email your request with your Student
Number to register for the course to the GIS program assistant..

Can part-time students switch to the full-time program?

Yes. Domestic students please email Admissions or international students email

International Admissions. to request to switch from part-time to full- time with an
application fee waiver. Remember to email early as the full-time programs are often
filled early in the year. You will be placed on a wait list if the program is full and you
might have to wait another year.

Courses you completed as a part-time student will count as credits towards the
equivalent full-time course. Tuition is not credited.

How do I write my GIS online final exams?

BCIT Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online/Distance Learners require a
special exam arrangement. All GIS exams are online exams and must be written at
an approved examination centre. It is your responsibility to arrange for exam
invigilation. You are also responsible for any associated costs.

List of approved Examination Centres:

BCIT Test Centre

Canadian invigilation Network (CIN) Examination Centre
National College Testing Association (NCTA) Certified Center

Information for the Exam Centre:

The Exam Centre is responsible for receiving the exam and instructions, presiding
over the exam according to the instructions, informing the instructor of any unusual
happenings and returning all documentation back to the Program Assistant after the
student has completed the exam.

Can I use a Virtual Invigilator such as ProctorU?

No. Students are required to be physically present at an approved exam centre with
an in-person invigilator to write the final exam.

If I am at another University and I wish to take a GIS course via the

Western Deans' Agreement through Part-Time Studies, how does that
work?

Western Dean’s Agreement (WDA) Procedures for BCIT GIS Courses:

• Pre-registration forfeits the use of the fee waiver under the WDA.
• The use of the fee waiver under the WDA is not eligible for GIS online courses.
The fee waiver can be applied to the on-campus courses only.
• WDA Students are provisional registrants until there are empty seats in the
course.
• Registration will not be processed until two (2) business days prior to course
start date.
• WDA Students do not count toward the minimum number of students required
to ensure that the course runs.