Associate of Applied Science - Natural Resources - Geographic Information Systems

This Geographic Information Systems degree option prepares graduates to work outside collecting data using electronic equipment such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or ArcPad, laser range-finders, and data-loggers. Students will also work inside at a computer, downloading the data collected into databases to produce Geographic Information systems (GIS) computer-generated maps for public and private entities. Requirements for field experience with this degree are consistent with the Natural Resources BAS agreement.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: • Demonstrate the knowledge of ecosystem management techniques to develop forest management objectives related to fire ecology and restoration, riparian and wildlife management including harvest and silvicultural prescriptions. • Demonstrate knowledge of biological, abiotic and cultural ecosystems as they apply to natural resource management in today’s society. • Utilize the latest technology in forest navigation, mapping, planning and implementation of forest management practices. • Demonstrate skills to accurately collect, analyze and present a variety of natural resources data collected using the latest field techniques for useful outputs. • Demonstrate good verbal and written communications to disseminate information effectively to a variety of audiences. • Complete spatial analysis using various techniques and operations. • Integrate data collection with spatial analysis to create mapping products. • Understand geographic and cartographic principles and apply them to geospatial technology.