Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the GIS/GPS Speciality. We are happy to be able to offer this exciting specialty to our students.

Geographic Information Systems is a computer-based tool used to map and analyze geographic information of any kind. A GIS can link data sets together by common locational data, such as addresses, which helps departments and agencies share their data. For example, GIS can be used to reach a decision about the location of a new housing development that has minimal environmental impact, is located in a low-risk area, and is close to a population center. The information can then be presented succinctly and clearly in the form of a map and accompanying report, allowing decision makers to focus on the real issues rather than trying to understand the data.

Global Positioning Systems is the only system today that is able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. It is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations. The General Motors’ vehicle-tracking device called OnStar uses a GPS receiver, which uses satellite technology to provide the location of the vehicle.

Mapping and surveying companies use GPS, as well as archeologists and explorers.

TSTC’s GIS/GPS specialty prepares students to operate industry-standard GIS packages, such as Arc View or Arc Info on a personal computer, to capture positional and attribute information with correct and accurate geographic referencing. Graduates are able to measure distances and areas on maps, including real world placement, and correctly relate the two, acquire geographic information directly using GPS and merge it with existing information. Graduates are also able to manage the geographic information in a dynamic database situation.

Graduates will qualify for GIS/GPS positions available in city planning offices, municipal water authorities, civil engineering offices and many other agencies that will adopt this new technology.

For more information on the GIS/GPS Specialty, call Senior Instructor Manual Villalpando at 956.364.4803.