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Program Information

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GIS Applications Specialist

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POST DIPLOMA

  • School of Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
  • Duration: One Year

Applications closed to International Applicants.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025

Location, location, location.

Position yourself at the intersection of geography, data analysis, and technology, where every point on the map tells a story waiting to be discovered. As a GIS Specialist, you’ll play a pivotal role in empowering agencies and governments, skillfully applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), alongside innovative web mapping and data visualization technologies. Your work will directly support essential informational needs, optimize workflows, and refine business processes, making complex data not only accessible but actionable. A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays many kinds of geographical or spatial data – information related to positions on the Earth’s surface.

GIS Applications Specialist is a growing field due to increasing informational needs of government and private agencies. As technology within this field continues to advance, yielding more and more valuable data, you will be a major asset to your team. A GIS Applications Specialist can significantly impact numerous economic sectors, pioneering the application of emerging technologies. Their expertise in remote sensing, GPS (Global Positioning Systems), internet mapping, and data visualization paves the way for innovative solutions across industries.

This post-graduate, intensive, three-semester GIS program utilizes current high-end technology tools to collect, store, manipulate, analyze, interpret and communicate geographic information within a variety of disciplines. You will become versed in several spatial computing technologies used in the industry today and have access to the latest in applicable computer hardware, software, and field technology. You will have considerable opportunities to practice your skills in a work-life setting by putting theory into practice.

Now... isn’t that spatial?

 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Pursue subsequent studies in GIS applications in various program areas
  • Apply the knowledge and skills to develop simple-to-elaborate good practice applications with theory relating to Vector GIS technology
  • Learn how to build web-based GIS applications to contribute to the world of Distributed Geographic Information
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Canada is the second largest country in the world, covering almost 10 million km² with over 243 thousand kilometres of coastline1.
  • The current market for GIS Applications Specialists in Newfoundland and Labrador includes various provincial and federal departments, crown corporations, municipalities, research agencies, post-secondary institutions and private corporations.
  • Canada GIS has geomatics specialists who have worked in every province and territory on a wide range of geospatial projects.
  • You can use GIS data to achieve a multi-layered result for many types of analysis and management pertaining to your project.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the GIS Applications Specialist (Post Diploma) program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Develop and apply skills for the effective presentation of geographic information. 
  2. Perform data collection techniques for gathering geographic information from the field, existing maps, or spatial data. 
  3. Apply fundamental principles of database processing regarding GIS environments, and develop skills in designing, implementing, and managing databases. 
  4. Design and implement a GIS application that addresses predefined objectives. 
  5. Demonstrate the building of web-based GIS applications. 
  6. Design GIS applications based on the integration of programming languages, database management systems, and GIS software, to achieve the most efficient data access, manipulation, and presentation.    
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The program incorporates a Major Geographic Information Systems Project establishing industry-student linkages. Students will have considerable opportunities to practice their skills in a work-life setting by putting theory into practice.
REFERENCES
CanadianGIS.com (n.d)1

Admission Requirements


Applicants must have graduated from a recognized college or university with a diploma and/or degree in a relevant program area. Related program areas include, but are not limited to forestry, natural resource sciences, engineering, environmental studies, geology, surveying, geography, business, municipal planning and law enforcement.

Please note:

The GIS Applications Specialist program involves working with a variety of specialized software and digital tools. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, is essential for analyzing and reporting data. Experience with file management, including organizing, accessing, and sharing digital files, is crucial for success. These skills will ensure students can efficiently navigate the technical aspects of coursework.


Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
GS1110
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Cartographic Concepts 3 2 2
GS1210
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GIS Database Principles 2 1 2
GS1320
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Principles of GIS 3 2 2
GS1410
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Problem Solving and Programming 3 2 3
GS1510
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Remote Sensing and Image Analysis 2 1 3
GS2100
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Open Source GIS and Data Management Tools 3 2 2
GS2512
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Spatial Statistics 3 2 2
         
Semester 2 Cr Le La
GS2110
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Customization of GIS Applications 3 2 2
GS2210
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Database Design and Development 2 1 2
GS2410
close
Spatial Analysis and Applications 3 2 2
GS2310
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Project Planning and Management 2 1 2
GS2710
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Web GIS Development 3 2 2
GS2911
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Advanced Remote Sensing 3 2 2
GS3410
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Spatial Database Applications 3 2 3
         
Semester 3 (Intersession) Cr Le La
GS3110
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Advanced Topics in Geomatics 2 1 2
GS1610
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Surveying and Mapping 3 2 3
GS3210
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Major GIS Project 5 3 6

Careers & Pathways


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Program graduates are prepared to work in positions as diverse as
  • GIS programmers/analysts
  • Applications specialists/consultants
  • Ecosystem IT managers
  • Utilities managers
  • Database managers
  • GIS systems operators
  • Land information managers



Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $1,239.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $595.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $305.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due during confirmation of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • Deposit fee - First semester tuition of which $1500 is non-refundable
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $4,462.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per semester) - $5,058.00
  • Commercial Driver (per semester) - $5,058.00
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00


Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $2,232.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00
line-separator

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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