Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) are becoming an integral component of many professional fields such as transportation, environmental monitoring, land-use planning, and resource identification and development. As a remote sensing specialist, you can:
- Gather environmental data from many sources and prepare it for input into the computer.
- Coordinate aerial and ground surveys of the natural features, wildlife and human population features of an area.
- Combine digital mapping, land-use zoning, property registration, traffic flow information and demographic information to locate and rank the most suitable properties for the location of new schools.
- Work with aboriginal groups to map natural resources and assist them in the negotiation of land claims.
Where you could work:
- Local, provincial and federal departments concerned with sustainable development.
- Private and public educational and research institutions.
- Consulting firms providing remote sensing and information technology services.
- Companies specializing in computers, telecommunications equipment and networks.
- Social justice organizations concerned with planning safer and healthier cities with adequate housing and amenities.
Within the BES program, a specialized certificate program equips students with applied skills in statistical techniques, computer cartography, geographic information systems and remote sensing, and satellite image processing. You will gain exposure to state of the art technology. In addition, the interdisciplinary perspective of the BES program will allow you to broaden your knowledge base and understanding of policy issues while fostering decision-making abilities.