Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) Certificate Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) Certificate Program is exclusively conducted jointly by ICARE and the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at Texas A&M University.

Geospatial technologies have captured global interests for more than two decades ago. The technologies are applicable to a wide range of fields and industries that have an intersected interest with geographical location information. Especially within recent years, the growing use of geospatial technologies applications have been witnessed in agriculture, environmental and resource management, urban and transportation planning, healthcare, and businesses, just to name a few. Without a doubt, geospatial technologies have countless capabilities and applications, and as the technologies continue to grow, it is only a matter of time before one finds a useful, relatable application of geospatial technologies that can help save lives, sustain and conserve the priceless resources of our planet Earth, and enhance our quality of living.

 

Learning objectives: In this course, students will learn Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing through the use of ArcGIS Pro, the latest version of GIS software from Esri. Esri is the world’s leading provider of GIS software.

Students will learn how to work with GIS layers and how to create maps for use in natural resources and agribusiness. The following topics will be covered: data sources and use in GIS, map design principles, online mapping, spatial analysis tools, land cover and vegetation mapping, UAS (drone) mission planning and completion, and integration of imagery into 3D modeling.

Teaching faculty: The course will be taught by Professor Mark Guizlo, of Lakeland Community College and Kent State University, USA, and Pakrad Balabanian, Senior Technical Consultant and Advisor for Esri.

The course will use distance learning technologies to bring the instructors to the classroom, where students will complete GIS mapping exercises during lecture and computer laboratory sessions.

Biographical information:

Prof. Guizlo has taught Geography and GIS in the United States for twenty years, where he specializes in GIS applications for agribusiness. His interest in agriculture goes back to his childhood, when he grew up on a wheat farm in Kansas. He lives in Ohio, where he is currently completing his PhD as a part-time working student. His research concerns the use of GIS for suitability modeling for viticulture at Kent State University. His international experience includes residency in Germany and Zimbabwe, where he worked on agriculture and rural development projects.

Prof. Pakrad Balabanian

Mr. Balabanian is a location Intelligence expert, consultant for local governments and the founder of KARDÉS. He brings 16 years of distinctive experience in geospatial technologies, deep machine learning, development, and entrepreneurship. He was a part time lecturer for GIS graduate courses in New York University and Sorbonne University (Abu Dhabi Branches). He also introduced GIS to the national curriculum of Abu Dhabi public schools. Currently, Pakrad works as a Senior Consultant and Advisor for Esri.

Start date: September 20, 2019

Program Duration: September 20 – November 23. Classes will be held in evening hours.

Program fee: The actual cost of the program is 1,000,000 AMD per student. However, the majority of the total cost will be covered by ICARE and the German Agency for International Development (GIZ) in an amount of 770,000. Students will pay only 230,000 AMD for the entire program.

Schedule: Information about the schedule will be additionally announced.

To apply: download and fill out this application form  and sent it to GISadmission2@gmail.com

Application deadline: September 17, 2019

For additional information please contact the Admission Office at (+37491) 90 14 78 .