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GIS Applications Specialist

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • GIS Applications Specialist

  • Program Code: 697
  • Credential: Post Diploma
  • Duration: One Year
  • School of Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
  • Area: Natural Resources
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Corner Brook - On Campus - September 2026

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.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

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

COURSES

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

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Exceptions for Industrial Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator $1,927.00 (per semester) $129.00 (per week)
Commercial Driver $1,927.00 (per semester) $129.00 (per week)
All Other Industrial Trade Programs $88.00 (per week) $88.00 (per week)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

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.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Exceptions for Industrial Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator $5,311.00 (per semester)
$354.00 (per week)		 $354.00 (per week)
Commercial Driver $5,311.00 (per semester)
$354.00 (per week)		 $354.00 (per week)
All Other Industrial Trade Programs $313.00 (per week) $313.00 (per week)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

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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