GIS is a rapidly growing industry. It combines the power of maps with the functionality of a interactive computer database. It allows for the input, manipulation, analysis, and output of any data located by real world coordinates (eg, Longitude/Latitude). What is GIS? Find out more about GIS via the World Wide Web.
Ventura College first offered courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in fall 1998. The first course was, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. That course is now numbered Geog 26 and is titled, Introduction to GIS Software (see below). Now we also offer a course titled Fundamentals of Mapping and Geographic Information Systems(see below). The college hired the instructor who designed the initial course, Steve Palladino, as a full time faculty member in Geography and GIS in Spring 1999. Steve is the primary contact for the VC GIS Program.
GIS Courses
Fundamentals of Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (Geog/GIS 22).
This course focuses on understanding what GIS is and how it can be used. It also explores the other geotechnologies (map reading and analysis, remote sensing, GPS, digital cartography) which are related to GIS. Although it can be taken after Geog 26, in most cases it would be best to take this course first, as it provides the background to work effectively with GIS software. This course also is transferable to UCSB and CSU. (It was known for 1 semester as Geog 89B.) Both entry level classes include hands-on practice with the software (though GEOG/GIS 26 is more hands-on).
Introduction to GIS Software (Geog/GIS 26)
is designed to provide direct access to GIS software skills, by introducing an industry standard GIS package (ArcGIS 10) During this 8-week course, student, review and practice the basic functionality of ArcView. By the end of this course the student is ready to begin applying the software to mapping and analyzing their environment. (It is recommended that GEOG/GIS 22 be taken prior to, with, or soon after taking GEOG/GIS 26).
GIS Applications: Project Development (Geog/GIS 28A)
This course is an exploration of various GIS techniques and concepts though an active learning project-based approach. Students work with the instructor and each other to define, propose, design, and execute a project that incorporates GIS skills and knowledge. (Pre-requisite: GEOG/GIS. 26, both GEOG/GIS. 22 and/ GEOG/GIS. 26 are preferred; you need to be proficient with ArcGIS Desktop).
GIS Applications: Advanced Project Development (Geog/GIS 28B)
This course is an exploration of various, more advanced GIS techniques and concepts though an active learning project-based approach. Students work with the instructor and each other to define, propose, design, and execute a project that either builds on their GEOG/GIS 28A projector or incorporates new GIS skills and knowledge. (Pre-requisite: GEOG/GIS. 28A, both GEOG/GIS. 22 and/ GEOG/GIS. 26 are preferred; you need to be proficient with ArcGIS Desktop).
Introduction to GPS (Geog/GIS 24): GEOG/GIS24
is currently not offered. When it is, it is an introduction to basic GPS concepts and the uses of GPS receivers. This 24-hour course is designed to introduce GPS to those who are considering using it in recreational, work, and research activities. The course will combine classroom instruction and practical hands-on exercises, with participants working in small teams. Hand-held GPS receivers, integrated Mapping/GPS units (Trimble GeoXTs), and a professional backpack model are used in this.
For information on the GIS Program at Ventura College contact:
Steve Palladino, GIS Director, GIS/Geography/ESRM Instructor
GIS Lab
Our 20 station GIS lab supports the GIS classes at Ventura College and is available for other GIS related activities (such as workshops, conferences like GIS Day (see above), and training. We are running ArcGIS 10.5 software and have additional GIS project machines/peripherals. In the past we hosted the CIRGIS web server with it's internet mapping software and database and a node of the USGS National Map. LAB ROOM (SCI 106). Photos coming soon.
GIS Users Group for the Santa Barbara/Ventura Areas
Ventura College is often the site for the Channel Islands Regional GIS (CIRGIS) Collaborative meetings which serve as our regional GIS Users Group. Contact Steve Palladino at Ventura College. (Our fall meeting is usually replaced by GIS Day.)
Schedule and Information can be found on the new Ventura GIS Day website