GIS Resource Centre

About GIS

Background

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computerized system used for storing and analyzing information which is referenced to the surface of the earth. A GIS makes use of hardware (computers) and specialized programs (software), to perform spatial queries.

GIS is becoming increasingly important today, as more and more users find it applicable. Areas such as agriculture, environmental management, local government and many more make use of GIS. Qualifications in GIS are very popular with employers, and will increase your employability.

Education and Training

The School of Environmental Sciences at UNIVEN has committed itself to provide the community with knowledge and skills relevant to the needs of the people. To ensure this, degree and certificate courses, with the focus on GIS, are offered.

The GIS certificate course is a 10-day, instructor led course. Students will acquire a basic theoretical foundation of the principles on which a GIS is built, as well as practical experience in the use of GIS. Students will become acquainted with ESRI's ArcView, the leading commercial software package, used by many companies. The course is also certificated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). After completion of the course, students will be required to complete a minor project where GIS is applied.

Course Requirements

To enroll for the GIS certificate course, candidates will have to show competence with computer usage in a Windows environment (MS-Word & MS-Excel). A standard entry test will have to be passed before candidates will gain access to the course.

For more Information, please contact:

Matlala Boshomane
Tel: +27 15 962 8084
Fax: +27 15 962 8594
Email: mawbosh@univen.ac.za