Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental & Spatial Analysis

Geospatial refers to location-specific data, while the term geospatial technology refers to the modern tools (surveying equipment, drones, sensors, satellites, GIS software) and processes used to contribute to the collection, analysis, and mapping associated with Earth’s resources.

GIS, or geographical information systems, are databases that contain geographic (or spatial) data, along with software tools to manage, analyze, and visualize those data. Examples of GIS data could include aerial photos, elevations, temperatures, and other information associated with a place or area. Such data can be collected in several ways including the use of remote sensing, which allows for the acquisition of information from afar using geospatial technologies.

Geoscience is the study of the earth’s processes, natural resources, and their connections with other things and each other.

Geospatial and environmental professionals often work indoors and outdoors to utilize handheld technologies for field data collection and further computer lab analysis. Some technicians fly UAVs (drones) to collect aerial imagery of environmental conditions and then process the imagery alongside their other mapping data. Demand for surveying services is closely tied to construction activity, and job opportunities will vary by geographic region, often depending on local economic conditions. Increasing use of geographic technologies and data will drive employment growth in the careers of surveying, mapping technicians, geographers, environmental engineering, urban planning, and community development.

AGET Technician Career Pathways

• High School and Technical College Recruitment leads to
  • Transferred credits from accredited technical college and
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Transferred credits from accredited technical college leads to
    
    • Proposed A.S. degree: Geospatial Engineering and Technology with Directed Emphasis Areas
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent also leads to
    
    • Proposed A.S. degree: Geospatial Engineering and Technology with Directed Emphasis Areas
      
      
      • Proposed A.S. degree: Geospatial Engineering and Technology with Directed Emphasis Areas 
      • Supplemental Instruction (if needed) also leads to
        • Proposed A.S. degree: Geospatial Engineering and Technology with Directed Emphasis Areas
        • Proposed A.S. degree: Geospatial Engineering and Technology with Directed Emphasis Areas with Proposed Land Surveying Certificate (optional) leads to
          • Georgia Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) exam
        • Proposed A.S. degree: Geospatial Engineering and Technology with Directed Emphasis Areas also leads to
          • Agriculture Technician
          • Forest and Conservation Technician
          • Environmental Science Technician
          • Civil Engineering Technician
          • Geology Technician
          • Surveying and Mapping Technician

The following IESA sponsored courses are approved for dual enrollment students. These courses satisfy the general core curriculum requirements for any major and in Area F for the Associate of Science Degree in Environmental, Earth and World Studies, and Spatial Science and Engineering for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental and Spatial Analysis. The main benefit of dual enrollment classes provide high school students with both high school credits towards graduation and college credits which can be applied towards a degree to be earned at the University of North Georgia or transferred to another institution of higher learning. For more information about dual enrollment visit the Georgia Futures website or the UNG Advising pages.

• ENST 2030: Environmental Studies
• ENVE 2221K: Surveying I
• ENVE 2222K: Surveying II
• GEOG 1111K: Introduction to Physical Geography  
• GEOG 1112K: Weather and Climate
• GEOG 1101: Human Geography
• GEOG 1102: World Regional Geography
• GEOL 1121K: Physical Geology        
• GEOL 1122K: Historical Geology
• GISC 2011/L: Intro to GIS

To meet with a STEM advisor for assistance in selecting the appropriate courses to meet your academic goals, please email iesa@ung.edu. Learn more about how to apply for dual and joint enrollment.