Regional Geospatial Technology Center
Welcome to the Geospatial Technology Center at Central Piedmont Community College!
Geospatial technology, or Geomatics, refers to the technology used to visualize, measure, and analyze any type of spatial phenomena on Earth's surface.
Three separate, but heavily intertwined, technologies make up the field of geospatial technology. They are Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Remote Sensing (RS).
Over the last 20 years the need for geospatial technology has surpassed the number of qualified individuals available. With the advancement in computer technology in more recent years, geospatial technology has not only grown as a career path, but also has become more functional to the end user (i.e. computers are easier to use).
A recent estimate by the Department of Labor (DOL) suggests that the geospatial workforce will increase by at least 22% by 2012. The DOL also recognizes the portion of the US workforce hit hardest by recent manufacturing and industrial downturns and suggest that those who fall under these circumstances can benefit from geospatial training.
To complement the DOL's research and findings, the Geospatial Technology Center has dedicated some of it's efforts to providing a variety of one (1) year certifcates and two (2) year Associate degrees to those interested in geospatial training. The GTC also provides continuing education courses geared to those already in the field, but wish to have more training.
Regional Geospatial Technology Training Center
Contact for the Regional Geospatial Technology Training Center is the Program Chair: Chris Paynter, chris.paynter@cpcc.edu, 704.330.6531
Links to headings on this page:
Overview Degree Program Certificate program CCE Offerings
Apprenticeships & Internships Admission Information
Flowchart: Recommended Schedule for Degree Acquisition
US Department of Labor Geospatial Business Hub
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Audio Files - clicking will download the audio files to your hard drive and open in your default audio player.
Overview
The Regional Geospatial Technology curriculum provides a broad background in Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies with practical applications in municipal, industrial, natural resources management, and other fields.
Course work consists of class and hands-on experience with GIS/GPS technologies, including running and modifying current GIS software, creating and manipulating GIS databases, and operating GPS technology.
Graduates should find employment as technicians or specialists in the following roles:
Cartographer Remote Sensing
Photogrammetry Hydrologist
Data Entry Transportation Planner
Geographer CAD Analyst
Resource Management Analyst/Engineer
Urban Planner Information Systems Administrator
Business / Real Estate Geologist
GIS Analyst I 25th%ile Median 75th%ile Charlotte, NC $32,246 $36,641 $39,530
Salary Sources:
Link to salary.com
Link to NC Salary data
Link to North America Salary Data
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Regional Geospatial Technology will be awarded by the College upon completion of this program.
Links:
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2007 - 2008 Catalog Pages
- 2006 - 2007 Catalog Pages
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Text Pages - Fall 2006 program
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Text pages - Fall 2007 Program
Contact for the Regional Geospatial Technology degree program is the Program Chair: Chris Paynter, chris.paynter@cpcc.edu, 704.330.6531
Flowchart - Recommended Schedule
Diploma Program
Certificate Program
The GTTC has created nine (9) curriculum-based certificates to focus on general skills or specific applications. Their purpose is to satisfy the basic requirement of receiving GIS training that included theory as well as hands-on experience with software and hardware technology without completing the entire degree program. This experience may be gained through the base GIS certificate (C40440-C1) or one of the other specific areas within GIS (C40220-C3 to C9). As an example, these certificates may be useful for an individual who has a degree in one discipline and is interested in complementing that degree with general or specific GIS skills. Links:
Contact for the Regional Geospatial Technology certificate program is the Program Chair: Chris Paynter, chris.paynter@cpcc.edu, 704.330.6531
Corporate & Continuing Education
The GTTC has created Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) classes for those students who wish specific training that may require a class or two but not the depth of a degree or curriculum-based certificate. CCE classes may be on-line or traditional instructor-led classes. Some are available in an on-line environment only; others are available in either format.
A series of these CCE classes may result in a CCE certificate. Current examples of these certificates are:
Custom Classes
The GTTC will also customize class offerings to fit specific client requirements. What that generally means is that a client may request a class composed of any of the topics in any desired format. The GTTC will propose a price for that customized training.
Contact for the Regional Geospatial Technology Corporate and Continuing Education Program is the Director: Chris Paynter, chris.paynter@cpcc.edu, 704.330.6531
Apprenticeships & Internships
Practical experience working in real-world situations under the guidance of a trained professional provides invaluable reinforcement of theory and practical experience gained in class. The GTTC will attempt to augment the skills of all desiring students by being a conduit for the creation and location of these opportunities.
Contact for the apprenticeship program is the Program Chair: Chris Payner, chris.paynter@cpcc.edu, 704.330.6531.
Admissions
The total admission process is a five-step process:
2. Application for financial aid, if applicable & desirable;
3. Submission of transcript(s);
4. Request review of transcript(s);
5. Enroll in classes.
Links to get started:
For comments re: the contents of this page, contact Chris Paynter at chris.paynter@cpcc.edu or 704.330.6531
