Geographical Information Systems (GIS)Córais Faisnéise Geografaí

This Level 8 one year programme provides a sound theoretical and practical foundation in this one-year and evolving discipline. The module comprises lectures and complimentary laboratory practical exercises using industry standard software. Fundamental concepts and theory, spatial analysis operations, as well as spatial data management issues, are comprehensively covered in the module.

The aim is to provide the learner with the necessary technical, analytical and administrative expertise to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage and present all types of geographical data required for assisting in making informed evidence based decisions.

As a continuing professional development certificate, this is aimed at individuals who are ideally but not necessarily working in GIS or a related industry and require development of skills in this area. Candidates will normally hold an existing qualification at Level 5 (Leaving Certificate) or higher.

• Overview GIS: Components of a GIS, historical development and evolution of GIS, capabilities and applications of GIS.
• Data Models: Concept of a data model - object/field models, vector and raster. Development of a data model in GIS - Cad, Geo-relational and Geodatabase models, concept of topology.
• Cartographic Design and thematic mapping: Create thematic maps and produce a layout for publishing maps and visualisations in ArcGIS online (AGOL) or printing maps.
• Database technology: System analysis and database design process - data modelling, Entity Relationship Diagrams and relational model. Database construction and operation - forms, reports and querying.
• Spatial analysis and modelling: Classification, generalisation, retrieval and querying. Spatial operations (overlay, buffering, proximity, etc.). Raster data structures, algorithms and analysis. Surface and terrain analysis.
• Spatial data management: Spatial data sources. Web services and open data portals for accessing spatial data from authoritative and volunteered mapping sources. Data quality and error modelling.
• Data acquisition:  Co-ordinate reference systems. GNSS. Introduction to remote sensing and photogrammetry.
• GIS Lab (continuing coursework & assessment). 

3 hour sessions on 1 evening per week (usually Tuesday).

This programme is delivered as a HyFlex course to enable flexible participation for students who have the choice of attending either in person or online/remotely.

Applications will open for the next term in February 2026. To register your interest in part-time undergraduate courses in advance of the launch, please click here and submit your details. We will contact you once applications are open.

Detailed information regarding the application process can be found on the part-time section of our website.