Develop practical geomatics and geospatial analysis skills using GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data technologies. This certificate prepares students to apply spatial data to real-world challenges in environmental management, urban planning, and natural resource decision-making.
About the Certificate
The Undergraduate Certificate in Geomatics and Environmental Management equips students with the skills needed to work with geospatial technologies. As spatial data becomes central to decision-making across many sectors, geomatics expertise is increasingly valuable in areas such as environmental science, urban planning, and natural resource management.
Students learn how to collect, manage, analyze, and communicate spatial data using industry-standard tools and emerging technologies.
Open to undergraduate students across UBC faculties, the certificate is designed to be flexible and completed alongside your primary degree.
What Will You Learn?
Through a mix of core and elective courses, students gain both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in geomatics.
You will learn how to:
- Collect GPS data and acquire aerial and satellite imagery
- Manage and organize geospatial datasets
- Analyze and visualize geographic data using ArcGIS Pro
- Conduct spatial analysis and work with spatial databases
- Create maps and cartographic products
- Use open-source tools such as QGIS and global geodata repositories
- Interpret remote sensing data to monitor environmental change
Core NRES geomatics courses are typically taken between second and fourth year, with electives selected later in the program.
- 3 core courses – 9 credits total
- NRES_V 241 (3) – Introduction to Geomatics for Natural Resource Management
- NRES_V 341 (3) – Intermediate Geomatics for Natural Resource Management
- NRES_V 441 (3) – Advanced Geomatics for Natural Resource Management.
- 6 credits of elective courses
Required Courses
NRES_V 241: Students will learn to read, interpret, and create maps related to natural resources and environmental management. The course introduces spatial analysis techniques using GIS, including raster, overlay, and proximity analysis. Students will also gain hands-on experience collecting GNSS data, interpreting aerial imagery, and integrating remote sensing data with other geospatial datasets.
NRES_V 341: Introduces satellite remote sensing systems and sensors, with hands-on experience analyzing multispectral imagery and building digital terrain models. Students apply advanced spatial analysis and map algebra, compare optical and active remote sensing systems, and communicate geomatics findings to non-technical audiences.
NRES_V 441: Students learn to independently obtain, manage, and analyze geospatial data for real-world applications. The course covers time series analysis, orthorectification, and big data management, while applying advanced techniques to hyperspectral, thermal, and 3D remote sensing datasets, culminating in advanced image analysis and data visualization skills.
Elective Courses
The elective courses for the certificate are selected based on their relevance to geomatics and their ability to provide students with complementary skills. For example, electives may include courses in environmental science, natural resource management, or urban planning, where geospatial analysis is frequently applied. The list of electives will be maintained on a website, ensuring that we can adapt the program based on evolving student interests and new course offerings. Examples of potential elective courses include:
- CONS_V 127 Observing the Earth from Space
- Covers Earth observation from space and goes into depth on the wide breadth of environmental applications for relevant satellite systems such as Landsat, MODIS, ICESat, RADARSAT, and more.
- UFOR_V 444/LARC 444 Green Network Planning
- Includes theory and methods of long-range green space planning using spatial techniques
- CONS_V 440 Conservation Decision-Making and Policy
- Uses spatial tools to engage in conservation decision making and policy.
- WOOD_V 292 Two-Dimensional and Solid Computer-Aided Graphics
- Uses 2- & 3-dimensional computer aided graphics software for wood products processing
- FRST_V 490 Visual Resource Management and Planning for Aesthetics
- covers methodologies for visual analysis, perceptions & management in various working landscapes.
- BEST_V 308 Land Use Management and Planning
- A global overview of land use management, which integrates spatial techniques in their focus on principles and practice.
Career Opportunities
Skills in GIS, spatial analysis, and geospatial data management are in high demand across many industries.
This certificate strengthens your undergraduate degree and prepares you for entry-level roles in government agencies, environmental consulting firms, technology companies, and non-profit organizations.
Potential career paths include:
- GIS Analyst
- Environmental Data Analyst
- Natural Resource Management Specialist
- Urban and Land-Use Planning Support
- Environmental Consulting
- Conservation and Environmental Monitoring
The certificate also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in geomatics or geospatial science.
Why Study Geomatics Now?
Geospatial technologies are transforming how we understand and manage environmental and societal challenges. Spatial data supports decision-making in areas such as climate monitoring, urban planning, natural resource management, and disaster response.
Advances in satellite imaging, drones, artificial intelligence, and environmental data systems are increasing demand for professionals with geomatics expertise.
Who Should Apply?
This certificate is ideal for undergraduate students who want to develop practical geospatial skills alongside their primary degree.
It may be especially valuable for students interested in:
- Environmental science and sustainability
- Natural resource management
- Urban planning and land-use planning
- Conservation and environmental monitoring
- Data analysis and geospatial technologies
Open to students across UBC faculties, the certificate provides a flexible way to gain specialized geomatics training.
