Is the Micro-certificate in Geospatial Technologies right for you?
Geospatial tools—like maps, dashboards, and spatial data—are essential for understanding what’s happening during an emergency.
This program helps non-technical professionals turn those tools into practical, real-world skills. You’ll learn how to gather, validate, and apply geospatial information to support evidence-informed decision-making in public safety and emergency management.
By focusing on accessible, easy-to-use technologies, the program ensures you can confidently apply your new skills to planning, response, and recovery efforts across a range of sectors.
This program is ideal for people who want to use geospatial technologies to enhance emergency planning, response, and recovery. It’s especially suited to those working in:
Government agencies (local, provincial, or federal)
First Nations and Indigenous communities
Emergency management and public safety
First response agencies
Health and social services
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Private sector (insurance, utilities, resource industries)
Tourism and risk management
Educational institutions
No prior technical GIS experience is needed—this program introduces geospatial tools in a clear, practical way that helps non-specialists apply mapping and situational awareness technologies in their work.
Focused on real-world applications for emergency management and public safety
Hands-on experience using ArcGIS Online (includes one-year licence)
Designed for non-technical professionals—no prior GIS training required
Learn from experienced instructors working in the field
Develop practical skills you can apply immediately in your role
A flexible learning option from Canada’s leading public safety educator
The Micro-certificate in Geospatial Technologies provides the foundational knowledge and skills to interpret, validate, and apply geospatial data in emergency management settings. Using ArcGIS Online, you’ll create maps, dashboards, and situational briefings that support decision-making.
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
Explain how geospatial data supports situational awareness and emergency planning
Identify and use public, commercial, and custom data sources
Perform basic data gathering, validation, and management
Incorporate Indigenous perspectives and ethical considerations into datasets
Apply practical technologies to collect and visualize data
Communicate geospatial findings clearly in reports and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) briefings
The Micro-certificate in Geospatial Technologies includes three sequential online courses, each worth one credit.
Courses are instructor-led and designed to keep learners engaged through weekly deadlines, interactive discussions, and hands-on mapping activities. You’ll complete readings, assignments, and applied projects using real data and tools. Each course requires about 14 hours of learning time.
You can complete the entire program in just a few months. View the 2026-2027 course schedule to plan your studies. Students register for all three courses at once and are encouraged to take them back-to-back within three months.
Courses include:
EMRG-1540 Fundamentals of Geospatial Technology (1 credit)
EMRG-1542 Managing Spatial Data (1 credit)
EMRG-1544 Geospatial Analysis for Planning and Response (1 credit)
Tuition includes a one-year ArcGIS Online Student Use license, and graduates earn both a micro-certificate and a digital badge.
EMRG-1540 Fundamentals of Geospatial Technology: $700 + $6.52 Learner Services Fee
EMRG-1542 Managing Spatial Data: $700 + $6.52 LSF
EMRG-1544 Geospatial Analysis for Planning and Response: $700 + $6.52 LSF
Total program cost: approximately $2,100
All course materials and the ArcGIS license are included in tuition.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Apply through EducationPlannerBC by completing the program application form.
Once accepted, you’ll register for all three courses at the same time.
Self-assessment
Before starting the program, it’s strongly recommended that learners complete the free pre-assessment on:
Incident Command System (ICS) concepts
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) concepts
This helps ensure you’re familiar with key emergency management terminology.
Q. Do I need prior GIS training to succeed in this program?
No. This program is designed for learners with little or no GIS experience. You’ll develop practical, easy-to-apply skills for real-world emergency management.
Q. How long do I have to complete the program?
You’ll have up to 12 months to finish all three courses, but it’s recommended that you take them back-to-back within three months to stay current with evolving technology and maintain momentum.
Q. What types of jobs benefit from geospatial skills?
Geospatial skills are valuable in many emergency and public safety roles where mapping and situational awareness matter. Common positions include:
Emergency manager
Public safety officer
Program coordinator
First responder (fire, police, paramedic)
Risk analyst
Operations or planning section chief (EOC)
NGO or relief coordinator
Utilities or infrastructure manager
Q. Will I get access to GIS software?
Yes. Tuition includes a one-year ArcGIS Online Student Use licence, provided through JIBC. All students must use the licence issued by the program.