GIS-102 - Applied Techniques for GIS - Juan Cardenas, GISP

Introduction

Hello, I'm Juan Cardenas, a GIS professional with over a decade of experience working in both the public and private sectors. My background includes geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, enterprise GIS administration, and geospatial application development. Throughout my career, I've applied GIS technologies to support planning, infrastructure management, public services, and data-driven decision-making.

My goal is to help you strengthen your technical abilities, develop your analytical thinking, and gain practical experience that can be applied in academic research or professional settings.

Course Description

GIS-102 explores the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in research and professional environments. Building upon concepts introduced in GIS-101 and GEOGRPH-110, students will develop advanced skills in spatial analysis, data management, GIS modeling, and geographic problem-solving.

Course topics include vector and raster analysis, spatial statistics, geoprocessing, remote sensing, image classification, terrain analysis, network analysis, and workflow modeling.

This course emphasizes the practical application of GIS techniques and prepares students to use geographic information to support research, planning, and professional decision-making.

What to Expect in this Course

This is a fully online course that combines instructional lectures, assigned readings, hands-on GIS laboratory exercises, and discussions.

Students will use GIS software, primarily ArcGIS Pro, to analyze geographic datasets, perform spatial operations, and create maps that communicate meaningful results.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 10/14/2026 Sub#: 2109 Sub ID: 221038