Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology Certificate
New students are no longer being accepted into this program. Students who began prior to Sept. 2011 will have until Oct. 2012 to complete the program. Questions, please e-mail sciences@ucx.ucr.edu.
Jennifer Campbell
(951) 827-5804
sciences@ucx.ucr.edu
Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology Certificate
A revolution in the mapping and timing of the world is underway with the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. GPS has altered forever the surveying, navigational and mapping professions, and has created new markets for GPS applications such as agriculture, construction, archaeology, biology and recreation. This comprehensive certificate examines the principles, techniques and applications of GPS.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, participants develop expertise needed in a variety of professions, including:
- Land surveying
- Engineering
- GIS data collection
- Biology
- Flood control
- Public works
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Census data collection
- Parks and recreation
- Land management
- Public safety
Courses are developed and taught by nationally recognized GPS experts. The program is approved by the Veterans Administration.
Who Can Benefit?
This program is designed for those entering the GPS field who need a solid grounding in GPS technology and science and for those who wish to better understand new developments such as RTK, CORS and DGPS, and survey data adjustment methodologies.
Need a printable copy of this information? Download the PDF.
Course Schedule
| Required Courses (21.5 units) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of GPS Technology | 3.0 | ||||
| GPS Techniques: RTK, CORS and DGPS | 3.0 | ||||
| GPS Processing and Analysis | 3.5 |  | |||
| Fundamentals of Geodesy | 3.0 | | |||
| Map Projections | 1.5 | ||||
| Survey Data Adjustments | 1.5 | | |||
| Control Surveys Using GPS | 1.5 | | |||
| GPS Leveling | 1.5 | | |||
| GIS Data Capture Using GPS Technology | 3.0 | |
Completion Information
Completion Requirements
To earn this certificate, students must successfully complete (grade C or better) nine courses (21.5 required units).
Completion Time
Generally, certificate candidates may complete the program within one year.
Cost
The cost for this program is approximately $3,800. This does not include textbooks or materials unless otherwise noted.
Prerequisites
College-level math is a prerequisite. Some courses may require additional prerequisites or GPS working experience.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of four units of comparable courses may be transferred into the program upon approval from UCR Extension. Official transcripts are required.
Instructors
Instructors
- Arthur R. Andrew III, PLS, Supervisor, Geodetic Unit, for the county of Orange
- David Paul Johnson, PLS, Licensed Land Surveyor, Guida Surveying, Inc., Carlsbad
- Kevin M. Kelly, M.A.Sc., OLS, Geodesist, Esri, Redlands
- Derek Main, PLS, Transportation Surveyor Party Chief, Cal Trans District 8
- Jay Satalich, B.A., PLS, Vice President of Land Surveying, Landata Airborne Systems, Inc., Irvine
- James Paul Schell, Survey/Mapping Manager, RBF Consulting
- Cecilia Whitaker, B.S., P.L.S.
Instructor Opportunities
Interested in becoming an instructor at UCR Extension? Find out how.
Additional Information
Textbook Information
If a textbook is required, information is provided in the course listing when scheduled, on the confirmation you receive after enrolling, or by e-mail for an online class.
Advisory Board
- Peter Boniface, Ph.D., PS, California State University Polytechnic, Pomona
- Z. Gordon Davidson, IGM/Meadowbrook Golf, Fullerton
- David Paul Johnson, PLS, Leica Geosystems, Carlsbad
- Kevin M. Kelly, M.A.Sc., OLS, Geodesist, Esri, Redlands
- Kari Launen, PILS, Psomas, Irvine
- Jay Satalich, PLS, Airborne 1 Corporation, Los Angeles
- William Young, PLS, CE, PS, Chair, California Spatial Reference Center, Riverside
