Geography & Geospatial Technology

Modern Mapping Technology & Studies

Lakeland's Geography and Geospatial Technology program was awarded the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Award for Associates Program Excellence in 2020.

Have you ever thought about flying drones (sUAS)?  Are you fascinated by maps and want to learn more about the data they contain and how they are made? Then the field of geospatial technology may be for you!!  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use technology to capture, analyze, and display information from a geographical perspective.  Here are some examples:

• In the business world GIS is used for marketing, logistics, insurance risk analysis, banking, real estate and more.
• In all levels of government, GIS is used for economic development, emergency management, crime mapping, disease profiling, traffic planning and more.
• Environmentalists use GIS to understand animal habitats, vegetation, and changes in land, including development of parks and protected areas.
• GIS is used in natural resource exploration and management, telling miners where to mine, drillers the best options for running pipe, and farmers where to plant crops for the most yield.
• Utility companies use GIS to understand and restore outages, plan distribution and construction, and respond to emergencies.

"Lakeland's Geospatial Program gave me the foundation to be successful in my current role as Geospatial Technician at Davey Resource Group. Continued support from the professors and former students, even after graduation, has been the biggest help in starting my GIS career."

-Hannah Stanich, Lakeland Community College Class of 2020
 

"I have been associated with this program for years and strongly endorse the academic faculty qualities, the curriculum and the quality of the GIS and Geospatial graduates."

-Dr. Shawana P. Johnson, GISP, President Global Marketing Insights, Inc., and member of Lakeland Community College Geospatial Technology Advisory Board
 

"The students go above and beyond every time we work together, and we are able to use the projects completed by Lakeland in multiple areas of our business. The quality of work is just outstanding, and it truly speaks of the passion and dedication Lakeland students put into every project."

-Laura Kidder, Manager Shore Cultural Centre, Euclid, Ohio
 

Successful completion of an Associate of Applied Science with an emphasis on geography, the Associate of Applied Science in geospatial technology or the geospatial technology certificate programs may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations.  Below are examples, some of which may include additional degree work at a transfer institution. Salary estimates for a geospatial technician in this region is $35,000 - $60,000.

• Geospatial technician
• Imagery/remote sensing technician
• Location or asset analyst
• Transportation or urban planner
• Licensed sUAS (drone) pilot
• Watershed manager

• County utilities
• County land management
• Natural resource management
• Recreational management
• Manufacturing
• Engineering consulting
   

See where our alumni are employed.

Students in our program have the opportunity to get great experience with hands-on projects. View some of our student projects here.
 

Students interested in geography or geospatial technology, transfer to four-year institutions or general sciences are encouraged to get involved in these clubs or campus activities:

• Civic hacking
• Student Engagement and Leadership at Lakeland offers many student organizations that may align with your interests
• Volunteering at various organizations in Lake County