GIS and Urban Planning URP

Holland Code:

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Math Moderate math skills required: Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics preferred.

Technology Moderate computer skills required, program uses computer-aided design, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D visualization software. High school courses in computer science, technological design, and technological communication would be beneficial preparation for this program.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• An interest in geography and digital map creation
• An interest in urban design and environmental planning
• An interest in 3D visualization and graphic design
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Analytical skills and decision making skills
• An interest in serving the public
• The ability to work in a team environment
• Presenting and communicating land use planning ideas
• The ability to consider a situation from many competing points of view

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Planning Technician, Urban Design Technician, 3D Graphics Specialist, GIS Technician, GIS Analyst, Mobile Mapping Technologist, Geomatics Technologist, Field GPS Operator, Design Technician, Environmental Planning Support Technician, Design Technologist, Cartographer, Research Analyst, Zoning Plans Examiner, By-law Enforcement Officer, Development Technician, Planning Assistant, Transportation Technologist, CAD Technician, Spatial Database Specialist, AutoCAD Designer, Cartographic Technologist, Draftsperson, GIS and Data Technician, Survey Technician, Planning & Design Technician, or Drafting Technician.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Government planning agencies, land development and building companies, land resource companies, planning and engineering consultants, municipal governments, school boards, health units, conservation authorities, transportation, property assessment, not-for-profit organizations, resource and utility industries, or organizations such as economic development authorities.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Usually working regular hours in an office environment
• Travel may be required  for site visits
• Field work may be required for mobile GIS data collection

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Prepare supporting maps and graphics for official plans, community plans and zoning bylaws
• Plan and design land development projects within a community context
• Obtain approvals for subdivisions, infill site plans, and brownfield developments
• Create digital 3D models and high-quality renderings of land use planning concepts and development proposals
• Prepare and review urban design submissions and participate in urban design studies
• Liaise with industry professionals, local authorities, civic leaders, developers, land owners, lawyers and other professionals
• Respond to community inquiries
• Facilitate public participation meetings and public forums
• Review proposals for site plans, subdivisions, and official plan and by-law amendments
• Build and maintain spatial databases and geographical information systems
• Cartographic development

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians
• URISA (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association)
• Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates of this program may be eligible for advanced standing entry to the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning degree program at Fanshawe College.
• Graduates may be eligible for admission to the Urban and Regional Planning degree program at Ryerson University, the Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree program at Waterloo University, or the Bachelor of Environmental Planning degree program at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.  More details online.
• Graduates may wish to explore the Fanshawe College graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Last Modified: January 23, 2024