Diploma in Cartography

Description of the Programme
The aim of this course is to prepare students for a career in geospatial science where they will work with spatial information. This course involves the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area, usually on a flat surface such as a map or chart. It may involve the superimposition of political, cultural, or other none geographical divisions onto the representation of a geographical area. The training involves use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), a computer application capable of performing a wide range of functions of Cartography. GIS is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data. Graduates will be able to manipulate data and provide information about the earth to planners, engineers, environmental managers and commerce. Since map production is now computer based, and maps are increasingly used in a computer environment (for example on a smart phone, a web page, or in a geographical information system) as well as in printed form, cartography and GIS therefore links the information and communication technology sector with geography, publishing and design.

Admission Requirements
KCSE Mean Grade of C-

Minimum Subject Requirements
ENG: C-
MAT A: C-
GEO: C-

Course Duration
2 ½ years

Career and Employment Opportunities
Cartographers and GIS specialists design and produce a wide range of mapping products including digital maps (designed to be seen and used on a computer screen or a smart-phone), plans (large-scale maps), maritime charts, globes, transport maps and route diagrams, atlases, street maps, statistical maps, and specialist maps for very specific purposes such as maps for tourists. They collect, store and present spatial data with maps and in digital format. They are involved in research, gathering information, conservation, journalism, publishing, surveying, health and emergency services, agriculture, mining, etc. Common job profiles include Cartographers, GIS Specialists, Mapping Assistants or GIS/Cartographic Assistants.

Potential Employers
Graduates can explore job opportunities with government and private organizations in the following fields:

• GIS, Planning, Surveying & Mapping and Geo-information Consultancy Firms e.g. Orbital Africa, Arch Surveys, Geomaps Africa, etc.
• Government ministries: Defence, Agriculture, Planning, Transport Environment and Mineral Resources, etc.
• Weather forecasting agencies like the Kenya Meteorological Department
• Training and research institutes e.g. the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR)
• Power and electricity companies like KenGen, KPLC, KETRACO, etc.
• Telecommunication companies like Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya, Kenya Data Networks, etc.
• Environmental and natural resources management agencies like NEMA, WARMA, KFS, etc
• Wildlife conservation bodies like KWS
• International organizations like the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
• NGOs and Special Programmes like the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP)
• Information Service bodies like National Farmers Information Service (NAFIS)
• Commissions like the IEBC
• Land & Property Consulting firms
• Hydrographic surveying companies
• Mining oil and gas industry
• Urban planning agencies/consulting firms
• Media houses

Institution offering the programme
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)

Academic Progression
Higher Diploma in Surveying Technology in the following options:

1. Surveying
2. Cartography
3. Photogrammetry
4. Remote Sensing

Bachelor of Applied Science (Geo-informatics)
Bachelor of Technology (Geo-information Technology)
Bachelor of Science (Geomatic & Geospatial Information Systems)
Bachelor of Science (Spatial Management)
Bachelor of Science (Geography)

Related Programme
Diploma in Map Reproduction (Printing)

Institution offering the course
Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping