GDS 281Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Units: 0.50
Faculty: Environment
Subject: Geospatial Data Science
Cross-listed: PLAN 281

When it runs

Ran in 1 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students learn about the nature of geographic information and how to store, manipulate and analyze spatial data in a range of application areas. Students will learn underlying theory in lectures and gain a working knowledge of GIS software in lab sessions.

Prerequisites

Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - GDS181 - Designing Effective Maps (0.50)
  - GDS187 - Geospatial Data Science (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - GEOG181
  - GEOG187
- Enrolled in H-Planning

Antirequisites

Not completed any of the following:
- GEOG281

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
Section	Class	Enrolled	Meets
LEC 001	7790	82 / 130	T 10:30–12:20
LAB 101	7791	22 / 26	M 16:30–18:20
LAB 102	7792	12 / 26	M 18:30–20:20
LAB 103	7793	14 / 26	T 18:30–20:20
LAB 104	7794	10 / 26	F 08:30–10:20
LAB 105	7795	24 / 26	W 10:30–12:20

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
Section	Class	Enrolled	Meets
LEC 001	7282	0 / 100	F 10:30–12:20
LEC 701	8207	81 / 9999	Online or by arrangement
LAB 101	7291	0 / 9	M 12:30–14:20
LAB 102	7308	0 / 9	M 16:30–18:20
LAB 103	7309	0 / 9	M 18:30–20:20
LAB 104	7310	0 / 10	T 08:30–10:20
LAB 105	7311	0 / 9	T 16:30–18:20
LAB 106	7312	0 / 9	T 18:30–20:20
LAB 107	7313	0 / 9	W 16:30–18:20
LAB 108	7314	0 / 9	W 18:30–20:20
LAB 109	7315	0 / 9	Th 16:30–18:20
LAB 110	7316	0 / 9	Th 18:30–20:20
LAB 111	7317	0 / 9	F 08:30–10:20

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar

2026–27 (shown here)
2019–20 and earlier on ucalendar