Harper College
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Drone Technology
Harper Drone Program student piloting a drone under the instruction of a professor.
Harper Drone Program student piloting a drone under the instruction of a professor.

GIS and Drone Technology Program

Get hands-on experience with GIS and piloting drones at Harper College

The way we map our world informs the solutions we develop to protect it. Geographic information systems and drone technology are at the forefront of collecting and analyzing spatial information to solve problems in a wide range of industries, including environmental science, urban planning, public safety, cinematography, and more. Harper’s GIS and drone technology classes put this technology in your hands, empowering you to tell compelling digital stories with interactive maps and help solve issues affecting the entire globe.

GIS and drone courses are designed and taught by Harper’s experienced faculty to align with current industry standards, ensuring that students are career-ready upon program completion. Graduates of Harper’s GIS and drone programs have been employed by organizations such as Graf Tree Care, the Morton Arboretum, the Lake County Forest Preserves, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Whether you are completing a certificate program to advance your career or are simply interested in taking courses in GIS and drone piloting, Harper’s GIS and Drone Technology Program offers a solid foundation for future success and is a convenient, affordable way to pursue your college education. Get started today by exploring the program’s offerings.

Program Highlights

Stackable Certificates Icon

GIS and Drone Certificate Programs

Whether getting started or advancing in your career, Harper College’s GIS and Drone Technology Program offers certifications to equip students with valuable hand-on experience with the latest GIS and drone technologies. Certificate programs prepare students to pursue further education and training or entry-level and specialist positions in related fields.

Explore Careers in Geographic Information Systems and Drone Technology

Completing a GIS or Drone certificate at Harper College gives students a strong foundation and hands-on skills that apply far beyond traditional GIS roles, such as GIS technician/analyst, cartographer, remote sensing technician/analyst, and urban planning. These skills are increasingly valuable in environmental science, engineering (civil, structural, mining), construction, public safety, emergency management, real estate, business (marketing, logistics), and education. GIS has become a mainstream technology used in a wide range of fields outside the geographic subdiscipline. For more detailed information about job outlook, visit Geographic Information Systems and Drone Technology Careers. Explore the Chicago job market—including salaries, openings, and top employers—through the career profiles below.

Geographic Information Systems Career Profiles

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

* Data sampled August 2025. Visit the Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians career profile for most current data.

 

$99,272
Median Salary

 

0.6%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

27
Job Postings

Description:

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Core tasks:

  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
  • Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians (65.21%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians have a salary range from $47,350 to $169,035

Remote Sensing Technicians

* Data sampled August 2025. Visit the Remote Sensing Technicians career profile for most current data.

 

$57,694
Median Salary

 

0.7%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

5
Job Postings

Description:

Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.

Core tasks:

  • Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
  • Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
  • Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Remote Sensing Technicians (70.45%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Remote Sensing Technicians have a salary range from $35,492 to $88,702

Mining and Geological Engineers

* Data sampled August 2025. Visit the Mining and Geological Engineers career profile for most current data.

 

$97,799
Median Salary

 

0.3%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

6
Job Postings

Description:

Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Core tasks:

  • Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
  • Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
  • Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (95.74%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers have a salary range from $58,803 to $135,206.

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

* Data sampled August 2025. Visit the Surveying and Mapping Technicians career profile for most current data.

 

$57,027
Median Salary

 

0.1%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

29
Job Postings

Description:

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

Core tasks:

  • Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
  • Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
  • Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Surveying and Mapping Technicians (33.33%) hold a Associate degree.
  • Surveying and Mapping Technicians have a salary range from $41,954 to $89,265.

Urban and Regional Planners

* Data sampled August 2025. Visit the Urban and Regional Planners career profile for most current data.

 

$93,279
Median Salary

 

0.3%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

80
Job Postings

Description:

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Core tasks:

  • Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
  • Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
  • Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Urban and Regional Planners (60.00%) hold a Master's or Professional degree.
  • Urban and Regional Planners have a salary range from $61,487 to $127,274.

Civil Engineers

* Data sampled September 2025. Visit the Civil Engineers career profile for most current data.

 

$99,428
Median Salary

 

0.5%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

606
Job Postings

Description:

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Core tasks:

  • Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
  • Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
  • Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Civil Engineers (90.47%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Civil Engineers have a salary range from $71,211 to $165,143.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

* Data sampled September 2025. Visit the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists career profile for most current data.

 

$75,573
Median Salary

 

1.3%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

32
Job Postings

Description:

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

Core tasks:

  • Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
  • Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
  • Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (57.21%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists have a salary range from $45,879 to $114,686.

Conservation Scientists

* Data sampled September 2025. Visit the Conservation Scientists career profile for most current data.

 

$66,707
Median Salary

 

1%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

4
Job Postings

Description:

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Core tasks:

  • Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
  • Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
  • Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Conservation Scientists (78.27%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Conservation Scientists have a salary range from $33,612 to $113,446.

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

* Data sampled September 2025. Visit the Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists career profile for most current data.

 

$75,332
Median Salary

 

0.4%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

1,354
Job Postings

Description:

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

Core tasks:

  • Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
  • Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
  • Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (60.87%) hold a Bachelor's degree.
  • Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists have a salary range from $44,235 to $139,811.

Epidemiologists

* Data sampled September 2025. Visit the Epidemiologists career profile for most current data.

 

$100,021
Median Salary

 

1.4%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

38
Job Postings

Description:

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Core tasks:

  • Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
  • Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
  • Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Epidemiologists (66.67%) hold a Master's or Professional degree.
  • Epidemiologists have a salary range from $61,552 to $133,693.

Drone Technology Career Profiles

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

* Data sampled September 2025. Visit the Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film career profile for most current data.

 

$67,087
Median Salary

 

0.7%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

 

21
Job Postings

Description:

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

Core tasks:

  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
  • Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
  • Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

Quick facts:

  • Based on national attainment data, the majority of Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film (60.70%) hold a Associate degree.
  • Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film have a salary range from $22,095 to $123,384.

For more information about Harper's GIS and Drone Technology Program and courses, please contact Program Coordinator Professor Mukila Maitha at mmaitha@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6521. Alternatively, contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700.

Last Updated: 5/21/26