Build hands-on skills in GIS, drone operations and aerial data analysis
Geographic Information Systems (GIS or geospatial technology) and drone technology
help organizations understand places, monitor change, and make better decisions. At
Harper College, you will learn to collect, analyze, map and communicate spatial information
through hands-on courses taught by experienced faculty.
GIS students develop skills in digital mapping, spatial analysis, remote sensing and
data visualization. Drone students learn the full workflow, from planning and safely
conducting flights to collecting, processing and interpreting aerial imagery and sensor
data for mapping, analysis, photography and videography.
Harper graduates have applied these skills in environmental conservation, public agencies,
mapping and surveying, urban planning, engineering, public safety, media and other
fields.
Experience a comprehensive drone learning program
Harper’s drone program combines professional technology, structured flight training,
aerial data analysis and field experience with community partners.
Train with multiple aircrafts and sensors
Gain experience with multirotor, fixed-wing and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Learn how RGB, multispectral, thermal and lidar sensors support different missions
and industries.
Develop practical flight proficiency
Build your skills through structured practice in preflight procedures, aircraft control,
crew communication, mission planning and safe field operations.
Apply your skills on real projects
Participate in field experiences with local nonprofits, conservation groups and other
organizations. Use drone technology to support mapping, environmental monitoring and
community needs.
Learn in an FAA-recognized program
Harper participates in the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative,
which recognizes colleges that prepare students for careers involving drones.
Program Highlights
Learn the complete geospatial workflow, from collecting field and aerial data to producing
maps, imagery and other decision-support products.
Work with professional GIS software, drone-processing applications, multiple aircraft
platforms and advanced imaging sensors.
Apply classroom skills through projects, field experiences and collaboration with
community and industry partners.
Learn from experienced faculty whose courses align with current professional practices.
Participate in events, guest lectures, networking activities and the Harper Drone
Club.
Study in a drone program that participates in the FAA’s UAS Collegiate Training Initiative.
GIS and Drone Certificate Programs
Whether you are getting started or advancing in your career, Harper College offers
stackable GIS and drone certificates that build hands-on skills with current geospatial
and aerial technologies. The certificates can prepare you for further education, entry-level
positions or specialized responsibilities within your current field.
Explore Careers in Geographic Information Systems and Drone Technology
GIS and drone skills support work in mapping, remote sensing, environmental science,
marketing, engineering, construction, urban planning, public safety, emergency management,
real estate, logistics, military operations, media, public health and many other fields.
Harper’s certificates provide a practical foundation that can support entry-level
employment, professional development or continued education.
Explore the career profiles below for information about Chicago-area salaries, openings
and employers. For additional career information, visit Geographic Information Systems
and Drone Technology Careers, visit Geographic Information Systems and Drone Technology Careers.
Geographic Information Systems Career Profiles
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
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
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.
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.
