Learning GIS Using ArcGIS Desktop

ArcGIS Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS, the ArcGIS 9.3 version of this course, is now available. This course is now offered only at client sites.

This course provides the foundation for understanding what GIS is, what it can do, and how others are using it. Students learn the basic functions of a GIS, the properties of GIS maps, why a GIS database is powerful, what coordinate systems and map projections are and why they are important, two common GIS data structures, and where geographic data is obtained and how it is made. In course exercises, students work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, perform spatial analysis using simple analysis tools, and solve simple geographic problems using a systematic approach.

This course is designed for those who are new to GIS and ArcGIS, or those who are infrequent users of ArcGIS who do not have a GIS background.

Those completing this course will be able to

• Explain what a GIS is and what it can do.
• Discover how GIS can help them in their work.
• Work with and create GIS maps in ArcMap.
• Access and query a GIS database.
• Explain what geographic data is, how it is made, and where to get it.
• Explain what spatial analysis is and solve geographic problems using simple analysis tools.

• The big picture of GIS: Basic functions of a GIS; Real-world applications.
• Exploring GIS maps: Defining features, layers, and data frames; Exploring map scale; Understanding the relationship between features and attributes.
• Exploring a GIS database: Exploring attribute tables; Identifying features; Symbolizing features based on their attributes; Labeling features based on their attributes.
• Creating map layouts: Understanding data view and layout view; Using the Layout toolbar; Using map templates; Modifying map elements; Printing maps.
• Understanding location: Defining coordinate systems and map projections; Reading and finding location coordinates on a map; Measuring area and distance on a map.
• Understanding raster and vector data: Representing geography; Storing real-world locations; Symbolizing rasters; Using raster and vector data together; Understanding geodatabases.
• Acquiring geographic data: Data formats; Methods of creating geographic data; Using ArcCatalog to explore geographic data; Using metadata.
• Querying data: Understanding and performing attribute queries; Understanding and performing spatial queries.
• Analyzing spatial relationships: Understanding overlay; Understanding buffer; Accessing tools in ArcToolbox; Performing Union and Intersect; Buffering features.
• Solving problems with GIS: Applying the geographic inquiry process; Using GIS tools to solve a geographic problem; Creating a map to show results.

Students should know how to use Windows^®-based software.

This course is designed to work with the following software:

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