The first of three courses in the ArcGIS Desktop Foundational Training Curriculum, this course teaches the fundamental concepts and basic functions of a GIS, the properties of GIS maps, and the structure of a GIS database. In course exercises, you will develop basic software skills by working with ArcGIS Desktop tools to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, and analyze data using common analysis tools.
- Individuals who do not have any prior GIS education or workplace experience with GIS.
- Managers and GIS support staff who infrequently use ArcGIS and need to understand how GIS fits into their organization.
After completing this course, you will be able to
- Understand what GIS is, what it can do, and how others are using it.
- See how your organization can benefit from a GIS.
- Create a basic GIS map.
- Work with different types of geographic data.
- Access information about geographic datasets and features.
- Apply a systematic approach to analyzing data in order to find patterns and relationships.
GIS overview
- Basic functions of a GIS
- Real-world applications
Components of a GIS map
- Features, layers, and data frames
- Map scale
- Relationship between features and attributes
Exploring a GIS database
- Attribute tables
- Identifying features
- Symbolizing and labeling features based on their attributes
Map layouts
- Data view and layout view
- Layout tools
- Map templates
- Modifying map elements
- Printing maps
Understanding location
- Coordinate systems and map projections
- Reading and finding location coordinates on a map
- Measuring area and distance on a map
Raster data and vector data
- Representing real-world features
- Storing real-world locations
- Symbolizing rasters
- Using raster and vector data together
- The geodatabase
Geographic data
- Data formats
- Methods of creating geographic data
- Using ArcCatalog to explore geographic data
- Metadata
Querying data
- Attribute queries
- Spatial queries
Analyzing spatial relationships
- Overlay
- Buffering features
- Accessing tools in ArcToolbox
- Performing Union and Intersect operations
Solving problems with GIS
- The geographic inquiry process
- Applying GIS tools to solve a geographic problem
- Creating a map to present results
Knowledge of Windows-based software for basic file management and browsing is required.
ArcGIS 9, ArcView 9, ArcEditor 9, ArcInfo 9
This course is designed to work with the following software:
| ArcGIS Desktop* | Version |
| ArcView | 9.3 |
| ArcEditor | 9.3 |
| ArcInfo | 9.3 |
| *Only one of the listed licenses will be used in the classroom. |
How do I know what ArcGIS Desktop software I have? [Flash] [Text]
Overview
Goals