Basics of Geographic Coordinate Systems (for ArcGIS 10)

Description

How do you accurately represent the location of features found on the earth's three-dimensional surface on a two-dimensional piece of paper or computer screen? In a GIS, the answer starts with a geographic coordinate system. In this course, you will learn the fundamental concepts of geographic coordinate systems and some of the history behind their development. You will also see how improvements in technology have affected the accuracy of GIS maps and measurements made from them.

Who Should Attend

Students and professionals who need to understand fundamental concepts of GIS.

Learn How To

• Describe why the shape used to model the earth is important for GIS mapping and analysis.
• Understand how the system of latitude-longitude locates features on the earth's surface.
• Convert latitude-longitude units to decimal degrees.
• See how the choice of geographic coordinate system affects feature locations and measurements on a GIS map.

Familiarity with ArcMap is beneficial.

To complete course exercises, you need the following software:

• ArcGIS 10.0 for Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo)

The shape of the earth

• The earth's shape is an ellipsoid
• The earth's shape is a spheroid
• Why do we need different spheroids?
• When to use a sphere
• Examine spheroids

Establishing location

• Creating the graticule
• Locating features from north to south
• Locating features from east to west
• Decimal degrees