Creating and Integrating Data for Natural Resource Applications

Description

Frequently, the natural resource data needed for a project (such as vegetation, species locations, or watersheds) does not exist. Or, the data may exist but significant manipulation is required before it can be displayed and used for analysis in a GIS. This four-module course teaches methods for acquiring, evaluating, creating, manipulating, and integrating data in preparation for analysis and map creation. Students learn tips for assembling a high-quality database, as well as best practice approaches to data problems commonly encountered by those in the natural resource and conservation fields. In a course project, students apply the skills they've learned throughout the course.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for experienced ArcGIS users who want to create and integrate vector and raster data for conservation projects or other natural resource applications.

Learn How To

• Evaluate existing data.
• Assess data errors.
• Create spatial and attribute data.
• Use a hard-copy map to create new features.
• Derive new data from existing spatial data.
• Integrate data collected in the field with other sources of data.
• Interpolate raster surfaces.
• Correct data alignment problems.
• Apply basic analysis tools to combine and derive new data.

To complete course exercises, you need the following software:

• ArcGIS 9.2 for Desktop or ArcGIS 9.3 for Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo)
• ArcGIS 9.2 Spatial Analyst or ArcGIS 9.3 Spatial Analyst

• Data Acquisition: Understanding your data needs; Locating existing data; Data preprocessing
• Data Creation: Adding field data to ArcGIS; Paper to digital conversion; Creating new data from existing data
• Data Integration and Error Assessment: Integrating data layers; Data error
• Preliminary Data Analysis: Exploring your data; Course project: Identify a site for remote bush lodges

Students should have completed Learning ArcGIS Desktop and Working with Rasters in ArcGIS Desktop or have equivalent knowledge.