Getting Started with GIS (for ArcGIS 10.1)

Description

If you are curious about what the acronym "GIS" stands for and what a GIS actually is, this course provides the answers. You will be introduced to the basic components of a GIS and some fundamental concepts that underlie the use of a GIS. As you practice working with GIS maps and geographic data, you will learn how a GIS helps people visualize and create information that can be used to make decisions and solve problems.

Who Should Attend

Individuals who are new to GIS (no prior GIS education or workplace experience with GIS).

Learn How To

• Use online resources to quickly create a GIS map.
• Describe two common data models used to represent real-world objects and phenomena in a GIS.
• Evaluate geographic data for use in a GIS mapping project.
• Explore a GIS map and access information about map features.
• Visually analyze feature relationships and patterns on a GIS map.
• Create queries to find and select features that meet specific criteria.
• Prepare a GIS map to share information and present analysis results.

To complete course exercises, you need the following software:

• ArcGIS 10.1 for Desktop (Basic, Standard, or Advanced)
• ArcGIS Online

Esri offers 60-day ArcGIS for Desktop evaluation software. Evaluation software is provided as a complimentary service and is not supported by Esri Training Services or Esri Technical Support.

What is GIS?

• How a GIS works
• What can you do with a GIS?
• Author, share, use
• Introducing an online GIS
• Using a GIS
• Defining GIS

What is GIS data?

• Vector geometries
• Vector information
• Raster basics
• Data storage
• Metadata
• Which data to use?
• Choosing data models

Navigating a GIS map

• Layers
• Scale
• Moving around a map
• Data and layout view
• Moving around a map layout

Finding information

• Info tools and attributes
• Attribute query basics
• Location query basics
• Creating queries
• Querying maps

Experience with Windows-based software for basic file management and browsing is required.