GIS 111 - Introduction to GIS

GIS for Realtors

2008-10-28T12:55:00.005-04:00

This blog has been used in the past as a supplement for my GIS 111 - Introduction to GIS class however I have been using BlackBoard the last couple of semester instead for consistency between my online and seated classes. Nonetheless, I thought this might be a good place to post about a GIS for Realtors class coming up this month. More information below:

If interested: call Haven with Ecohouse Realty and Dwell at 828.230.0555 or email haven (at) ecohouserealty.com or check here http://ashevilleecorealty.blogspot.com

GIS: Real Estate Class in Asheville

This course provides a basic introduction to local GIS data sources and Internet map services with an emphasis on real-estate applications. Introduction to basic GIS concepts and utilize hands-on activities with GIS software and some free desktop mapping programs for utilization with local data sources. (4 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $15.00

Tue/Thu, Nov 4 - Nov 6, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
104 Balsam Computer Technology Center, Asheville Campus Course #: SEF-7465-498 Instructor: Hanford

Registration information: http://www.abtech.edu/ce/registration/default.asp
Learn more at http://ashevilleecorealty.blogspot.com

Module 15 - Standards and Project work

2007-12-07T11:27:00.000-05:00

Work on final projects

Chapter 14 - Standards PowerPoint Supplement
refresh page if it does not display

Selections in ArcGIS

2007-12-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

Why perform a selection? What is the best way to select features? Check out the video below!

Final Project - Option # 2

2007-11-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

The final project of this class is designed to test the knowledge and technical skills that you have learned during the semester and simulate a real-world GIS project in which you are responsible for collecting, processing, and manipulating GIS data and creating a series of maps with the data. The final product of this project will be a digital map book (PowerPoint) displaying your maps as well as a written report. The maps should be the result of some analysis that you will detail in the report. They should be actual maps that you create in ArcMap, complete with the main map elements that we have discussed. These should not just be screen captures from ArcMap. Rather than assigning a certain task, I want to give you the flexibility to be creative and focus on datasets and areas that are of interest to you, be creative and have fun with it.

Procedures and things to consider:

Decide on an area of interest, it can be a local, county, regional, or a state approach. Be creative.
Download as much data as you desire or can find, show as much data as possible for your area of interest.
Refer to the list of data links that have been provided, feel free to find your own.
Perhaps download categories of data for your site, use them as themes for your maps:
§ Boundaries, Hydrography, Transportation, Location, Elevation, etc.
Perform analysis and geoprocessing of the data you collect, such as distinguishing between major rivers and streams, types of roads, etc., and create new data layers from the analysis. Include a description of the analysis in the report. If your project is hypothetical, provide some hypothetical questions that would lead to some spatial/raster analysis. Provide details in the written report.
Pay attention to coordinate systems.
Provide a list of all the data you collect and then used in the maps. Include the data source and projection system that the data is in (both its original form and what reprojection you may have done).
Provide a written summary (1 – 2 pages) of your work, give details, and document a step-by-step procedure. This can include the list mentioned above.

This is your chance to demonstrate what you have learned. I encourage you to put some effort into this. I expect to see at least 3 - 4 maps with at least 10 data layers. This will count as 10% of your final grade. The projects will be due by the end of class on December 14th. Again, you will hand in:

1 digital PowerPoint map book, 1 written report

Final Project - Watershed Analysis - Option # 1

2007-11-30T09:02:00.000-05:00

Project Description

Scenario: Monitoring sites on streams in the Reed Creek watershed (in Asheville) have shown high concentrations of sediment and other chemicals during periods of rain. Your task is to quantify landuse and impervious surfaces in the Reed Creek watershed.

Required Anaysis for Reed Creek Watershed:

Determine percentages of landuse within 300 feet of streams in the watershed
Determine the percentage of impervious surfaces in the watershed
Determine total length of roads in the watershed (feet and miles) in the watershed

Data Sources:

City of Asheville Impervious Surfaces (30MB file - will take a while to download)
City of Asheville Watersheds
Buncombe County Landuse
All other layers from Buncombe County GIS site (like the roads) and/or NCONEMAP - you will need a very detailed streams layer (1:24000 hydrography) for this analysis

Deliverables:

Write up / Report: During the course of the project, make certain to take good notes and record your process. It is very important to document your work so other people can understand what you did without talking to you. Your project (process, analysis, results) should be able to be duplicated by someone else from your documentation. Your report should include the following at a minimum.

Introduction
Methods / Analysis
Results (graphs/charts)
Conclusion
Map showing the watershed with a locator map depicting the watersheds location within the city. You may have more than one map.

TIPS and TRICKS:
Remember that shapefiles are not 'topological' and therefore do not update fields such as area and length when modified. You must create a geodatabase that all of this data will reside in. Geodatabases are a topological data format and will maintain fields of area and length (called shape_area and shape_length) The landuse layer used has codes for the landuse.

NOTES:
Normally, researching the data and collecting (or creating) the data is a big part of any GIS project. For this project, I have provided most (if not all) of the data for you.
Make certain your maps are communicate your GIS analysis and are aesthetically and functionally appropriate.See Chapter 9 - Presenting Data

File management is VERY IMPORTANT in all GIS work. SAVE YOUR MAP DOCUMENT OFTEN!
FINDING ANWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:
How do I clip? How do I convert a selected feature to a layer? These and many more questions can be answered collaborating with people doing the same type work as you and looking for people that already have; as well as searching the help in the software.
This might not seem like the easiest way to go about finding the answers but this is how it happens in the real world a lot! I rarely have someone sitting close enough to just turn and ask how to do something. Searching and trouble shooting are the most important skills you will get. It is how I get things done A LOT in the real world. There are many discussion boards, knowledge bases and forums you can post questions and search to see if anyone else has already posted the question you are asking and there may already be an answer. As much as I like to think I'm so 'cutting edge' that I am the first person to be trying something and need help figuring a specific task out - that is RARELY the case. Usually I can find someone who has already asked the question and had it answered.

Some places I look for answers:
Search the following places for 'clipping a layer' or 'buffering'. Then search on another phrase for a question you have.

ESRI Knowledge Base:
http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=knowledgeBase.gateway -Search Main Page
http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=forums.gateway - Browse Forums
http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=knowledgebase.webHelp.gateway - ESRI Web-based help

The ArcGIS desktop Help:
With ArcGIS open, press F1 or go to Help Dropdown

WWW Search Engines:
Google: http://www.google.com/ - Many of the answers you find here will be in part of ESRI's knowledge base but you'll find a LOT MORE as well!

Module 14 - Testing

2007-11-30T08:51:00.000-05:00

Lecture Test on Chapters 9,10,and 11 in GIS Fundamentals
Lab Test on downloading data and some spatial analysis

start looking at the final project

Test 3 - Study Guide

2007-11-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

This week, we will have a lecture and lab test. Below you will find a study guide for the lecture test. The lab test will resemble the lab work we did last week in class. Contact me with any questions.

Access the study guide HERE (refresh the page if it does not load)

Module 13 - Lab work

2007-11-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

This week, you will use the skills you've learned thus far this semester to complete a lab. Get the lab below and upload the final map to your blog for review.

This is the lab

Module 12 - GIS Day

2007-11-10T15:49:00.002-05:00

Class participated in GIS Day. Attended sessions and manned the 'hands-on GPS' booth helping GIS day attendees with GPS technology.

Check out the pics here...

Module 11 - GPS in prep for GIS Day

2007-11-10T15:49:00.001-05:00

Garmin 60cs

Import using MapSource
Export to CAD
Spatial Reference issues
Import using GPSUtility
Export to KML for GoogleEarth
Export to GPX for EveryTrail.com
Export to shapefile for ArcGIS
Geocoding 123
Build Address Locator in ArcToolbox using Buncombe County streets layer
Use find tool in ArcMap to pinpoint address using above Address Locator
Determine orthos grid tile using grid shapefile for county

Module 10 - Terrain Analysis

2007-10-30T14:04:00.000-04:00

INTRODUCTION

Elevation and terrain variables are important at some point in almost everone's life. Elevation and slope determines flood zones and watershed boundaries as well as hydrologic networks. Terrain is also an integral part of determining transportation networks and site suitability for a variety of applications.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe how terrain data is used to enhance spatial analyses.

Describe how terrain data used in digital format is advantageous to spatial analyses using terrain data in non-spatial formats.

Define slope and discuss the difference between measuring slope in degrees and percentages.

Define aspect.

List several applications or studies where slope and aspect terrain variables might be useful.

Discuss some hydologic functions avalilable throught terrain data.

Describe a viewshed.

Describe a shaded relief map.

TERMS TO KNOW

terrain analysis

terrain data

slope

aspect

flow length

upslople length

profile curvature

plan curvature

visibility

contours

pits or sinks

watershed

drainage network

viewshed

shaded relief

hillshade

DISCUSSION AND READING

LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging - in NC has been used to develop high resolution DEMs of WNC. These DEM's are 20 foot resolution as opposed to the old USGS DEM's that started at 30m resolution and got better at 20m resolution for areas with significant elevation change. From the DEM's we can generate hillshade, slope, aspect, contours, and visibility grids.

This is done in ArcGIS using the Spatial Analyst or 3D Analyst extensions through the surface analysis tools.

Bolstad: GIS Fundamentals. Chapter 11 - Terrain Analysis

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

Terrain Analysis

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddh8bbwd_251g9mb2c

gis.ncdc.noaa.gov

Module 9 - Raster Analyses

2007-10-23T15:12:00.000-04:00

INTRODUCTION

Raster data is exceptional at modeling real-world phenomenon and creating visualizations of these models. The types of analysis we prepare and conduct with raster data works in a different environment with different commands. While some concepts like overlay are still very relevant, they act differently when applied to raster data. This module will introduce us to many of these concepts.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Define raster analyses
Discuss some reasons we may emply raster data analyses as opposed to other types of spatial data analyses
Categorize raster analyses intoLocal, Neighborhood and Global functions
Describe logical operations
Discuss raster reclassification. Why and how is it done?
Describe conditional functions
Describe several neighborhood functions used in raster analyses.
Discuss the concept of a moving window
Define kernel
Describe cost surfaces

TERMS TO KNOW

raster analyses
map algebra
unary
binary
local functions
neighborhood functions
global functions
logical funtions
resolution
raster reclassification
overlay
moving window
kernel
cost surfaces

READING ASSIGNMENT

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 10 - Raster Analyses

POWERPOINT SUPPLEMENT (refresh page if file does not download)

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

refresh the pages if you get the 'page cannot be displayed'

Do all 3 exercises in the ESRI Tutorial - Getting to Know Spatial Analyst
Download the data here

Module 8 - Basic Spatial Analysis

2007-10-11T15:58:00.000-04:00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

none

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Define spatial analyses
Discuss the flow of input, operations and output when performing spatial analyses
Define spatial scope and list 3 common ways spatial scope is characterized.
Describe selection operations.
Describe set algebra
Describe Boolean algebra
List and describe several commonly used spatial selection operations
Define classification
Define dissolve. Why might dissolve be used?
Describe several proximity functions discussed in the book. Specifically describe all aspects of buffering
Discuss the overlay operations described in the book.

TERMS TO KNOW

spatial data analysis
spatial operations or spatial functions
spatial scope
local operations
neighborhood operations
global operations
selections operations
on-screen query
set algebra
Boolean algebra
adjacency
containment
classification
reclassification or recoding
binary classification
equal-interval classification
equal-area classification
natural-breaks classification
dissolve
proximity functions
buffering
fixed distance buffering
compound buffering
nested or multi-ring buffering
variable distance buffering
overlay operations
clip
intersect
union

CLASS DISCUSSION / READING

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 9 - Basic Spatial Analysis - GET THE POWERPOINT SUPPLEMENT HERE - refresh page if it does not download

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISES

Getting to Know ArcGIS - Chapter - Chapter 10 Selecting Features by Location
Getting to Know ArcGIS - Chapter - Chapter 11 Preparing Data for Analysis
Getting to Know ArcGIS - Chapter - Chapter 12 Analyzing Spatial Data <== we probably won't get to this one!

Test 2 Study Guide

2007-10-08T19:50:00.000-04:00

The test will cover chapters 4,6,7, and 8 in Bolstad and concepts from labwork (no hands on)

This document is to be used as a “guide” to studying for the test. Please refer to the book, review questions, lectures, and notes. Understand the overall concepts that these questions address. To best study for this test, fill out all the answers in the document and then use them to study. The test may be short answers, multiple choices, true/false and fill in the blank. The test will be designed to be completed in about 1 hour.

Get the study guide here. Refresh page if you are not taken to the download page.

Thanks to Greg Dobson for most of this study guide. Slightly modified by me.

Module 7 - Attribute Data and Tables

2007-10-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

none

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe the difference between a database and a database management system
Describe the basic database components and characteristics
Distinguish between physical, logical and conceptual database structures
Compare and contrast non-relational and relational databases
Perform queries based on attribute information
Discuss the normal forms in database design
Describe object-relational data models
Discuss current and future trends in spatial DBMS

TERMS TO KNOW

Lecture - GIS Fundamentals

Database Management System (DBMS)

data independence

multiple user views

centralized control and maintenance

data items or attributes

entity

instance

record

row

file

relational table

server

clients

multi-tiered architecture

transaction manager

applications server

schema

entity-relationship diagram

conceptual database design

logical database design

physical design

parent

children

relations

relational algebra

restrict

project

union

intersection

difference

product

join

divide

table query

AND

NOT

normal forms

primary key

READING ASSIGNMENT

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 8 - Attribute Data and Tables - GET THE POWERPOINT SUPPLEMENT HERE - refresh page if it does not download

Read the chapter but study the powerpoint for the test

ASSIGNMENTS (ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISES)

7A) Getting to Know ArcGIS - Chapter 8 - Querying Data
7B) Getting to Know ArcGIS - Chapter 9 - Joining and relating tables

Module 6 - Aerial and Satellite Images - Remote Sensing

2007-09-28T10:01:00.001-04:00

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe several positive attributes of remotely-sensed images as data sources.
Describe the electromagnetic energy spectrum and it's principle wavelength regions.
Define photogrammetry.
Discuss passive versus active remote-sensing systems
Discuss large and small format scanners in relation to aerial photography. Advantages and disadvantages/
List the basic components of a camera used for taking aerial photographs
List the sources of geometric distortion in aerial photographs. Which are minor sources and which are minor? Why?
Describe photointerpetation
Georeference an image
Create a geodatabase
Define spatial reference
Create a feature class
Create features by heads-up digitizing

TERMS TO KNOW

Lecture - GIS Fundamentals

remotely-sensed
large area coverage
extended spectral range
geometric accuracy
permanent record
wavelength
electromagnetic energy
electromagnetic spectrum
passive systems
active systems
image scale
extent
image resolution
photogrammetry
emulsions
developer
stop bath
fixer
panchromatic
true color
infrared films
contras
diaphragm
shutter
optical axis
focal plane data strip
large-format
small-format
fiducials
motorized film advancement
image motion compensation
charge coupled device (CCD)
cartometric or orthographic
perspective view
terrain distortion
tilt distortion
relief displacement
atmospheric distortion
stereopair
stereo photographic coverage
endlap
sidelap
parallax
stereomodel
geometic correction
orthophotographs
softcopy
minimum mapping unit (mmu)

Lab - Georeferencing, creating and editing features

georeference
world-file
control points
links
target data
transformation
geodatabase
attribute
feature class
heads-up digitize

READING ASSIGNMENT

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 6 - Aerial and Satellite Images - PowerPoint Supplement - refresh page if download does not begin

ASSIGNMENTS (ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISES)

Georeferencing, creating and editing data

Module 5 - Data Sources and Data Entry

2007-09-20T20:58:00.001-04:00

INTRODUCTION

Spatial data entry and editing can be the most expensive, time consuming and important of all GIS operations. Take the time and care to do this part well because the data is the foundation for everything you will do with your GIS.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Discuss hard copy and digital forms of spatial data
Describe how spatial data are commonly entered to the computer
Describe several different types of maps
Discuss small scale versus large scale
Why are data generalized and what are some typical ways these generalizations occur?
Describe the digitizing: coordinate capture process
Describe coordinate surveying
Discuss metadata and it's importance to GIS

TERMS TO KNOW

Lecture - GIS Fundamentals

hard copy
digital
cartometric
insets
map scale
graticule
grids
feature maps
choropleth maps
dot-density maps
isopleth maps (contour maps)
large scale
small scale
map generalization
feature generalization
- simplified
- omitted
- fused
- displaced
- exaggerated
registration
digitizing
manual digitizing
- on-screen digitizing (heads-up)
- hardcopy digitizing
minimum distance
undershoots / overshoots
node / line snapping
snap tolerance / snap distance
spline
scan digitizing
editing
rubbersheeting
coordinate surveying
coordinate geometry
bearings
coordinate transformation
control points
resampling
metadata

Lab - Getting to Know ArcGIS

editor toolbar
sketch tool
edit task
target layer
snapping environment
auto complete polygon
map topology

READING ASSIGNMENT

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Data Entry - Get the PowerPoint supplement here

ASSIGNMENTS (ACTIVE LEARING EXERCISES)

Getting to Know ArcGIS : Chapter 15 - Creating Features
Getting to Know ArcGIS : Chapter 16 - Editing Features and Attributes

*** Check the errata for the book on these chapters. There are updates.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES

Check out these data sources ...

Module 4 - Digital Data

2007-09-20T20:28:00.000-04:00

INTRODUCTION

There is an abundance of GIS data available in digital format for many parts of the world. Much of this data has been created by local, state, and federal governments to support their basic public services such as safety, health, transportation, water and energy. Spatial data is also required for disaster planning and management, national defense and more.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Discuss why many state and local governments create digital GIS data

List the 3 general forms digital data are typically provided

Discuss why it is so difficult to create data sets at a global scale

List 2 datasets that are available at a global scale

Describe the primary goal of the Global Spatial Dataset Infrastructure (GSDI)

Define the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)

Discribe Digital Raster Graphics (DRG's)

Describe Digital Line Graphs (DLG's)

Describe Digital Elevation Models (DEM's)

Describe National Elevation Dataset (NED)

Describe Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQ's)

Discuss the primary types of hydrologic data available

Describe the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)

Describe the types of digital soils data available in the United States

Describe the types of flood plain data available.

Describe the digital census data available today

Describe the National Land Cover Data (NLCD)

TERMS TO KNOW

Digital data

AVHRR

MODIS

NASA

Global Spatial Dataset Infrastructure (GSDI)

Global Map

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)

National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse (NGDC)

USGS National Map

Digital Raster Graphics (DRG's)

Digital Line Graphs (DLG's)

Digital Elevation Models (DEM's)

National Elevation Data (NED)

LIDAR

Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)

Hydrography

Hypsography

Tiles 1:24000 USGS quadrangle data

Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQ's)

National Hydrologic Dataset (NHD)

Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU)

National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

National Soil Geography (NATSGO)

State Soil Geographic (STATSGO)

Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO)

United States Census Bureau

Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER)

National Land Cover Data (NLCD)

READING ASSIGNMENT

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 7 - Digital Data - Get the PowerPoint supplement here.

ASSIGNMENTS (ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISES)

Complete the 2 exercises from Mastering ArcGIS. See handouts from class.

Module 3 - Geodesy, Map Projections, and Coordinate Systems

2007-09-06T13:48:00.001-04:00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Test next week - Friday September 14th, 2007. Chapters 1 - 3 Paul Bolstad and anything else we've discussed and covered.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDY GUIDE - press F5 to refresh the screen if the file does not download

INTRODUCTION

Another fundamental concept that effects everything we do is that the earth is round ( or close to it ...) and maps are usually flat. This means we have to make a mathematically transformation of every point on the hypothetical earth to the flat map. This is called a map projection. We will cover this and other related topics this week.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Define geodesy
Define map projection
Describe some of the early measurements of the earth's shape and size.
Describe why a map projection is important ot cartography
List commonly used map projections
Describe some ways the early the circumference of the earth has been estimated
Explain what a datum is used for
Describe geographic coordinates
List the 3 comon projection surfaces
Describe the Universal Transverse Mercator
Describe the State Plane Coordinate system

TERMS TO KNOW

Lecture - GIS Fundamentals

geodesy
map projection
Erathosthenes
zenith angle
ellipsoid
spheroid
geoid
latitude
longitude
magnetic north
geographic north
datum
datum adjustment
developable surface
great circle
standard parallels
datum transformation

Lab - Getting to Know ArcGIS

Spatial Reference
Project on the fly
geographic coordinate system
projected coordinate system
defining a projection

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES

ESRI 'live' Training Seminar - *** this seminar was recorded at an earlier date ***

Working with Map Projections and Coordinate Systems in ArcGIS

READING ASSIGNMENT

For next week lecture and class - GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Entry

CLASS DISCUSSION

Chapter 3 - PowerPoint - press F5 to refresh if the file does not download

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

Lab: Getting to Know ArcGIS

Chapter 13 - Projecting Data in ArcMap

How to: Export a map to a .jpg (image)

2007-08-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

For every exercise we do this semester, you will export your map to an image and then upload it to your blog so I can track your work. The following is a short demonstration on how to do this.

Module 2 - Data Models / ArcCatalog / Geodatabases

2007-08-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

INTRODUCTION

When using a GIS, we work with abstractions of reality. The spatial data models are simplified representations of the world that suppport map display, querying, editing and analysis in a GIS. Data models are at the foundation of everything with do with a GIS.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe how GIS represent the reality.
Explain why coordinates are important in data models.
Describe the two distinct types of data used to define cartographic objects.
List several examples of things that could be represented in thematic layers.
Describe the difference between cartesian coordinate systems and sperical coordinate systems.
Describe the different attribute categories
Describe the vector data model
Describe the raster data model
Describe the spaghetti data model
Describe the advantages of using a topological data model
Describe the relationship between vector features and attributes
List some advantages and disadvantages of the vector and raster data models
Describe Triangulated Irregular Networks
Define object data model
List common formats for spatial data
Describe what ArcCatalog is used for
Utilize ArcCatalog of managing spatial data

TERMS TO KNOW

Lecture - GIS Fundamentals

entities or phenomena
spatial feature
cartographic object
data model
coordinates
thematic layers
cartesian coordinate system
orthogonal
spherical coordinate system
attributes
nominal
ordinal
interval / ratio
vector
spaghetti data model
topological data model
topology
planar topology
raster
cells
cell dimension
continuous
discrete
triangulated irregular network (TIN)
digital elevation model (DEM)
object data model
data format

Lab - Getting to Know ArcGIS

ArcCatalog
catalog tree
connect to folder
file extension
geodatabase
feature class
layer file
shapefile

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

Lab: Getting to Know ArcGIS

Chapter 4 - Exploring ArcCatalog
Chapter 14 - Building Geodatabases

READING ASSIGNMENT

For next week lecture and class - GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 3 - Geodesy, Projections, and Coordinate Systems

HOMEWORK

Not

STUDY QUESTIONS

GIS Fundamentals, pp. 64-65 (do not do the coordinate conversion table)

Module 1 - Getting started / Chapter 1 - GIS Fundamentals

2007-08-24T00:18:00.001-04:00

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to GIS 111 - Introduction to GIS. This semester we'll be looking a broad range of GIS characteristics, functions, and applications. This class will not go deep into any one topic but rather will touch on many subjects related to the heart of GIS. It's a great technology that can be a lot of fun to utilize so let's get started!

OUTLINE

Class introductions
Syllabus / Course expectations
Discussion - Introduction to GIS - using textbooks
GIS websites and examples
Resources to learn GIS
Introduce and demo ArcGIS
Create Google Accounts / create blogs
Active learning Exercise - i.e. lab

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Define GIS
Define GISci
Describe the major components of a GIS
Describe the difference between Geographic Information Systems and Geographic Information Science
Explain why we need GIS
List several applications of GIS
List several commercial GIS software products
Describe ArcMap
Describe ArcCatalog
Open a map document
Navigate the map in ArcMap using the tools toolbar
View properties of a layer in ArcMap
Utilize the measure tool in ArcMap
Generate statistics from a layer in ArcMap

TERMS TO KNOW

-Lecture - GIS Fundamentals

GIS
spatial information
ubiquitous
data entry
editing
data management
analysis
output

-Lab - Getting to Know ArcGIS

ArcGIS
layers
features
shape
size
surfaces
attributes
spatial relationships
table of contents

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE - LAB WORK

GTKArcGIS - Chapter 3 - Exploring ArcMap

** post to you blog - map from page 29 / step 20

** post to your blog - map from page page 38 / step 18

READING ASSIGNMENT

**normally, you will do the assigned reading before the class. For next week, you will need to read what we covered in class today and what we will cover next week.

GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 1 - (PowerPoint available)
GTKArcGIS - Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
GIS Fundamentals - Chapter 2 -Data Models - next weeks topic

HOMEWORK

Create a blog for this class at http://www.blogger.com/. If you have a Gmail account, you can use it to log in to Blogger. If you don't have a Gmail account, you will have to create an account with Blogger. REMEMBER YOUR USERNAME. REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORD. REMEMBER YOUR BLOG ADDRESS! WRITE THEM ALL DOWN.

Go to http://www.blogger.com
Click on create a new blog
CThe first step will be to reate an account (on blogger) using a valid email address
Pick a title - this can be anything and does not have to be unique (someone else can have the same title). This can be changed later.
Pick a URL (web address) for the blog. This will be http://SomeThingYouChoose.blogspot.com. Where SomethingYouChoose must be unique - i.e. no one else can have the same address.
Pick a template - this can be changed at any time if you don't like the one you pick
Make a post summarizing our first class.
If you want to see some past student blogs ... see the side links on this blog.

STUDY QUESTIONS

GIS Fundamentals - page 23

Chapter 1 - Introduction to GIS discussion

2007-08-24T00:14:00.001-04:00

ArcGIS Desktop Tutorials - Now Online

2007-03-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

As part of the Online ArcGIS Desktop help, you can now access all the desktop tutorials. These tutorials always came with the software when you bought it as pdf files however now you can download these pdf's online or even watch videos of some of the tutorials!

Some things you can learn in these tutorials...

Getting started with ArcGIS
Building Geodatabases
Editing features in ArcGIS
Geocoding
much, much more!

Don't take my word for it - check them out - http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Tutorials

ESRI Support Center

2007-02-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

Over the past year or so, ESRI has really revamped their online Support Center making it more friendly and useful. I was just checking it out tonight and saw a couple new things that are worth a look.

There is a new Support AnswerTree(Beta). This tool helps resolve a lot of the common problems encountered when licensing and registering ESRI software. You'll need Adobe Flash Player 9 to see it and it can be found on the main Support Center link.

There is also a new Project Center that has resources from start to finish for going through an entire GIS project life cycle. This may have been there a while but I hadn't noticed it.

Finally, don't forget, the entire ArcGIS Desktop Help is now online. This is the best place to go for regular desktop-type help since it is constantly being updated - unlike the desktop help you get when you press f1 while ArcMap or ArcCatalog is open. Not to mention you have the entire Support Center right at your finger tips when using the online desktop help.

If you don't use the ESRI Support Center, it comes highly recommended. The above are just a few of the newer parts of the site. Take some time to check it all out. There are User Forums, the Knowledge Base, Downloads and more.

Creating donut holes in a polygon using ArcMap

2007-02-22T12:29:00.000-05:00

New animation functionality in ArcGIS 9.2

2007-02-21T15:21:00.000-05:00

I saw this animation of a 5K run and thought it was neat. The new temporal data and analysis tools at 9.2 really add to the amount of animation and visualization possible with ArcGIS.