ArcGIS Desktop I

Getting Started with GIS

for ArcView 10, ArcEditor 10, and ArcInfo 10

$850 (2-Day) training course

Overview

This course helps you understand what GIS is, what it can do, and how others are using it. You learn 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 develop basic software skills by working with ArcGIS to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, analyze data using common analysis tools, and solve geographic problems using a systematic approach. This course gives you the foundational training you need to take ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for those who have no prior education or workplace experience with GIS or ArcGIS software. Managers and GIS support staff members who infrequently use ArcGIS software and would simply like to understand how GIS fits into their organization will also benefit.

Goals

After completing this course, you will be able to

  • Display feature and tabular data
  • Work with georeferenced spatial data
  • Query features using logical expressions
  • Find features using spatial relationships
  • Edit spatial and attribute data
  • Associate tables with joins and relates
  • Produce maps, reports, and graphs

Topics Covered

  • The big picture of GIS: Basic functions of a GIS; Real-world applications.
  • Exploring GIS maps: Defining features, layers, and data frames; Exploring map scale; Understanding the relationship between features and attributes.
  • Exploring a GIS database: Exploring attribute tables; Identifying features; Symbolizing features based on their attributes; Labeling features based on their attributes.
  • Creating map layouts: Understanding data view and layout view; Using the Layout toolbar; Using map templates; Modifying map elements; Printing maps.
  • Understanding location: Defining coordinate systems and map projections; Reading and finding location coordinates on a map; Measuring area and distance on a map.
  • Understanding raster and vector data: Representing geography; Storing real-world locations; Symbolizing rasters; Using raster and vector data together; Understanding geodatabases.
  • Acquiring geographic data: Data formats; Methods of creating geographic data; Using ArcCatalog to explore geographic data; Using metadata.
  • Querying data: Understanding and performing attribute queries; Understanding and performing spatial queries.
  • Analyzing spatial relationships: Understanding overlay; Understanding buffer; Accessing tools in ArcToolbox; Performing Union and Intersect; Buffering features.
  • Solving problems with GIS: Applying the geographic inquiry process; Using GIS tools to solve a geographic problem; Creating a map to show results.