GIS Education Center

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Dates: February 4, 11, 18

Time: Thursday evenings 6:00 - 9:00pm

Location: Mission Campus (BLDG-B), Fourth Floor - Room 475

(1125 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110)

Course #: TM110 Enroll Now
Cost: Early Reg. $110 | $140

(Early registration fee is available up to one week before the start of class)

Prerequisite: GIS Quick Start or equivalent

 

 

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Overview

The powerful and affordable GIS software available today enables a cartographer to incorporate vast amounts of geospatial data for the production of detailed maps.  These maps may serve a variety of purposes including the simple display of quantitative data, as tools for educational purposes and as a component of advocacy efforts.  While GIS software makes the production of these maps a fairly straightforward task, the GIS practitioner must balance the “science” of GIS with the “artistry” of information design in order to effectively and convincingly “tell a story” using the medium of maps.
 
Strategies for achieving this balance will be the primary focus of the workshop.  Students will work with geospatial data using ArcGIS software in order to produce a set of maps that communicate location-based information effectively.  Case studies will also be presented in order to illustrate the concepts covered in class.  Students will explore GIS concepts and applications using state-of-the-art software, ESRI’s ArcGIS 9.3.  Students will also prepare GIS-based maps for import into Adobe Illustrator to make use of this application’s tools for giving maps a final professional polish.

 

Our primary goal in this workshop is to emphasize that a well-rounded GIS practitioner understands the thought processes and the skills needed to turn raw data into information, and then to turn that information into knowledge for analysis and decision-making.   
 

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Workshop Includes

  • 1 year access to ESRI's Virtual Campus course, Learning ArcGIS 9 ($185 value)

  • Certificate of Completion

 

Enroll Now!

 

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Prerequisites

• A basic understanding of ArcGIS 9.3 is recommended, but not required.  Students with prior experience using ArcGIS may be asked to assist other students with in-class assignments as a shared learning experience.

 

• Students should possess an intermediate-level knowledge of the Windows operating system and Microsoft Excel.  This includes creating new files and folders, creating and managing new worksheets in Excel, familiarity with a wide range of file types (e.g. TXT, CSV, XLS, SHP, DBF) and transferring data between computers using a flash drive, web-based file transfer service (e.g. www.YousendIt.com) or CD/DVD.

 

• Additional skills expected: storing, copying and management of multiple data types; managing multiple windows and applications; and techniques for saving work frequently.

 

• A strong motivation to learn, explore and have fun with computer applications is essential.  This workshop will require a significant degree of independent work and relies heavily on student initiative.

 

• An openness to working with other students in the class as a shared learning experience in order to complete assignments, build contacts in the professional GIS world and to support relatively new GIS learners.

 

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Organization

The structure of each class will generally consist of a short lecture followed by 2 - 2.5 hours of hands-on lab time and a short break halfway through the class period.  The instructor will open up as much class time as feasible in order to work individually with students and support their learning goals.  Homework assignments and readings may be distributed in order to reinforce GIS concepts and techniques.