| Instructor: Rick Kos Dates: October 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6 Time: Saturday morning 10:00 - 1:00pm Location: Mission Campus (BLDG-B) 4th Floor - Room 475 (1125 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110) |
Course #: GIS-205C Enroll Now Cost: Early Reg. $150 | $180 (Early registration fee is available up to one week before the start of class)  Prerequisite: GIS Quick Start or equivalent required |
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.
Workshop Rewards
• 1 year access to ESRI's Virtual Campus course, Learning ArcGIS 9 ($185 value)
• Hands on lab time and opportunities to work one-on-one with the instructor
• Access to the CCSF lab during the semester
• Certificate of Completion
Enroll Now!
Prereqs & Organization
Prerequisites(1) This workshop is intended for those who already possess an understanding of ArcGIS basics: viewing data in ArcCatalog, creating and editing data in ArcMap, spatial queries and symbology, basic geoprocessing, and the fundamentals of effective map design.
(2) Besides a familiarity with ArcGIS, students need to possess an intermediate-level knowledge of the Windows XP operating system and 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, or a web-based file transfer service (e.g. www.YousendIt.com) or a CD/DVD.
(3) Additional skills expected: storing, copying and management of multiple data types; managing multiple windows and applications; and the discipline to save work frequently.
(4) A strong motivation to learn, explore and have fun with computer applications is essential. This workshop will require a significant amount of independent work and relies heavily on student initiative.
(5) 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.
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.
Textbooks & Hardware
Storage DeviceNot all lab/exercise data are available online as GIS files can be large. It is recommended you bring a 2GB or greater storage device (flash drive) to class. If you plan on taking additional GISEC workshops we highly recommend, at minimum, a 4GB storage device.
Textbooks
No textbook is required for this workshop.
