Desktop I: Getting Started with ArcGIS

Overview

This course provides the foundation for understanding what GIS is, what it can do, and why so many organizations are using it. You will learn the basic functions of a GIS, the properties of GIS maps, why a GIS database is powerful, and what coordinate systems and map projections are and why they are important. In course exercises, you will work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, perform spatial analysis using common analysis tools, and solve geographic problems using a systematic approach. This course teaches the skills and knowledge needed to take other ArcGIS Desktop courses.

Goals

  • Explain what a GIS is and what it can do.
  • Work with and create GIS maps in ArcMap.
  • Access and query a GIS database.
  • Describe two common GIS data structures.
  • Explain what geographic data is, how it is made and where to get it.
  • Explain what spatial analysis is and solve geographic problems using ArcGIS analysis tools.

Audience

This course is designed for those who are new to GIS and ArcGIS.

Prerequisites and Recommendations

Knowledge of Windows-based software for basic file management and browsing is required.