Those completing this course will be able to

• 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.

• Basic functions of a GIS and 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.