ESRI Training Modules 1 -6

Module1: Basics of Data and Information

Problem Statement:
This Module discusses the basics of how data and Information are processed and displayed within ArcGIS. This module also introduces us to spatial analysis and the uncertainty involved in using GIS for conceptualization.

Analysis Procedure:
One of the exercises in this module was to explore the geographic data. This procedure had us exploring the Campgrounds.mxd file. First we looked at the attribute table to see the four types of attributes that are displayed in the table. Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio. After this the exercise had us learning what type of data to represent. There were two different lake layers, one with just the larger bodies of water in the park and another featuring many more smaller bodies of water. Looking at the two layers showed us the judgment involved in what we decide to display in our maps. The next part of the exercise showed us the difference between vector data, or discrete objects, and raster data which displays fields of data.

Module2: Cartography, Map Production, and Geovisualization

Problem Statement:
This module goes over the visualization properties of ArcGIS and the abilities we have when using a living map over a paper map. WE are able to query the data within our GIS map and change the display to suit our needs. We also learn about how new technology is constantly changing the abilities we have in ArcGIS to show current information.

Analysis Procedure:
One of the exercises used in this module was to Interact with GIS Display Using Feature Selections. This exercise had us using the select.mxd file as our data. Upon opening our data the exercise has us use the Map Tip feature to identify a college located within the map. Next we did a query on the college layer and selected by attribute the San Diego City College using the phrase NAME= San Diego City College. Next we used the select by location feature to show all of the Hospitals, RR stops, and City Attractions within 1 mile. Next we examined all of these selectable features by their respective layers. We turned on each layer to show the highlighted features and examined there attributes in the table and on the map itself.

Module 3: Query and Measurement

Problem Statement:
This Module discusses how we can turn all of the data available to us through ArcGIS into usable information. This exercise shows us the different views of GIS, how to query data, how to link tables and graphs to our maps, and how to measure different types of data within our maps; such as: distance, Shape, Slope , and Aspect.

Analysis Procedure:
One of the exercises in this module was to work with measurement tools within the Vineyard.mxd file. First we used the Aspect tool to create an Aspect layer from our Elevation data. Next we used the Raster Calculator to find the Aspect we want, between 157.5 and 247.5, and output that as a layer file. Next we do the same for Slope using the elevation layer and create another layer of only the slope features we want using the raster calculator. Elevation was then measured using the Greater Than tool that outputs only the selected features we want as another layer file. Finally Euclidean distance tool is run on the highways layer which outputs a raster file that we can run the Less Than Equal tool on to fin areas within 1 mile of the highway. Next we can then input all of our usable output layeres into another Raster calculator with the expression {("GoodAspect" == 1) & ("GoodSlope" == 1) & ("GoodElevation" == 1) & ("GoodAccess" == 1)} This will give us a layer with only the suitable sites on it.

Module 4: Transformations and Descriptive Summaries

Problem Statement:
The Module teaches us about how we can transform data into new data within GIS programming via simple methods or more complex ones. We learn about buffers, overlay analysis, surface interpolation, and Kriging. We also learn about charting data, such as Histograms, Pie Charts, and scatterplots. Next we learned about fragmentation and spatial dependence and how it affects the displaying of our data.

Analysis Procedure:
One of the exercises in this module was working with charts and histograms. In this exercise we used the Italy.mxd file and charted some of the information available to use using GIS functions. First we symbolized Births and Deaths using a Pie Chart. We clicked on the layer properties for the Italy layer and using the Symbology tab we clicked charts, selected pie, and in the Field Selection box we added Births and Deaths. This gave us a map of Italy with pie charts displaying the Birth and Deaths of the cities we had information for. Next we used the layer properties to change the size of each chart by the sum of the fields. We then used the same process to show the information in a bar chart and a stacked bar chart. Next we made a histogram of the population by using the quantities method in the Layer Properties menu and selecting the Population field. Another way to see histograms is directly through the Attribute tables. By right clicking the field you want to display and choosing statistics, a histogram will be created.

Module 5: Optimization and Hypothesis

Problem Description:
This module goes through the techniques of optimization problems. This module also discusses how to use hypothesis testing and how to use it to measure results.

Analysis Procedure:
The exercise for this module is to find the lowest cost for a power line using the FindPath.mxd file. We used the Slope tool on the PowerLine DEM raster to create our slope map. Next we use the Reclassify tool reclass our values for each slope type putting more emphasis on the shallower sloping areas since they are less expensive to work in. Next the land use layer is re-classed to fit or parameters via the Reclass tool as well. Next we run the Plus tool to combine the two layers that effect our cost. Then the Cost Distance tool is run on the output of the Plus tool and we are given a map show the most cost effective area to use.

Module 6: Uncertainty
This Module Discusses how uncertainty is always around when using GIS programs. We learn how to measure error, and how error is affected by sampling methods. What root mean squared error is and how to measure it, and how fuzzy set theory can be used to understand uncertainty. The main learning of this last module is that uncertainty is inherent and that the best way to deal with it is to document it and know that it is going to be there.