Fundamentals of GIS

About this course: Explore the world of spatial analysis and cartography with geographic information systems (GIS). In this class you will learn the basics of the industry’s leading software tool, ArcGIS, during four week-long modules: Week 1: Learn how GIS grew from paper maps to the globally integrated electronic software packages of today. You will install ArcGIS on your computer and learn how to use online help to answer technical questions. Week 2: Open up ArcGIS and explore data using ArcMap. Learn the foundational concepts of GIS, how to analyze data, and make your first map. Week 3: Make your own maps! Symbolize data and create an eye-catching final product. Week 4: Share your data and maps and learn to store and organize your data. Take Fundamentals of GIS as a standalone course or as part of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization. By completing the first class in the Specialization you will gain the skills needed to succeed in the full program. Students who need an ArcGIS license will receive a non-commercial, 1 year student license for participation in this course and specialization.

Created by:  University of California, Davis

• Taught by:  Nick Santos, Geospatial Applications Researcher

  Center for Watershed Sciences

Basic Info Course 1 of 5 in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization Commitment 4 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.8 stars Average User Rating 4.8See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Syllabus


WEEK 1


Course Introduction and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)



In this module, we will cover course expectations, give you a quick overview of GIS and what's great about it, take a first look at ArcGIS and identify key elements in the interface, and define core geospatial concepts and terminology. In Section 2, we will discuss options for desktop GIS, the history of GIS and how it's used today, discuss resources and help that you can use, and lay out core skills that are relevant to you as a GIS analyst. We'll close out by showing you how to get a copy of ArcGIS for this course, and with a tutorial on getting started in ArcGIS.


14 videos, 6 readings expand

1. Video: Course Overview
2. Video: Module 1 Overview
3. Video: Why GIS is Awesome
4. Video: What is GIS?
5. Video: A First Look at Using Desktop GIS
6. Video: GIS Terminology to Know
7. Reading: Glossary of Terms
8. Video: Tour of ArcMap
9. Video: Data Representation in GIS
10. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (What is GIS?)
11. Video: Desktop GIS Software Packages
12. Video: Getting Help with GIS
13. Reading: Resources and Help for GIS
14. Video: Relevant Skills for the GIS Analyst
15. Video: Installing and Licensing ArcGIS
16. Reading: Getting your copy of ArcGIS
17. Reading: Troubleshooting ArcGIS Installation Problems
18. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Getting Started with GIS)
19. Video: How Assignments Work in this Course
20. Reading: Assignment 1: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 1)
21. Reading: Extra Practice: Getting to Know ArcGIS
22. Video: Module 1 Summary

Graded: Lesson 1 Quiz
Graded: Lesson 2 Quiz

WEEK 2


ArcGIS Basics



In this module, we will explore GIS data using ArcMap and will explore and change properties of GIS layers to change map displays. We will subset data using selections, and explore feature attributes. Finally, we will learn about projections and use that knowledge as we run geoprocessing tools.


12 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Video: Module 2 Overview
2. Video: Using ArcMap to Explore Data
3. Video: Viewing and Changing Layer Properties
4. Video: Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables
5. Video: Select By Attribute and Calculate Geometry
6. Video: Select by Location
7. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Exploring Data)
8. Video: An Introduction to Projections
9. Video: Analyzing Data with Geoprocessing Tools
10. Video: Setting Environment Variables
11. Video: Assessing Spatial Relationships with the Spatial Join Tool
12. Discussion Prompt: Discussion: Spatial Joins
13. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Projections and Geoprocessing)
14. Video: Assignment 2 Overview
15. Reading: Assignment 2: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 2)
16. Reading: Extra Practice: Maps, Geoprocessing, and Projections
17. Video: Module 2 Summary

Graded: Lesson 3 Quiz
Graded: Lesson 4 Quiz

WEEK 3


Making Maps With Common Datasets



In this module we will identify common datasets in both the US and Internationally. We will use a new mode in ArcGIS to create complete maps that include proper symbology, legends, titles, north arrows, and data sources. We will further use more advanced mapping techniques to output map books and label items on the map.


11 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Video: Module 3 Overview
2. Video: Finding Common Datasets
3. Video: Using Layout View to Make Maps
4. Video: Core Map Elements
5. Video: Symbology: Changing How Your Data Looks
6. Video: Symbology Examples
7. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Making Basic Maps)
8. Video: Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS
9. Video: Labeling Map Features
10. Video: Making Map Books
11. Video: Assignment 3 Overview
12. Reading: Assignment 3: Laying Out and Exporting Maps
13. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Symbology, Labeling, and Map Books)
14. Reading: Extra Practice: Maps, Maps, Maps!
15. Video: Module 3 Summary

Graded: Lesson 5 Quiz
Graded: Lesson 6 Quiz

WEEK 4


Retrieving and Sharing Data



In this module, we will view and edit metadata in order to create higher quality data. We will retrieve data from the web and share data, discuss workspaces and file formats, and create layer and map packages. We will also use multiple file formats for GIS data and be able to appropriately choose between them based upon project requirements.


11 videos, 3 readings expand

1. Video: Module 4 Overview
2. Video: Using Metadata to Document Data Products
3. Video: Sharing Data: Making and Using Map Packages
4. Video: Sharing Maps: Uploading Packages to ArcGIS Online
5. Video: Sharing Data: Creating Layer Files and Layer Packages
6. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Metadata and Sharing Data)
7. Video: Choosing a Data Format
8. Video: Joins and Relates
9. Video: Troubleshooting ArcGIS
10. Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Data Storage, Table Joins, and Troubleshooting)
11. Video: Assignment 4 (Peer Review) Overview
12. Discussion Prompt: Discussion: Electoral Politics Follow-Up
13. Reading: Extra Practice: Make your own data
14. Video: Module 4 Summary
15. Video: Course Summary
16. Reading: Before you Go, Join a Community!
17. Reading: Acknowledgements

Graded: Lesson 7 Quiz
Graded: Lesson 8 Quiz
Graded: Assignment 4: Electoral Politics (Peer Review - Required)