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 |
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
- Video: Course Overview
- Video: Module 1 Overview
- Video: Why GIS is Awesome
- Video: What is GIS?
- Video: A First Look at Using Desktop GIS
- Video: GIS Terminology to Know
- Reading: Glossary of Terms
- Video: Tour of ArcMap
- Video: Data Representation in GIS
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (What is GIS?)
- Video: Desktop GIS Software Packages
- Video: Getting Help with GIS
- Reading: Resources and Help for GIS
- Video: Relevant Skills for the GIS Analyst
- Video: Installing and Licensing ArcGIS
- Reading: Getting your copy of ArcGIS
- Reading: Troubleshooting ArcGIS Installation Problems
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Getting Started with GIS)
- Video: How Assignments Work in this Course
- Reading: Assignment 1: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 1)
- Reading: Extra Practice: Getting to Know ArcGIS
- 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
- Video: Module 2 Overview
- Video: Using ArcMap to Explore Data
- Video: Viewing and Changing Layer Properties
- Video: Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables
- Video: Select By Attribute and Calculate Geometry
- Video: Select by Location
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Exploring Data)
- Video: An Introduction to Projections
- Video: Analyzing Data with Geoprocessing Tools
- Video: Setting Environment Variables
- Video: Assessing Spatial Relationships with the Spatial Join Tool
- Discussion Prompt: Discussion: Spatial Joins
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Projections and Geoprocessing)
- Video: Assignment 2 Overview
- Reading: Assignment 2: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 2)
- Reading: Extra Practice: Maps, Geoprocessing, and Projections
- 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
- Video: Module 3 Overview
- Video: Finding Common Datasets
- Video: Using Layout View to Make Maps
- Video: Core Map Elements
- Video: Symbology: Changing How Your Data Looks
- Video: Symbology Examples
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Making Basic Maps)
- Video: Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS
- Video: Labeling Map Features
- Video: Making Map Books
- Video: Assignment 3 Overview
- Reading: Assignment 3: Laying Out and Exporting Maps
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Symbology, Labeling, and Map Books)
- Reading: Extra Practice: Maps, Maps, Maps!
- 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
- Video: Module 4 Overview
- Video: Using Metadata to Document Data Products
- Video: Sharing Data: Making and Using Map Packages
- Video: Sharing Maps: Uploading Packages to ArcGIS Online
- Video: Sharing Data: Creating Layer Files and Layer Packages
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Metadata and Sharing Data)
- Video: Choosing a Data Format
- Video: Joins and Relates
- Video: Troubleshooting ArcGIS
- Discussion Prompt: Summarize this Lesson (Data Storage, Table Joins, and Troubleshooting)
- Video: Assignment 4 (Peer Review) Overview
- Discussion Prompt: Discussion: Electoral Politics Follow-Up
- Reading: Extra Practice: Make your own data
- Video: Module 4 Summary
- Video: Course Summary
- Reading: Before you Go, Join a Community!
- Reading: Acknowledgements
Graded: Lesson 7 Quiz
Graded: Lesson 8 Quiz
Graded: Assignment 4: Electoral Politics (Peer Review - Required)
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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Creators
University of California, Davis
UC Davis, one of the nation’s top-ranked research universities, is a global leader in agriculture, veterinary medicine, sustainability, environmental and biological sciences, and technology. With four colleges and six professional schools, UC Davis and its students and alumni are known for their academic excellence, meaningful public service and profound international impact.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Interesting and Interactive Course
This course is exactly what a beginner needs to know! Very well explained the basic ideas and great hands on materials as well.
Incredible course- extremely informative and does a spectacular job at preparing one for other specialties in GIS. This introductory course opens doors for further study in GIS, Urban Planning, and Environmental Policy and Law, and allows a functional understanding of the basics of ArcGIS.
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wonderfully designed course.