GIS Class

An overview to GIS, Finding, Downloading, Cleaning Data, File Geodatabases, GIS Outputs, Map Design, Spatial Data, Geoprocessing, Spatial Analysis, Application

We will utilize lecture, hands on tutorials in the program, readings and application with a Community Project and Partner.

The course is $500 per student. After signing up, an invoice will be sent to the information provided and payment can be made via credit card or check by a third party. If you need an invoice addressed to a specific person or business, just send me an email at evaine@EKSsolutions.com  

We use the text “GIS Tutorial 1, 10.3 Edition” by Kurland and Gorr. Because GIS has put out a new version of GIS (ArcGIS Pro), it is imperative you get a NEW book because it comes with a code to download the version we will be working in. For reference Pro is a much heavier software that has changed quite a bit and requires a significant amount of processing power to run. Most people in our sector are still using the Desktop version which is what I prefer. 

The book will come with a trial which will last beyond the class to truly test out whether you would want to continue investing in it. Alternatively, if you would like to purchase a personal copy of the software, ESRI offers a personal license for $100/year though the text will still be required. Note the software only runs on Windows. 

An external hard drive or jump drive with at least 2GB of free space.

Plan to have your own Laptop and ArcGIS software for the course. The desktop version of this software (which is what this class will focus on) only works in the Windows Operating System. So, if you have a Mac, you will need to run a Windows virtual machine through your Mac or try and borrow a PC.

Unfortunately, this year there are no spare computers to use for the class so each student must be prepared to bring everything required. 

This professional development class is designed so that students can work at their own pace. We will work to get you familiar with concepts and tools during the class time, and provide ample time to work on modules while we are available to help troubleshoot and answer questions. That said, the more time you are able to commit to finishing the in class exercises and applying what you’ve learned in a practical project, the more you will retain.

Each year, we adjust the class based on feedback of previous students to ensure you get a strong understanding of the system, its potential for use in your field of interest or work, and a starting point for data and analytics.

I work to solidify the individual lessons through project application – if you have a project in mind, I can work with you to make that happen, if you need a project, I will connect you with a community partner who may need some support – as mentioned, the more you use it, the easier it gets and the project is a great way to apply what you learn.

I get that this is something extra and we want to make sure it is worth your time! If you have additional questions, or need more time, I can work with you so that you don’t get overwhelmed. I also want to make it fun, I provide snacks during each class and spend plenty of time commiserating over the challenges of clean data and imperfect technology!

We'll use a blackboard site called Schoology to upload presentations, examples, and past projects and is a great place for people to share questions so it can be an ongoing resource. 

The only limitations for project applications are your commitment to time and access to the data. We can work to connect you to many data sources, but occasionally due to privacy concerns or disconnected systems, certain data may be hard to obtain – such as detailed crime or health information – but we will do our best to help you work on something that is relevant to you.

While this course is not accredited in any way, I can provide a certificate to acknowledge your completion of study. Successful completion includes the expectation of attendance in all classes (or making up the work if you miss it), successful completion of all assignments, and an applied project to be on the final day of class.