Course Content - Introduction to ArcGIS

GIS Basics

Vector and raster data
Spatial and attribute data
Layer concept and two important rules

Basics of ArcGIS

ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolBox interfaces
Data Types in ArcGIS
Geodatabases versus Shapefiles
Investigate the Tools buttonpad

Working with the Table of Contents

General information
Work with exercises that illustrate various Table of Contents options

Selections

Graphical selection methods
Selections on attribute data
Saving selections

Digitising in ArcMap

Edit basics
Snapping, vertices, topology
Windows shortcut keys

Labelling

Labels versus annotation
Labeller toolbar

Coordinate Systems

Review spherical versus Cartesian-based projections
Complete an exercise in altering the map window projection
Discuss non-earth to real-world projection conversions

Data Input

ArcGIS data sources and data types
Create a Shapefile – digitize an object and attribute
Update coordinates
Opening Excel spreadsheets and ASCII text files in ArcMap
MapInfo MID/MIF and AutoCad DXF import

Creating a Personal Geodatabase

Plotting from ArcMap

Layout toolbar
Create a scaled output
Additional map enhancements (scalebar, northarrow, grid, map title, location map)

Layer Files

Create a Legend

Thematic Mapping

Complete thematic mapping exercises using ranges, pre-defined styles, pie graphs and dot density maps
Summarize key points and possible pitfalls when thematic mapping

Raster Registration

Discuss scanning considerations of paper maps
Register a scanned map

A Few ArcMap Tips

End of Course Review Exercise

Given detailed specifications, listed step-by-step, utilize your knowledge of ArcMap to produce a scaled A4 map, complete with text labels, legend and thematic mapping.