Introduction to ArcGIS for Environmental Scientists Module 1 – Data Visualization Chapter 1 – GIS Basics

1-2 Introduction to ArcGIS Logistics Start, end, and lunch times Restrooms and sustenance Phone/internet access Parking and ID badges (if applicable)

1-3 Introduction to ArcGIS Introductions Who are you? Any GIS background? What do you want to get out of the class?

1-4 Introduction to ArcGIS Day 1 Topics Become familiar with the ArcMap interface Learn where to find spatial data Learn how to import and symbolize data in ArcMap Create publication quality output maps

1-5 Introduction to ArcGIS Day 2 Topics Coordinate systems and map projections Spatial and attribute queries Table operations Editing

1-6 Introduction to ArcGIS Day 3 Topics Spatial analysis tools Model Builder Address geocoding

1-7 Introduction to ArcGIS Chapter 1 Objectives Basic theory of GIS ArcGIS structure EPA/ESRI Enterprise License Agreement (ELA)

1-8 Introduction to ArcGIS What is GIS? A Geographic Information System is NOT just digital mapping – Not a computer system for making maps – Does not store maps – it’s a database A GIS should be capable of: – Capturing spatial and tabular data  Digitizing or scanning paper maps or photos  X,Y (GPS) or street address data  Existing digital data – Storing that data  Vector format (points, lines, polygons)  Raster format (e.g. imagery, elevation) – Querying  By location  By attributes

1-9 Introduction to ArcGIS More What is GIS? A GIS should be capable of: – Analyzing spatial relationships between datasets  Overlay  Proximity  Network – Display  Maps, graphs, reports – Output  Paper maps  Digital maps  Internet

1-10 Introduction to ArcGIS Questions a GIS Can Help Answer What is at …? Where is it …? What has changed since…? What spatial patterns exist …? What if.. (modeling question)?

1-11 Introduction to ArcGIS Geo-browsers NOT a GIS, but useful in data visualization Google Maps: Bing Maps: ArcGIS Explorer: Google Earth: All are free. Government restrictions on Google Earth. Some GIS data can be displayed in Google Earth and ArcGIS Explorer.

1-12 Introduction to ArcGIS What is ArcGIS Desktop? Made up of three components – ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox (contained in ArcMap and ArcCatalog) Three levels – ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo, with progressively more functionality (more tools in the toolbox component) ArcMap and ArcCatalog look and feel the same in all three levels – the main difference is in tools and editing capabilities

1-13 Introduction to ArcGIS ArcMap Title Bar Menu Bar Standard toolbar Status Bar Table of Contents Display Area Tools Toolbar (docked) Data Frame Layers draw from bottom to top, with intelligent default draw order ArcCatalog pane

1-14 Introduction to ArcGIS ArcCatalog with Toolbox

1-15 Introduction to ArcGIS ArcGIS Terms Feature – Any real world object represented on a map Feature class – A collection of geographic features with the same geometry type, attributes, and spatial reference Layer – A reference to a data source that defines properties such as map symbolization.mxd –The file extension for ArcMap documents Data frame – Container for layers

1-16 Introduction to ArcGIS Context Menus Available throughout ArcGIS Right click an object, such as a data frame, layer, or field heading in a table to expose the context menu Menus will contain appropriate options and actions for each object. For example, the layer menu contains “Zoom to Layer” while the field menu includes sorting options. Layer Context Menu

1-17 Introduction to ArcGIS ESRI Resources Website: – Software documentation – Additional training, both self taught and instructor-led – Knowledge base and list-serve tech support Events – Annual user conference – Online seminars Data and maps DVD set Software patches and service packs ArcScripts and samples

1-18 Introduction to ArcGIS EPA Resources Enterprise License Agreement – EPA-wide contact for licenses and technical support – – Website: – Most ESRI virtual campus classes are free, request access code from esrisupport GIS Workgroup Listservers