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ArcGIS Desktop III: GIS Workflows &

Analysis

Overview

The ArcGIS 9.2 version of this course was titled Introduction to ArcGIS II.

Understanding how and when to apply ArcGIS tools and functions is the key to creating an

efficient GIS workflow. Building on the skills and knowledge taught in ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools

and Functionality, this course shows how to apply ArcGIS tools in a workflow context with a focus

on working with data stored in a geodatabase and performing geoprocessing and analysis. In the

course exercises, you organize and edit data stored in a geodatabase, prepare data for analysis,

create and edit geoprocessing models using ModelBuilder, and work through a challenging

analysis project.

Topics Covered

· Getting data into the geodatabase: Advantages of migrating data to the geodatabase; File

and personal geodatabases; Loading and importing data; Data sources available for

conversion; ArcToolbox conversion tools; Importing and exporting data in ArcCatalog;

Importing and exporting data using XML; Copying and pasting data between

geodatabases; Batch and single conversions; Loading data into existing feature classes

using the Simple Data Loader; Displaying x,y coordinate data from a table; Accessing

tabular data using an OLE DB connection; Adding data from a GIS server; Working with

map projections and datums.

· Geodatabase behavior: What is behavior?; Advantages of using behaviors; Default values;

Subtypes; Domains; Geodatabase topology.

· Editing GIS data: Creating new data (digitizing, copying and pasting features, Editor menu

commands); Constructing an edit sketch using constraints (direction, length, parallel);

Creating adjacent polygons using the Auto-Complete Polygon task; Modifying existing

features; Reshaping existing features and boundaries; Exploding multipart features; Editing

using domains, subtypes, and topology.

· Alligning spatial data: Common data alignment problems; Georeferencing CAD data;

Matching layer boundaries; Transformation; Rubber sheeting; RMS error.

· Managing geoprocessing tools and settings: Types of toolboxes and how they are stored;

Types of tools (system tools, models, scripts); Locating tools in ArcToolbox; Executing tools; Tool

parameters; Parameter error detection; Environment settings; Tool layers; Geoprocessing

results.

· Analyzing GIS data: Review of common analysis tools (Buffer, Clip, Intersect, Select,

Union); Working with feature proximity tools (Near, Spatial Join, Multiple Ring Buffer,

Create Thiessen Polygons); Analyzing tabular data; Creating a raster subset; Analysis

options outside of core ArcGIS Desktop; Typical analysis workflow.

· Using ModelBuilder for analysis: Working with ModelBuilder; Creating and designing

models; Model elements (tools and variables); Setting general model properties; Setting

model parameters; Environment settings; Intermediate data; Running and troubleshooting

a model; Creating model documentation.

NEW

· GIS analysis projects: Real-world GIS analysis projects (Find the best site for a new

shelter, Find the mileage of flooded roads); the analytical process for each project.

Prerequisites and recommendations

Students should have completed ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality or Learning ArcGIS

Desktop or have equivalent knowledge.