Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

The class is designed to provide a basic introduction to GIS including spatial data structures and sources, spatial tools, spatial data display and query, map generation, and basic spatial analysis using ArcGIS software. It is the foundation for the rest of the classes offered in our GIS series.

Course Format:
Approximately 50% lecture and 50% lab exercise.

Objectives:
By attending the course, participants will:

1. Develop a basic understanding of the visualization, and modeling of geographic information.

2. Facilitate an understanding of the unique nature of spatial data including types,geometry, attributes, geographic coordinate systems and map projections.

3. Develop basic skills in spatial exploration through querying, spatial analysis, modeling, and mapping.

4. Become familiar with ESRI ArcGIS desktop. Gain basic knowledge and technical skills to utilize the software.

The course will be taught by GIS expert Barry Nickel. Barry serves as the Director of the Center for Integrated Spatial Research at UCSC and teaches GIS at several universities in the region. For over 14 years, Barry has been applying geospatial methods to a variety of ecological and urban developments.

For certified planners, 16 units of Certification Maintenance (CM) credits through American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are currently available for this course. Those seeking such credits should contact us for more information.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems is a core course in our GIS series and will be offered approximately twice per year. To see how this course fits into the GIS series, including information on other core and elective classes, please visit Archived Workshops/References.

Registration for this workshop is $500. Your registration will not be finalized until we receive payment for $500. We will email confirmation when payment has been received and finalize your registration. Payment can be either in the form of a check or credit card. Credit cards can be used through our website. Checks must be made payable to Elkhorn Slough Foundation and mailed to: Elkhorn Slough Foundation attn: Grey Hayes, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076.

Deadline for payment is 5 p.m. March 16th, 2012.
If we have not received your payment at that time, your place may be forfeit to someone on our waiting list. Cancellations prior to that date will receive a refund of payment minus a $50 processing fee. We reserve the right to cancel the workshop prior to March 21st, 2012; in that event, we will give full refunds.

We do not allow registration 'trading,' even to persons within the same organization. Please let us know as soon as you know if you have registered and cannot attend as there is usually an extensive waiting list for our trainings and we use substantial funds to subsidize workshop expenses, helping to make them more affordable.