Learning Module: Introduction to GIS

Purpose

This introduces what a GIS is and gets the students up and running making maps in the HSU labs.

Learning Outcomes

• Create simple maps in ArcGIS
• Describe a GIS
• Describe the concepts of spherical coordinates and how they are used to represent points on the surface of the earth.

Reading (optional)

• Reading: Bolstad, Chapter 1
  • Don't worry about the details on the "GIS Software packages"
• Reading: Bolstad, Chapter 2
  • Skip "Triangulated Irregular Networks"
  • Skip "Data and File Formats" except for "Common Formats" and the table at the end of the chapter.

Presentations

• Introduction (YouTube Video)

• What is a GIS? (YouTube Video)

• Spherical (geographic) Coordinates
  • Latitude and Longitude (YouTube Video)
  • Reporting Geographic Coordinates (YouTube Video)
  • Spherical Coordinate Video (MP4)

Activities

IT has also created a Virtual Lab envrinoment that you can access through a Web Browser. Just go to vlab.humboldt.edu and login with your regular HSU login and password. Then, select "GSP-FOR-WDFS" in the "Web Client" tab. If you have performance problems with the Web Client, you can try the RDP Client.

Lab

• Creating your dream island paradise with ArcGIS Pro
• Create your dream island paradise (Older version for ArcMap)

Additional Information:

• Notes for Lab Instructors
• SA Lab Information