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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Classes under development for GIS training

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide an ability to combine collections of data -- datasets -- in an infinite number of ways. Knowledge of GIS technology helps people manage data in ways that everything can be seen, added to, manipulated or overlaid, typically on maps.

ITD’s GIS Section is working with Kessler GIS to develop PC-based GIS training courses for department personnel. The courses are designed so that participants may attend from any desktop PC.

Courses will include three to four hours of live lecture and demonstration, typically spanning two different days.

“A four-hour course may feature live lecture and demonstration on a Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then the student will have an exercise to work on for Wednesday,” said Brian Emmen with the GIS Section. “A student may then watch another live instructor’s lecture and demonstration on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., complete a final exercise and get experience with the software.”

The courses are designed to teach specific components of the GIS software. The first four-hour course will be “What is GIS and ArcGIS Desktop?” It will teach the beginning GIS user a basic understanding of GIS, creation of simple maps, performing simple queries, and solving simple geographic problems using a systematic approach.

Other courses being developed include: “Using ArcMap and Creating Simple, Effective Maps” and “Using Arc Catalog and Metadata.” Courses will typically cost less than $100 per student, will be taught using ITD’s data, and be focused on transportation application.

“In the future we would like to offer a broad range of courses covering all areas of the software that are applicable to transportation,” Emmen said.

Courses are expected to begin around May and will be announced in advance in the Transporter. Students will be able to sign-up by email with just the coding needed for where to charge the cost of the course.

Published 3-12-2010