Geographic Information Systems Student Spotlight

GIS4043 Geographic Information Systems, Instructor, Mrs. Amber Bloechle

ArcGIS Overview

In this lab students:
- Located and launched ArcGIS/ArcMap
- Reviewed the individual file components of a shapefile (DBF, SHP, SHX and others)
- Added data to an ArcMap session
- Located and used various tools commonly used in ArcMap
- Created a selection from the attribute table
- Navigated ArcHelp (online version)
- Searched for tools in the ArcMap search window
- Found definitions for commonly used GIS terms
- Symbolized population data by quantity intervals
- Constructed a basic map in ArcMap showing the population of various countries
- Recognized the difference between the main tools toolbar and layout tools
  toolbars and know when it's appropriate to use each
- Recalled the difference between a MXD file (map document) and map files
- Exported map images to JPG format in ArcGIS/ArcMap Complete a process    
  summary (used for all course labs) utilizing the provided template
- Submitted final deliverables to appropriate eLearning dropbox and to personal    
  blog
- Archived assignment data and deliverables to H drive or personal machine  

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Locate and launch ArcGIS/ArcMap 
• Review the individual file components of a shapefile (DBF, SHP, SHX and others) 
• Add data to an ArcMap session 
• Locate and use various tools commonly used in ArcMap 
• Create a selection from the attribute table 
• Navigate ArcHelp (online version) 
• Search for tools in the ArcMap search window 
• Find definitions for commonly used GIS terms 
• Symbolize population data by quantity intervals 
• Construct a basic map in ArcMap showing the population of various countries 
• Recognize the difference between the main tools toolbar and layout tools toolbars and know when it's appropriate to use each 
• Recall the difference between a MXD file (map document) and map files 
• Export map images to JPG format in ArcGIS/ArcMap Complete a process summary (used for all course labs) utilizing the provided template 
• Submit final deliverables to appropriate eLearning dropbox and to personal blog 
• Archive assignment data and deliverables to H drive or personal machine 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

The following student was chosen for their exception work on the ArcGIS Overview assignment:

Ty Evans

About Ty: Ty is nearing the completion of his second bachelor's degree, this one in archaeology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and he started looking for additional skills to complement what he has already learned.  Having read of the power of GIS in archaeology (and many other fields), Ty took three online GIS courses through Nevada community colleges.  While these were great introductions, Ty decided that he wanted to learn more in depth GIS.  After much research, he found the UWF Certificate program and believes the online UWF archaeology track is the best single program available (especially by offering an archaeology focus)!  His highest hope is to utilize the knowledge and experience gained from this program to begin a career in archaeology with the National Park Service or other government agency in the Southwest/Great Basin region. Welcome to the spotlight, Ty!

What we like: Ty was chosen for his exemplary attention to detail not only in his map deliverable but also in his Process Summary. Ty's map contains everything we were looking for and then some. We especially like his color choice, map element placement, map frame evenness, and that he went above and beyond by editing the labels in his legend. Ty also provided thorough answers and explanations in his Process Summary. You're off to a great start, Ty!

Come back next week for the first Student Spotlight from Cartography!