Released November 18, 2009
AMES, Iowa -- A series of tip sheets has been developed at Iowa State University to help users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software get the most out of the tools they are using.
ISU Extension has become a leading provider of training on how to use ArcGIS software products through a series of workshops offered to county and city planners and private developers, according to Chris Seeger, an associate professor of landscape architecture in ISU’s College of Design. Seeger is a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional and works with the GIS workshop program which has been in operation for about five years.
The ArcGIS system of using computer-aided mapping was developed by the ESRI Corporation of Redlands, Calif., and the company is viewed as the leading provider of GIS products. ISU Extension provides workshops six to 12 times a year on ArcGIS products.
Seeger said the workshops highlighted a need for easy-to-use references on how to get the most out of GIS systems, including those from ArcGIS, and from other sources of GIS data such as Google Earth and Google Maps. Based on the class experiences, the instructors began developing the two-page Essential ArcGIS Task Sheet Series at the end of 2008 and have been producing about two new titles each month. Each task sheet is designed to provide quick, easy instructions for performing specific tasks in GIS.
The how-to sheets are available as free electronic .pdf files on the ISU Extension Online Store, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/store.
Current titles include:
- Getting Started with ArcGIS Explorer: Opening ArcGIS Explorer and Adding Map Data, PM 2082-08A
- Getting Started with DNR Garmin: Saving Data from GPS Devices, PM 2082-08B
- Customizing ArcGIS Settings for Improved Productivity: Setting Mouse and Data Source Options, PM 2082-09A
- Using Field Calculator: Changing Text Case, PM 2082-09B
- Getting Started with Google Maps: Adding KML Data, PM 2082-09C
- Getting Started with Google Maps: Migrating KML Files to ArcMap (Interoperability Extension), PM 2082-09D
- Customizing ArcGIS Settings for Improved Productivity: Creating and Customizing Toolboxes, PM 2082-09E
- Getting Started with ArcGIS: Converting ArcView Shapefiles to KML, PM 2082-09G
- Getting Started with ArcGIS Explorer: Adding ESRI Maps and Layers, PM 2082-09H
- Getting Started With ArcGIS Explorer: Adding Feature Tips and Hyperlinks, PM 2082-09I
- Customizing ArcGIS Settings for Improved Productivity: Adding Hyperlinks, PM 2082-09J
- Getting Started With ArcMap: Displaying Multiple Attributes, PM 2082-09K
- Getting Started with ArcGIS Explorer: Comparing ESRI Maps and Layers, PM 2082-09L
- ArcMap Layer Properties: HTML Popups, PM 2082-09M
- Using Field Calculator: Create Random Values, PM 2082-09N
- Searching within ArcMap: Finding Features and Places, PM 2082-09O
- Getting Started with ArcGIS Explorer: Adding and Customizing Layers, PM 2082-09P
- Working with External Data: Downloading from the Iowa DNR, PM 2082-09Q
- Getting Started with ArcGIS Explorer: Creating Presentations, PM 2082-09R
- ArcMap Geoprocessing: Creating Buffers and Erasing Features with ArcToolbox, PM 2082-09S
The following publications will be available shortly:
- Getting Started with ET GeoWizards: Downloading and Enabling ArcMap Add-Ons, PM 2082-09T
- Getting Started with ET GeoWizards: Erasing and Symetrical Difference, PM 2082-09U
- ArcMap Geoprocessing: Introduction to Model Builder - Part 1, PM 2082-09V
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http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2009/nov/061802.htm
Source: Christopher J. Seeger, Landscape Architecture, (515) 294-3648. cjseeger@iastate.edu
Editor: Del Marks, (515) 294-9807, delmarks@iastate.edu
