North Central Michigan Adds GIS Program
North Central Michigan is expanding their GIS program to include an Associate of Science Degree in Geographic Information Systems. The college just began a GIS certificate program for the spring 2009 semester. The first offered course, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems I, will allow students to learn the concept of GIS which will include basic mapping concepts, coordinate systems, georeferencing spatial data, and vector and raster data models. To fit the time needs of perspective students, this introductory course is currently being provided as a night class. Other classes will be added as the program expands.
Here is some dialog from a Petosky News-Review interview article with Sam McLin, associate dean of liberal arts:
“If you have ever played with programs like Google Earth or Onstar in your car, you have experimented with a basic form of GIS,” McLin said. “GIS is much more powerful and used in many fields. Exposing students to this here at NCMC may prepare them for future study in the earth sciences, civil engineering, biology or geography.”
Additionally, McLin said many government agencies, environmental consultants, surveying companies, municipal planning firms and power companies use GIS everyday.
“Any firm, organization, municipality or individual wishing to build, permit, tax or change the use of any land depends on someone using GIS,” she said.
The addition of the program is important to the college because it gives students more options.
“It’s important to the community because it will hopefully allow graduates to get a job, advance their career or start a new career path,” McLin said.
Another benefit? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that many jobs that use GIS, such as surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists and surveying and mapping technicians are expected to increase 21 percent from 2006 to 2016.
“The GIS field is one of the few career fields expected to grow in the coming years,” McLin said. “The average salary is really good around the country. There are good paying jobs for a field that seems to be expanding.”
Read the full article
From their website, North Central Michigan College is described as:
…an open-door community college based in Petoskey. Through its University Center partnerships, students can take courses leading to certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from participating universities. North Central’s Institute for Business & Industry Training offers non-credit job skills training tailored to meet individual needs. In addition to its main campus in Petoskey, North Central offers classes, academic advising, testing and other services in Cheboygan, Gaylord and East Jordan.
This program looks like one to watch. I am interested to see how it grows with enrollment as well as course content. I encourage those in the North Central Michigan area to support this program and take a new course or two.
Geocoding – Guide to Address Locating in ArcMap
January 27, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Data Management, GIS Tips
Geocoding is a process that enables you to match database records to a real world location based upon attribute fields such as addresses, PINs, Cities, etc. Carrying out this process in ArcMap is very simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
Note: This example uses addresses, but other attributes can be used.
1. Compile Address Table – This can be done in excel, access, or other compatible file format .
Read more on: Excel in ArcGIS Desktop
2. Create Address Locator – The address locator will be based upon the data that needs to be located and the reference data.
- Open ArcCatalog
- Open desired folder for Locator to be saved in
- Right click in contents area
- Click New -> Address Locator…
3. Choose Locator Style – This will depend upon the source data and reference data. These data types need to correlate.
4. Set Address Locator Options
- Name and Description
- Reference data – The data you will match to such as address points, streets, or city points.
- Match corresponding fields – This will vary by locator style. US Streets is shown here.
- Set Matching Options – You will find which configuration works best through trial and error.
- Click Ok
Your locator has now been create and is shown in ArcCatalog via the “House” icon.
5. Add Address Table to Map – You can add Excel tables directly into ArcMap (9.2 or later) or create a .dbf table to be added in.
6. Right Click Table -> Geocode Addresses…
7. Add Locator to Map and Select it to be Used – You will need to browse to the folder (via the “Add..” button) that contains the created locator.
8. Complete Locator/Geocoding Options
- Select Corresponding Input Fields
- Choose Output Location
- Click Ok
Status is updated during geocoding process and results are shown on map.
10. You can Review or Rematch Any Address
- Right Click on geocoded point file in Table of Contents
- Data -> Review/Rematch ddresses…
- Follow options in Interactive Rematch Dialog
Formating Legend Labels for Symbology by Quantities
January 22, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Cartography, GIS Tips
ArcMap legend labels always seem to come out in an undesired format and always need adjustments. For layers that are symbolized based upon quantity there is an easy way to change the number format. (If you are not sure how to symbolize by quantity, read ArcMap Symbology by Quantity.) When symbolizing quantities that need format adjustments, you can edit each label individually or use the built in format option. To use this option:
1. Open Layer Properties for desired layer.
2. Symbolize layer based upon quantity.
3. Left Click the Label Heading.
Notice the number of decimal places.
4. Choose Format Labels…
5. Make desired changes.
*Note: You can change number type such as currency, direction, percentage, rate, fraction, angle, etc. There is also the ability to round and set alignment. Also notice the additional options available.
6. Click Ok.
Results are shown and updated in the legend. Notice that only one decimal place is now shown. Remember that this is also updated in the legend.
ArcMap Selection Types
Selection is one of the most important features within ArcMap. Understanding the various types of selection will not only increase your productivity but will enable you to find better techniques for your analysis. Take a few minutes and watch the video below. You will learn some tips to select by attribute, location, and graphic.
Here is a brief outline for each selection type:
- Select by Attribute
- Selection Menu
- Select by Attribute
- Choose Selection Layer
- Choose Selection Methods
- Enter Query Statement
- Field
- Operator
- Value
- Select Apply
- Select by Attribute
- Selection Menu
- Select by Location
- Selection Menu
- Select by Location
- Choose what features to select
- Choose Selection Layer
- Choose Selection Method
- Choose Relation Features
- Select Apply
- Select by Location
- Selection Menu
- Select by Graphic
- Draw Graphic on Map
- Selection Menu
- Select by Graphic
Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com. Some browsers may block this content.
Download the video to your computer: ArcMap Selection Methods
Loading ...Related Books
GIS Tutorial Updated for ArcGIS 9.2: Workbook for Arc View 9, second edition
Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, Arceditor, and Arcinfo
Informing Students about GISP Certification
I wrote a paper for an English class during my first year in the Geospatial Technology Program at Central Piedmont Community College. The paper was to be focused on a program enhancement proposal. Although this only went only as far as my English professor, I believe that there are some really important things to point out.
There are several community colleges that focus on the applied uses of the Geographic Information System. Programs properly educates students in order to place then into GIS positions. Outside of GIS degrees and certificates that colleges provide, the GIS Certification Institute offers a professional certification in GIS. Standards and requirements are outlined by the GISCI to give adequate recognition to those who comply with the requirements.
Although many colleges provides quality degree and certificate programs, there is a need to inform student about the GIS professional certification. Many GIS students have never heard of a certified GIS professional. They are being taught the fundamentals of the industry but not how to develop a GIS career. Through developing a career, students will learn the importance of continuing education and networking beyond just acquiring a job.
Informing students about the certified GIS professional is essential when they begin college. With the aspects of career planning, the introduction of this certification will inspire student to think long-term. In addition, goals are instilled in the thought process of the students. Students will be able to see past graduation and build objectives that they will desire to fulfill. Furthermore, the ethics of the GIS industry will be presented to the student. Preparing students for a job is one thing, but preparing students who will do what is right within a job is another.
As the GIS industry grows, students must be informed about the areas important to a GIS career. Students must have set goals, networking abilities, and ethical training. Teaching students early about the GIS Professional Certification will help to produce quality GIS graduates.
Download the discussed research paper….Proposal to Inform Students About GIS Certification
Note: The above paper was never submitted to Central Piedmont Community College; however, I feel that it presents a good example of most GIS Colleges.
Want to know when you should start on your GISP? Read GISP Certification – Start Now!
American River College GIS Program
The American River College is a two-year community college located in Sacramento, CA. They are classified in the top ten community colleges within California based on their enrollment of almost 32,000 students with the average class size at 22. The college offers over 30 certificate programs and over 40 degree programs.
American River College has provided a GIS program since 1997 with the approval of certificate and degree programs beginning in 2001. They offer an Interdisciplinary Applications Certificate and an A.S. Degree in GIS. These programs are comprised of 15 different GIS courses. Although none of these GIS courses are offered online, they do hope to be using the online format in the near future.
Students who enroll into the program have access to a state of the art computer facility with the latest GIS software. ArcView (with extensions) is also provided as a take home solution with a one year student license. In addition to ArcGIS, students are able to have hands-on experience with other GIS software such as GPS software and Erdas Imagine.
The GIS program faculty is made up of both full time and adjunct professors. Each full time faculty member brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. From coauthoring GIS books to establishing GIS curriculum this faculty helps support a quality program. The adjunct faculty also brings experience from governmental GIS divisions that include California Fish and Game and the City of Sacramento.
Those students wishing to transfer to a four-year college may do so, but must be cautioned because GIS courses at American River College are lower division and universities classify their GIS course as upper division. There are some universities that may allow certain courses to transfer, but you will need to contact the university directly to see what will transfer. Universities like Humboldt and Berkeley would be a place to start.
Students who choose not to pursuer a four year degree have the option to go out directly into the workplace. Although students are not provided directly with internships, they are kept up to date on local job availability. An interesting fact to note is that the typical GIS student at American River College is a working professional with the average age at 28.
The American River College GIS program has been recognized by the California Geographic Information Association with the “Excellence in Education” award. In addition, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) has presented the program with the “Special Achievement in GIS” award.
For more information visit: http://web.arc.losrios.edu/~earthsci/gis.htm
Thank you to Dr. Hugh Howard for providing some great information.
Note: The information within this article has been thoroughly researched but should be verified with the college. Publication of this article was not initiated by the college but is the sole work of GIS Pathway.
ArcMap Annotation Properties
January 4, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Cartography, GIS Tips
Map annotation that is created either through the annotation tool or by creating annotation by converting dynamic labels can be edited further beyond just the font and placement.
For example if you change the scale of the annotation, it will not adjust. You can delete the annotation and recreate it. However, there is an easier way!
To change the reference scale of map annotation:
1. Right click on the data frame in the Table of Contents.
2. Choose Properties…
3. Go to the Annotation Group tab.
Notice that this is the where annotation is managed when you convert it from labels to be stored in the map. Annotation that is created manually through the annotation tool is also managed here.
Under this tab you can turn annotation on and off.
4. Highlight the annotation group to be changed.
5. Click Properties…
6. Change the reference scale to the proper setting.
Under properties you can change:
- annotation name
- associated layer
- reference scale
- visibility scale
7. Click OK to confirm changes.
The reference scale has now been updated to the correct scale, and the annotation shows correctly.
Related Books
Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, Arceditor, and Arcinfo
Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS
Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users
Create ArcMap Annotation
January 4, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Cartography, GIS Tips
Annotation is a valuable resource for creating labels. Annotation can be created in two ways: either manually through the labeling tool or by converting the dynamic labels into annotation. The later is a big time saver when creating a lot of labels.
When creating labels through conversion, you are given the option to save the annotation in a geodatabase or the map document. If you will be using the annotation in another map project then use the geodatabase option. Otherwise, saving in the map would be fine. When you convert to annotation, the labels are created at the current scale.
1. Set desired font and layout.
2. Turn on labels.
3. Right click on layer to have labels converted.
4. Set annotation settings.
5. Select storage type and which features to create annotation for.
Notice the reference scale on the top right. This is the scale at which the annotation will be view correctly. Learn how to change this in the ArcMap Annotation Properties.
6. Click Convert.
The labels have now been converted to annotation. You can select the text and change its location along with other properties as well.
One thing to note with annotation is that if you change the scale, the annotation does not adjust. You can delete the annotation and recreate it using the previous steps. However, there is an easier way by following the steps in the ArcMap Annotation Properties post! You can also learn how to turn on/off map annotation without having to delete it.
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