ArcMap Erase Tool – Video Tutorial

The erase tool can help save a ton of editing time.  Its main purpose is to perform an overlay analysis.  The most common tool used for this is Clip, but output of this tool is just the overlap portion of your feature class.  To be able to carry out the opposite of this, you must use the Erase Tool.  The Erase Tool will remove the overlapped portion from the feature class and leave a shape that resembles a doughnut.

Although this demonstration show you how to use the erase tool at the ArcInfo license level, you can also do this at the lower levels such as ArcView or ArcInfo.  James Fee provided a great resource.  You can find the link at the bottom of this page.

To use the Erase Tool:

1. Open ArcToolbox -> Analysis Tools -> Overlay ->Erase Tool
2. Fill in Dialog Box
   • Input Features
   • Erase Features
   • Output Feature Class
3. Click OK

Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com.  Some browsers may block this content.

Download the video to your computer: ArcMap Erase Tool

If you do not have access to the ArcInfo software license, you can also learn how to Perform an Erase in ArcView.

Buffering Features in ArcGIS

Buffering is a useful technique in GIS.  It is referred to as a proximity tool in ArcToolbox.  It can be applied to points, polylines, and polygons.  Some valuable uses include: Right-of-ways, Tree diameters, Sex Offender Exclusion Zones, Study Areas, Impervious Surfaces from a Centerline, Evacuation Zone of Weather Events,  etc.

To perform a single distance buffer:

1. Open the Buffer Tool – ArcToolbox >Proximity >Buffer

2. Fill Inputs

• Input Features (Points, Polylines, Polygons)
• Output Feature Class
• Linear Unit (Distance of Buffer) This can also come from a attribute field value.

The remaining entries are optional.

The new output layer from the buffer will be added to the map (circles around red dots).

To perform a multiple distance buffer:

1. Open the Multiple Ring Buffer Tool – ArcToolbox >Proximity >Multiple Ring Buffer

2. Fill Inputs

• Input Features (Points, Polylines, Polygons)
• Output Feature Class
• Enter each buffer distance.

The remaining entries are optional.

The new output layer from the buffer will be added to the map.  Notice that I have used the dissolve option.  This causes the buffer rings to dissolve based up distance.

CCBC Geospatial Applications Program

The Community College of Baltimore County is one of the few community colleges on the east coast to offer a degree program in Geospatial Applications.  The program was started in the fall of 2006 and is accredited by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.  On March 1st, 2009, CCBC received statewide designation which allows for out of county students to take classes at in-county rate.

Students of all backgrounds are taking advantage of this program which feeds into the rapidly growing geospatial industry.  A variety of ages are taking classes; from high school seniors to older adults in their late 60’s.  Some students are seeking their first degree while others are returning for training and certification.  With the downturn with the economy, more and more are returning to add a boost of GIS to their experience.  Additionally, there is about a 3-2 male to female ratio.

Here is a breakdown of what the Geospatial Applications Program offers:

• Associate of Applied Science Degree
  • 65-66 Credits
  • 2 Year Program
  • Transferable to a four year institute for a bachelor’s degree
• Introduction to Geospatial Applications Certificate
  • 13 credits
  • Provides immediate skills to enter the GIS workplace or as a way for skill enhancement
• Advanced Geospatial Applications Certificate
  • 23 credits
  • Provides additional experience in advanced spatial analysis and project design and management
  • Focused on core courses and immediate employment

Transfer Options

For those who desire to pursue a four degree, an articulation agreement has been negotiated for students to transfer to the two largest transfer institutions in the area.  Students who complete the A.A.S Degree in Geospatial Applications can earn junior and senior level credit through Towson University or the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  CCBC is the first community college GIS program in the country to be able to achieve such an aggressive articulation agreement.

Class Specifics

Class sizes are currently averaging about seven students.  The introductory courses tend to have higher attendance with 10-16 students, and the advanced courses tend to be smaller with 3-6 students.  Since the program is still relatively new, the class cohorts are slowly increasing each year.

Currently there are no classes offered online.  Face-to-face interaction is important in GIS classes, specifically with Remote Sensing and GPS.

Beyond just the basic core classes of GIS, CCBC offers more specialized courses such as Decision Making Using GIS and Remote Sensing and GPS.  Decision Making Using GIS focuses on the ArcGIS extensions (3D Mapper, Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, etc.).  Remote Sensing and GPS focuses on the principles of remote sensing and image interpretation as well as GPS software and technology.

In addition to ESRI’s ArcGIS software, students are exposed to other software programs.  In the Remote Sensing and GPS class, students learn how to use Pathfinder Office, Terrasync, and ERDAS Imagine.  The Adobe suite is also incorporated into map production with the use of Photoshop and Illustrator.  As for software availability, enrolled students are provided with a free one year ArcView software license with all extensions.

Scholarships/Internships/Organizations

CCBC is currently establishing a series of scholarships to help with tuition for the program.  As students are usually required to present posters/maps at conferences, the college will often help cost the student’s conference fees.

As internships can be a key boost to jump starting a career, a variety of paid and unpaid internships are made available.  The positions are usually with local, county and state municipalities, non-profit groups, and local and regional businesses.

Although there are currently no GIS student clubs/organizations in place, CCBC students have expressed an intrest in forming a chapter of Gamma Theta Epsilon, an international honor society in geography.

Summary

The CCBC program appears to be very well organized.  Although they may not offer online classes, schedule flexibility is shown with the provision of day and night classes.  The small class sizes make an excellent learning environment for more one-on-one time with the professor.  I believe the huge benefit of this program is the ability to transfer the A.A.S. degree.  Most colleges do not have a transfer program set up and if they do, very few geospatial classes will transfer.  If you are looking to move forward with a four year degree then this would be an excellent one to look into further.  Check it out for yourself!

Thank you to Professor Scott Jeffrey for taking the time to provide this valuable 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.

Is GIS Really for Dummies?

A new book has just recently been published called GIS For Dummies by Dr. Michael N. DeMers.  Dr. DeMers is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at the New Mexico State University.  This book helps introduce the Geospatial industry to those who may not be familiar with Geographic Information Systems.  If you are not sure what GIS is, then I would suggest that you check it out!  It seems to cover a little bit of everything.

For those of you have been in the GIS industry for a while, I question the actual need for this book.  I understand that a lot of people think they are GIS professional, but are far from it.  They would definitely benefit.  I find it interesting that the authors describe its readers with this statement:

Whether you’re in charge of creating GIS applications for your business or you simply love maps, you’ll find GIS For Dummies is packed with information.

Do application developers really compare to map lovers?  There is a big gap there.  I do not think that one book can really cover adequately this entire spectrum.  As a GIS professional, I would think that if there is a particular topic we want to learn then we will find a more specific GIS book.

Although I have yet to read this book, I would be very curious to see what this books holds.  As stated on the back of the book, the following can be found within the pages:

• How to get paper maps into your computer
• How to create animated GIS output
• Different ways to measure distance
• How to organize your spatial data
• What raster and vector mean to a cartographer
• How to choose a GIS software vendor
• How GIS can help you determine appropriate land use
• Dozens of applications for GIS queries and analyses

All I can say is that you should form your own opinion.  As an individual, you will find your own personal benefits that others will not.  You will only get out of this book what you expect.  Expect nothing, get nothing.

GIS For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Other Books by Dr. Michael DeMeres

Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems

GIS Modeling in Raster

Basics of Geographical Information Systems

ASPRS Certification Program

The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing has a certification program in place that could provide ample support to boost your career forward.  As of current, there are just a few certifications available for the GIS industry.  The ASPRS, one of the longest standing programs, was started in 1975 with the Certified Photogrammetrist category and added two additional categories in 1991.  In 1998, the program began requiring an examination to be taken in order receive one of the certifications.  The ASPRS Board of Directors approved a Provisional Certification Program in 2006 to allow students certification eligibility since most do not meet the experience requirements of the program.

Here are the certification categories that ASPRS offers:

1. Certified Photogrammetrist
2. Certified Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS
3. Certified Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing
4. Certified Photogrammetric Technologist
5. Certified GIS/LIS Technologist
6. Certified Remote Sensing Technologist

Note that there are provisional certifications in all the above categories for graduating seniors in geospatial sciences.  This is an advantage that educators should publicize to their student.  Having even a provisional certification can give newly graduating students a boost to their career.

Application Process:

• Complete application
• Provide four references
• Have successful peer review
• Pass an exam in the chosen category

Here is a summary of the process for the professional certification [the first three categories] [it's similar for the Technologists as highlighted below]

The rules for certification are: six years total experience are required of which three are professional in nature. Application forms are filed with four references and are sent to a peer review group for evaluation.Those who pass peer review are eligible to take the four-hour multiple choice examination which is given, as needed, in a location in the US relatively close to where examinee lives. When required, overseas exams are arranged on a case-by-case basis. The Examination consists of questions a professional should be able to answer in areas such as earth sciences, surveying, physics, imaging systems, photogrammetry and GIS. There is no primer as with the Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor examination. Those not passing are allowed to retake the exam within six months of notification at no additional cost.

The application fee is $275 for ASPRS members and $400 for non-members.

Membership information is available at:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/

The Certification and Recertification Guidelines:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_guidelines.html

Application for Certified Photogrammetrist or Mapping Scientist:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_app.pdf

Reference form:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/reference_form.pdf

Exam questions matrices by category:
http://www.asprs.org/membership/certification/certification_examination_matrix.html

In preparing for the certification exam, workshops are usually offered  to help the applicants.  These workshops usually take place during the ASPRS Annual conference.  Check the website for more details.  The workshops are described as follows:

The purpose of this workshop is to prepare individuals who are planning to sit for the ASPRS Certification exams. The workshop will begin by explaining the purpose and form of the exam. It will then identify key topical areas which an applicant should be aware of prior to taking the exam. The instructor will review the basic concepts and sample questions to show how these topics will be tested for on the exam. Finally, the workshop will identify resources which exam takers should be aware of and study from in their preparation for the examination.

Workshop Topics Include:

• Purpose of the exam
• Photogrammetry
• Remote Sensing
• Geographic Information Systems
• Other topical areas of importance in preparation for the exam

Here are some suggested texts for examination review:

• Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation
• Elements of Photogrammetry with Applications in GIS, Wolf and Dewitt 1999
• The Glossary of the Mapping Sciences, 1994
• Manual of Photogrammetry – Fifth Edition, ASPRS 2004

As noted in the list of available categories, there is a certification program for Photogrammetric Technologists, Remote Sensing Technologists, and GIS/LIS Technologists.   These technologists areas only require three years of experience instead of six.  Check the Guidelines for additional details.

If you would like more information, please visit www.asprs.org or request additional information from certification@asprs.org.

Thanks to Jesse Winch, Program Manager with ASPRS, for this valuable information.