Esri Technical Certification and Prep Courses

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The Esri Technical Certification is beginning to really take off.  Several areas have finished development and are now available.  If you are not familiar with the certification, it is similar to the Microsoft Certifications.

You can find a great overview of the certification and its benefits by watching this training seminar.  You can also check out each area below:

Enterprise
Enterprise Administration
Associate
Enterprise Geodatabase Management
Associate
Professional
Enterprise System Design
Associate
Professional

If you are a bit leery about taking the exam, Esri provides a refresher course to prepare for the exam.  These courses do not teach specifically to the exam, but they cover keys areas.  The courses are instructor-led for in-person or on-line.

Esri Certification Exam Prep Courses

Also find a great inside scoop from the writer of the prep course in Training Spotlight: ArcGIS Desktop Professional Certification.

Taking advantage of Python in ArcGIS

Python is the next big programming language for ArcGIS. With the addition of the ArcPy module in ArcGIS 10 there is so much more that can be done with Python. In previous version of ArcGIS VBA made is easy to customize the interface and basic processes. At the release of ArcGIS 10.1 VBA will no longer be supported.

So now that Python has been proven as a great tool, who do you begin.  Sure you can start with www.python.org but the is so much information is on the site you are not sure where to start.  Well, there is a endless source for finding code samples.  Search the ArcGIS Help Library to find the tool you would like to use.  Then scroll to near the bottom and there is a code sample to use in the Python Window or as a stand-alone script for that particular tool.

Another  method that saves a lot of time is to use ModelBuilder and create a model for the desired process.  Once you get the model working then export the model as a script (Model > Export > Script).  The output of this export provides a great starting point for expanding on the python code to get the task accomplished.

Here is a quick example from the Buffer tool help document:

Python Widnow Script
import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.Buffer_analysis("roads", "C:/output/majorrdsBuffered" "100 Feet", "FULL", "ROUND", "LIST", "Distance")

Stand-alone Script
# Name: Buffer.py
# Description: Find areas of suitable vegetation which exclude areas heavily impacted by major roads
# Author: ESRI

# import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env

# Set environment settings
env.workspace = “C:/data/Habitat_Analysis.gdb”

# Select suitable vegetation patches from all vegetation
veg = “vegtype”
suitableVeg = “C:/output/Output.gdb/suitable_vegetation”
whereClause = “HABITAT = 1″
arcpy.Select_analysis(veg, suitableVeg, whereClause)

# Buffer areas of impact around major roads
roads = “majorrds”
roadsBuffer = “C:/output/Output.gdb/buffer_output”
distanceField = “Distance”
sideType = “FULL”
endType = “ROUND”
dissolveType = “LIST”
dissolveField = “Distance”
arcpy.Buffer_analysis(roads, roadsBuffer, distanceField, sideType, endType, dissolveType, dissolveField)

# Erase areas of impact around major roads from the suitable vegetation patches
eraseOutput = “C:/output/Output.gdb/suitable_vegetation_minus_roads”
xyTol = “1 Meters”
arcpy.Erase_analysis(suitableVeg, roadsBuffer, eraseOutput, xyTol)

Geospatial Inteligent Mobile Application – Touch Inspect

I am not much on mobile GIS as I spend much of my time in the office, but this new technology is one of a kind.  The release of the Touch Inspect™ has been out for a few months.  It is put out by Mobile Epiphany which was founded in 2008.  Mobile Epiphany is a Colorado-based software development company that creates enterprise class mobile solutions that improve workflow and productivity across a variety of industries.

So what is the Touch Inspect™ ?

Touch Inspect™ is an application for Windows Mobile, XP, Vista and Windows 7 devices, which provides enterprise class, media-enhanced, geospatially intelligent, asset-centric field data collection and worker decision support.

What can the Touch Inspect™ do?

Touch Inspect™ was designed to collect a wide variety of data types in the field using capabilities far beyond simple forms and barcode scans. The application uses GPS to allow workers to map the location of individual assets as well as search for them by proximity to the user. Using an array of multimedia features, users can gather more detailed visual information about assets as well. For example, a utility inspector could take a picture of a metal power pole then use the drawing tool to circle rust spots in the picture and save it to the inspection history. Inspectors who see the pole at some later date could then call up the picture for comparison, to see if the rust spots have grown, and decide whether or not to recommend maintenance. Mobile epiphany refers to this as one part of field decision support.

The new application also solves data problems associated with other solutions. Data loss is prevented by storing information on the handheld device itself, then transmitting it to the database when a connection is available. Even if the connection is lost, the data is safely stored on the device for later transmission. Another noteworthy feature is the ability to transmit data in real time and auto-generate reports in moments.

What makes the Touch Inspect™ different ?

Unlike other applications which require server setup time and cost (not to mention that everyone doesn’t have their own IT department), Touch Inspect™ allows their system to be purchased monthly (Software as a Subscription) or hosted quarterly, meaning the users do not have to even think about server technology. That approach makes functionality that was traditionally only available to the largest of corporations now readily available to small and medium size business users. It is designed to be configured in hours and start running almost immediately. And for the larger enterprises that insist on housing their own servers, Mobile Epiphany makes the technology available in that format as well.

More News on Touch Inspect

• Touch Inspect to Certify Intermec Handheld Computers as Authorized Hardware
• Biologists in Argentina to Study Penguins Using Touch Inspect
• Touch Inspect to Certify Psion Teklogix as Authorized Hardware
• Panasonic Toughbook Certified as Authorized Hardware for Touch Inspect
• Mobile Epiphany Launches First-of-its-Kind Geospatially Intelligent Inspection Application

New GIS Job Board Added

I have added a new addition to the GIS Pathway website. There is now an active job board for GIS jobs.  There is a variety of positions available.  There is even an option for adding your own job posts.

In an effort to help boost the available positions, you can post as many jobs as you would like for free during the month of February 2010.  Simply use the discount code: <FreeFeb10>.

Also take the time to visit and follow the @GISJobs4U twitter account.  Get the latest GIS jobs sent to your Twitter account.

Here are some of the latest GIS jobs available through the job board.

ArcGIS Explorer – Setting Relative Paths

As you begin developing your ArcGIS Explorer presentation you will find many new and helpful additions to make it one of a kind.  The time you spend developing the presentation is well worth the wow-effect people see with this software.  Most of the time you create your presentations on a desktop computer and then present it on another computer.  By moving your files from one system to the other, the data paths can easily be corrupted.  This can cause a big headache if you find the problem as you are fixing to present.  Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this problem.

In ArcMap there is the option to store relative paths for the data layers you add to your map.  This same feature is available in ArcGIS Explorer.  A few quick steps will put you on your way out the door with no worries for your presentation data.

1. Click the Office Button and select Map Properties

2. Under Data Access check the Store relative paths option

3. Save your presentation

If you found this tip helpful, try these other ArcGIS Explorer tips:

ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Slides

ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Data

ArcGIS Explorer – Change Color Scheme

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Slides

In ArcGIS Explorer 900 you are able to create dynamic presentations.  There is the ability to go from a slide presentation directly into an interactive map.  You can then go back to the slides all within this one program.  There is not a slide creation method in ArcGIS Explorer.  The only text you can add in are title that appear at the top of the screen.  In order to add slides, they must be created in another program and added in as a *.PNG file.  This can be done through either PowerPoint or a graphics program such as Photoshop.  This example uses Microsoft PowerPoint.

1. Create slide in Microsoft PowerPoint

2. Save slide as a Portable Graphics Network Format (*.png)

3.  Choose either current slide or every slide

4. Add content -> Image Overlays…

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Data

The new ArcGIS Explorer 900 has some really cool features to make exploring the globe fairly simple.  With ArcGIS Explorer, adding data could not be any easier.   Looking at data already provided my ESRI, Bing, USGS, etc. is one thing.  Adding in data, specifically your own makes ArcGIS Explorer even more useful.

Data that can be added in includes: ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Layers, Map Content Files, KML Files, GIS Services, Shapefiles, Raster Data, Geodatabase Data, Text Files, GPS Data Files, and Image Overlays.

Each of these data elements can be added directly from the Add Content button on the Home Menu ribbon.  By clicking the Add Content button, a menu like the one on the right will show and you can choose your data type.  Follow the specific directions provided and the data will be added into the Contents Window.  The data will be shown with various icons to indicate the data type.

One type of data that can be added in that will preserve the symbology is ArcGIS Layers and ArcGIS Layer Packages.  The symbology that is create in ArcMap can be shown in ArcGIS Explorer.  Since explorer has limited symbology, this helps take visualization to the next level.  The difference between ArcGIS Layers and  ArcGIS Layer Packages is that the packages area created so that both the data and symbology can be easily move from one computer to another computer in one file package.  The Layers can be used, but the data must reside on the some computer.

To create a layer package:

1. Right click the desired layer from the table of contents.

2. Click Create Layer Package…

3. Designate where to save the file.

4. A conformation of completion will pop up in an alert.

You can then use or send the file however you would like.

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

ArcGIS Explorer – Change Color Scheme

The color scheme of ArcGIS Explorer can become boring after some time.  Fortunately, you are not stuck with the blue color.  In a few simple steps, the color scheme can be changed to either blue, aqua, black, or silver.  This will help liven your desktop up a bit or even add that special touch to your presentation.  This same concept is very similar to the Office 2007 products with the ribbon toolbar.  Try it out on Explorer and you favorite Office 2007 products.

1. Click the Explorer Button (Office Button).

2. Click ArcGIS Explorer Options.

3. Under the Common tab, choose your desired color scheme.

Blue Color Scheme

Black Color Scheme

This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900.  If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!

One Year Anniversary and More

Things have been so busy with family, going to school, and other stuff that the one year anniversary of GIS Pathway has slipped by.  It was actually back at the beginning of August.  The site was created on the WordPress site and after a few months I moved it over to its current domain.  Everything kind of took off from there.  It has been an exciting journey with both ups and downs. I want to thank YOU for being a dedicated follower of this site.  It has been by word of mouth that others have found this site.  I hope that it has been a help to you.  I have enjoyed providing the content and look forward to continuing to do so.

I am still working to put out content although slow at times.  If you have any suggestions on content please email me @ timothy [at] gispathway [dot] com or by Twitter.

As for future content plans….

• I have created a GeoMentor Resources page.  I am still working to add content.
• I have some ArcGIS Explorer 900 tips coming out in January.
• More college programs will be highlighted with featured articles.

Check out my blog…most recent discussions include:

• GeoMentor Site Suitability Project Update
• Presenting GIS to High School Students

Have a Merry Christmas!

-Timothy

The National Geospatial Technology Center of Excellence

A website and technology center that I found a year ago or so through VerySpatial is the GeoTech Center.  This is a great resource for those wanting to learn more about geospatial technology.  There are some valuable resources for educators, students, and industries.  The center (main location at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX) is focused on geospatial technology awareness.  They are represented across the county by several community colleges which all focus on this awareness.

The GeoTech Center’s purpose:

In 2008, the National Science Foundation funded the National Geospatial Technology Center of Excellence to support two-year college geospatial technology programs.  The GeoTech Center is a collaborative effort between colleges, universities, and industry to expand the geospatial workforce.  The partners of the Center work together to provide professional development, teaching and curriculum resources, career pathways and model core competencies for geospatial technicians.

The website has a variety of information.  The website is broken down into three areas: Educators, Students and Industry.  You can see the additional areas of focus below.

• Educators
  • Development
  • Curriculum Materials
  • Teaching Resources
  • Latest Research
  • GIS in Administration
  • GIS in Classroom
• Students
  • Career Pathway
  • Certification
  • Locate Programs
  • Internships
  • Jobs
  • Social Networking
• Industry
  • Training Opportunities
  • Internship Information

The website also has a really awesome interactive  map of two-year college geospatial education programs.

The GeoTech Center is a valuable resource for anyone looking to find more about geospatial technology and the available education programs.  Take some time and check it out!

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