The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Introduction to ArcGIS 9 for Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Applications
 Course ID: GIS - 400
August 5-7, 2009, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
The Evergreen State College
Library Building - Computer Center
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW
Olympia, Washington

Instructor: Stefan Freelan and Tyson Waldo

Description: This 3 day hands on class will introduce participants to the fisheries and wildlife biology applications of ESRI's ArcGIS 9 software and extensions. Beginning with a discussion of general concepts and vocabulary, the course will move into teaching basic ArcGIS functionality. Each participant will have their own computer workstation to create, edit, display and analyze real world environmental data during numerous hands on exercises. On the third day, participants will be given an opportunity to become more proficient with their skills by applying their knowledge to more complex and in depth projects.

Course Topics

Introduction to GIS and ArcGIS 9 Creating and Manipulating Tables
Overview of ArcCatalog and ArcMap Field Calculator
Connecting to Geospatial Data Sources Setting Up Your GPS to Bring Data into a GIS
Metadata - Reading and Writing Downloading GPS and Other X, Y Coordinate Data for GIS Use
Basics of Spatial Coordinate Systems Overview of the Spatial Analyst Extension
Combining Data with Different Coordinate Systems Surface Analysis
Reprojecting Coordinate Systems Raster Calculator
Graphic Design, Composition and Layout Hydrologic Analysis
Data Symbolization Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
Querying and Selecting Geographic Features Overview of the 3-D Analyst Extension
Overview of ArcTools Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs)
Geoprocessing Volumes
Buffering Bathymetry
Geo-referencing Profiles
Digitizing and Creating New Shapefiles Hands on Biology and Ecology Mapping and Data Analysis Exercises

Instructor Bio: Stefan Freelan is a GIS Specialist and Instructor at Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University. In addition to teaching GIS, Cartography and GPS he assists with academic research projects and is Co-Director of the Institute for Spatial Information and Analysis. He has a MS in Geography and a BA in Environmental Ethics. Prior to joining WWU he was a GIS Analyst and a private consultant with local Planning Departments.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand and utilize the fundamental capabilities of ArcGIS 9 for biological and ecological analysis
  • Use various geoprocessing functions, e.g. buffering, clipping, dissolving, intersecting, unioning, and overlays
  • Modify databases, create new data, and summarize data sets
  • Develop standards for collection for collecting and downloading GPS data into GIS
  • Symbolize data using cartographic conventions and rules
  • Combine data from different coordinate systems
  • Generate presentation quality maps

Intended Audience: This hands on course is intended for biologists and ecologists involved with the collection, interpretation, and presentation of spatially related data. This course is appropriate for both ArcInfo 9 and ArcView 9 users.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of computer operations (Microsoft Windows interface) is required. Previous GIS experience is not required.

Credit: 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Registration: $695 ($595* for Native American Tribes; nonprofits; government agencies; students; and AFS or NAEP members). You may register online via the link below. You may also register via phone by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at (206)762-1976.

Northwest Environmental Training Center
A 501(c)(3) non-profit program of EOS Alliance
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220 | Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976 | Fax: (206)762-1979
www.nwetc.org