Foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
48mBeginner2025-05-01
Authors

Madecraft
Full-Service Learning Content Company
Jennifer Harrison
President of TeachMeGID
Course details
Millions of organizations around the world are using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make maps that communicate, perform analysis, share information, and solve challenging problems. In this course, Jennifer Harrison, President of TeachMeGIS and a consultant in the GIS field for nearly 30 years, shows you the value of using GIS to solve problems and helps you to master its intricacies. Jennifer shares how to create maps, stack layers, and evaluate spatial relationships. She explains the essential elements of a GIS and describes attribute tables and how they are used in map display and analysis. Jennifer goes over raster data, as well as lidar data and how it can be used to make a 3D model of real-world features. She also covers ways to source data and import it into GIS. Finally, Jennifer goes over enterprise and mobile versions of GIS. After this course, you'll be able to comprehend the basics of GIS, recognize its core concepts, and get started with GIS programs.
Learning objectives
Explain the essential elements of GIS.
Identify software and apps that include a spatial component.
Conceptualize the real world using reference points in GIS.
Discuss the spatial properties of a dataset.
Describe the key components of a GIS layer.
Explore raster data and lidar data.
Use queries to find crucial information in large datasets.
Learning objectives
Explain the essential elements of GIS.
Identify software and apps that include a spatial component.
Conceptualize the real world using reference points in GIS.
Discuss the spatial properties of a dataset.
Describe the key components of a GIS layer.
Explore raster data and lidar data.
Use queries to find crucial information in large datasets.
Skills covered
GISAECData ScienceOpen SourceOne-Off
Concepts
0. Introduction
- 01 - Thinking spatially
1. Understanding GIS
- 02 - Solving spatial problems
- 03 - Finding and accessing GIS
- 04 - Recreating the world on a map
- 05 - Specifying location
- 06 - Essential map comprehension
2. GIS Core Concepts
- 07 - More than digital maps
- 08 - Identifying GIS layer components
- 09 - Describing attribute tables
- 10 - Using raster datasets
- 11 - Creating 3D models with LiDAR
3. Geospatial Analysis
- 12 - Asking a map questions
- 13 - Evaluating spatial relationships
- 14 - Analysis with imagery and surfaces
4. Spatial Data Sources
- 15 - Identifying GIS data sources
- 16 - Creating your own GIS data
5. GIS as a Spatial Platform
- 17 - Enterprise-level GIS
- 18 - Mobile and web GIS
Conclusion
- 19 - Putting it to practice
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