Day 3: Introduction to GIS

Today you will be introduced to GIS methods and common practices by completing ArcGIS learning modules. Through completion of the learning modules, you will explore online maps and apps, interpret maps, and begin to understand spatial analysis.

Objectives

• Explore how maps can provide insight into spatial information and patterns
• Learn how maps can be used to tell stories
• Discover ways in which maps can be used to perform geospatial analysis
• Investigate how historical maps can envision the past and be used to investigate spatial changes over time

Resources

Learn ArcGIS

Esri: Learn ArcGIS

Assignment

Follow the outline below to complete each online learning module using ArcGIS:

1. Maps are windows into information

   1. Explore voting patterns by region
   2. Compare the voting patterns to demographics

2. Maps can be used to tell stories

   1. Explore a story map presented as a place-based narrative
   2. Compare two maps with the Swipe app
   3. Explore a story map presented as a map journal

3. Maps can be used to perform geographic analysis

   1. Find the closest fire station to each school in Indianapolis

4. Maps can be used to envision the past

   1. Use the USGS Historical Topographic Map Explorer