Using Public Data with GIS

(formerly M5 - Introduction to Public Data)

Course description
This class provides an introduction to several data products that are available to the public on the World Wide Web, including Digital Line Graph (DLG) data, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, Digital Ortho-Quad (DOQ) aerial photos, Digital Raster Gra phics (DRG), Land Use-Land Cover (LULC) maps and TIGER data. Students learn about the virtual locations and features of these data sets through a guided tour of the USGS, TIGER and BARD and CERES web sites. In a hands-on laboratory students practice downloading 1:100,000 scale DLG and 1:250,000 DEM data in "optional" format and viewing them in ArcView and in Dem3D Viewer (software from the USGS). This class is the same as A25.

Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Find sources of spatial data on the internet, including USGS data and census data
• Critically evaluate when different types of public data are appropriate for their purposes
• Utilize Digital Line Graphs and Digital Elevation Models in optional format
• Convert a DEM to an Arc View grid theme and view it as a 3-D surface
• Download DLG layers in optional format and convert them to Arc View themes
• Download and generate census demographics on all available scales
• Download and generate a great amount of available spatial data from the Census bureau
• Locate and process USGS DOQQs and COQQs for use in ArcView GIS
• Locate and download USGS Digital Raster Graphs
• Project shapefiles to enable overlay operations using public data

Prerequisite
Successful completion of the Introduction to ArcView course, or experience using ArcView.

OS/Software: WinNT/ArcView 3.1, DEM3d (3d viewing software from the USGS), DOS utilities

Prerequisites: CORE, Introduction to GIS Desktop

Hours: 6 (includes laboratory)

Instructors: TBA