Learning Module: Introduction to GIS

Purpose

This introduces what a GIS is and gets the students up and running making maps in the HSU labs.

Learning Outcomes

• Create simple maps in ArcGIS
• Describe a GIS
• Describe the concepts of spherical coordinates and how they are used to represent points on the surface of the earth.

Reading

• Reading: Bolstad, Chapter 1
  • Don't worry about the details on the "GIS Software packages"
• Reading: Bolstad, Chapter 2
  • Skip "Triangulated Irregular Networks"
  • Skip "Data and File Formats" except for "Common Formats" and the table at the end of the chapter.

Presentations

• Introduction

• What is a GIS?

• Spherical (geographic) Coordinates
  • Latitude and Longitude
  • Reporting Geographic Coordinates
  • Spherical Coordinate Video (MP4)

Activities

Make sure you can log into one of the computers in one of the HSU geospatial labs (FR 203, FR 204, or Sci364a). Check that you can open ArcGIS and save something to your "G" drive.

You'll also want to obtain a USB "stick" (thumb drive) and either an external hard disk or another computer to backup your work at home.

IT has also created a Virtual Lab envrinoment that you can access through a Web Browser. Just go to vlab.humboldt.edu and login with your regular HSU login and password. Then, select "GSP-FOR-WDFS" in the "Web Client" tab. If you have performance problems with the Web Client, you can try the RDP Client.

Lab

• Create your dream island paradise

Additional Information:

• Notes for Lab Instructors
• SA Lab Information