Fundamentals of Geographic Information System (GIS)

 Course: Fundamentals of GIS

Course Duration: 40 Hours
Theory: 24 Hours
Practical: 16 Hours

Classes: 20

Exams: 4

Course Content:

Module 1: Introduction & GIS Fundamentals

• Program Overview: Course structure, objectives, and participant introductions
• Understanding GIS: Importance of GIS in different industries
• History of Mapping & GIS Evolution
• Core GIS Concepts: Components, benefits, and challenges
• Software Setup: Installation & familiarization with ArcGIS Desktop
• Break & Discussion Session

Module 2: GIS Data Management & ArcCatalog Essentials

• Overview of ArcCatalog: Features, functions, and interface
• Managing Spatial Data: Shapfiles, Geodatabases, coordinate systems, and metadata
• Hands-on Activity: Creating and organizing shapefiles, editing shapfiles

Module 3: Working with ArcMap

• Introduction to ArcMap: Interface, toolbars, and key functionalities
• Data Editing & Manipulation: Adding layers, working with attributes
• Practical Exercise: Editing shapefiles & attribute tables

Module 4: GIS Database & File Formats

• Understanding GIS Data Structures: Raster vs. vector data
• Database Management: Using geodatabases efficiently
• Illustration: Exploring various GIS-supported file types

Module 5: Map Projection & Georeferencing

• Fundamentals of Map Projections: Common projection systems
• Georeferencing Techniques: Aligning raster images with real-world coordinates
• Hands-on Exercise: Transforming projections & georeferencing satellite imagery
• Short Quiz on Projection Systems

Module 6: Data Digitization & Database Creation

• Digitization Techniques: Feature creation, snapping, and advanced editing
• Practical Task: Digitizing scanned maps and satellite images
• Secondary Data Collection: Extracting information from open-source platforms

Module 7: Attribute Data & Spatial Querying

• Attribute Database Management: Editing, checking for errors
• Data Selection & Queries: SQL-based attribute queries, spatial selection
• Hands-on Activity: Creating and exporting shapefiles using coordinate data
• Individual Task: Road/Land Use/Social Data Preparation Using Google Earth

Module 8: GPS & Field Data Collection

• GPS Fundamentals: Device types, applications, and limitations
• Data Processing: Downloading and integrating GPS data into ArcGIS

Module 9: Spatial Analysis & Geoprocessing

• Introduction to ArcToolbox & Geoprocessing Tools
• Key Spatial Operations: Buffering, clipping, and merging
• Hands-on Task: Area & length calculations

Module 10: GIS Data Visualization & Mapping

• Cartographic Principles: Color schemes, symbology, and labeling
• Map Layout & Export: Adding essential map elements (scale, grid, north arrow)
• Final Exercise: Creating a professional map using provided datasets

Module 11: Open GIS Data & Course Wrap-Up

• Accessing Free GIS Data Sources
• Final Review & Q&A Session
• Course Assessment & Certification
• Closing Ceremony & Networking Session