Michele is an excellent instructor with a great attitude, very personalble and knowledgeable. I hope to attend other courses with her as the instructor.
—
Training Courses for You
We offer certified and custom GIS and GPS courses in both traditional classroom and e-training formats. Want to use your own data for a training class? No problem. Our courses can be customized to meet your unique needs. Click on the headings below for course descriptions.
ESRI Authorized ArcGIS classes
ArcGIS Desktop 1: Getting Started with GIS- ArcGIS Desktop 2: Tools & Functionality
- ArcGIS Desktop 3: Workflows and Analysis
- Working with Spatial Analyst
Custom GIS & GPS Classes
- GPS Mapping with ArcPad
- GPS Mapping with Trimble’s TerraSync & Pathfinder Office
- GPS Mapping with ArcPad-GPS Correct- GPS Analyst (Trimble)
- GPS Mapping with the GeoCollector
- Integrating GPS with GIS
- Introduction to GPS Technology
- Working with Coordinate Systems in GIS & GPS
- Adding Digital Photos to your GIS
- Working with Data Dictionaries
- Designing and Building a Geodatabase
Course Descriptions
GPS Mapping with Trimble’s TerraSync and Pathfinder Office
Trimble GPS mapping units provide the perfect solution for collecting GIS-ready field data. All Trimble mapping GPS units are capable of running TerraSync software which works with its companion application, Pathfinder Office, on an office computer. This class teaches students the fundamentals of the GPS workflow and how to integrate GPS data with a new or existing GIS. It is suitable for GIS professionals responsible for managing and integrating GPS field data as well as fieldworkers who will be collecting the data.
Those completing this course will be able to:
- Create a data dictionary
- Plan a GPS field excursion
- Configure the GPS equipment
- Collect point, line, and polygon features using GPS
- Download data to/from the GPS unit and office computer
- Differentially correct GPS data using GPS Pathfinder Office
- Edit GPS data in GPS Pathfinder Office
- Export GPS data to GIS
This class is for those who are new to Trimble GPS hardware and/or software. Some GIS knowledge is helpful but not necessary. Students will need to supply their own Trimble GPS unit loaded with TerraSync software and a laptop computer loaded with Pathfinder Office software.
Duration: This class can be customized to span a half-day, full day, or 2 full days.
Format: Traditional classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD GPS Mapping with Trimble’s TerraSync and Pathfinder Office - $60
GPS Mapping with ArcPad 
ArcPad software allows you to take your GIS out into the field. When used on a GPS unit, ArcPad has the added functionality of GPS data collection. This course covers the basics of using ArcPad software on a GPS unit. Students will learn how to create a geodatabase that simplifies field data collection with ArcPad, how to pass data to/from ArcGIS and ArcPad and how to collect GIS-ready GPS field data.
Those completing this course will be able to:
- Configure ArcPad for GPS
- Plan a GPS field excursion and create a geodatabase designed for field data collection
- Apply advanced ata collection techniques
- Transfer ArcMap documents to/from ArcPad
- Integrate your ArcPad data with your geodatabase
This class is for those who are new to ArcPad. Some ArcGIS knowledge is helpful but not necessary. Students will need to supply their own GPS unit loaded with ArcPad software and a PC loaded with ArcGIS.
Duration: This class can be customized to span a half-day, full day, or 2 full days.
Format: Traditional classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD GPS Mapping with ArcPad - $60
GPS Mapping with ArcPad Using Trimble’s GPS Analyst & GPS Correct
When used on a Trimble GPS unit, ArcPad software can be part of a high-accuracy data collection workflow that includes GPS Correct and Trimble’s GPS Analyst extension for ArcGIS. This course is a supplement to our GPS Mapping with ArcPad course. Students will learn how to configure and use Trimble’s GPS Correct extension to ArcPad to collect field data that can be differentially corrected. You will learn the correct workflow for collecting field data with ArcPad/GPS Correct and then post-processing the data using Trimble’s GPS Analyst extension for ArcGIS. Topics include:
- Configuring ArcPad & GPS Correct
- GPS enabling a geodatabase
- Checking data out from ArcMap for use in ArcPad
- Proper field technique for collecting high-accuracy GPS data
- Checking in field data to your geodatabase
- Differentially correcting your GPS data
Students are required to provide their own Trimble GPS unit with ArcPad and GPS Correct installed and a PC with ArcGIS and Trimble’s GPS Analyst extension installed.
This course can be customized as a stand-alone course for the entire ArcPad/GPS Correct / GPS Analyst workflow OR as an add-on to our standard GPS Mapping with ArcPad. 1 – 2 days.
Duration: This class can be customized to span a half-day, full day, or 2 full days.
Format: Traditional classroom, eTraining via internet
Cost: Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
GPS Mapping With the GeoCollector
The GeoCollector is a Trimble GPS unit that comes with ESRI’s ArcPad field software and Trimble’s GPS Correct extension to ArcPad. Whether you have a GeoXH, GeoXT, GeoXM, or Juno SB/SC, this course will teach you how to configure and use your GeoCollector to collect field data using GPS. The GeoCollector is designed to collect GIS-ready GPS data. You will learn how to design a geodatabase in ArcGIS and use it to build up your GIS with GPS data. Topics include:
- Configuring your GeoCollector for field work
- Use and care of your GeoCollector
- Designing and building a geodatabase for use with the GeoCollector
- Collecting points, lines, polygons, and attributes in the field
- Accessing information about your data in the field and in the office
- GPS data accuracy
- Essential GeoCollector workflows
Duration: Customizable: half-day to 2 full days
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD (coming soon)
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD GPS Mapping with the GeoCollector - $60 (coming soon)
ArcGIS Desktop 1: Getting Started with GIS – ESRI Class (2 days)
This course provides the foundation for understanding what GIS is, what it can do, and how others are using it. Students learn the basic functions of a GIS, the properties of GIS maps, why a GIS database is powerful, what coordinate systems and map projections are and why they are important, two common GIS data structures, and where geographic data is obtained and how it is made. In course exercises, students work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, perform spatial analysis using simple analysis tools, and solve simple geographic problems using a systematic approach.
Those completing this course will be able to:
- Explain what a GIS is and what it can do
- Discover how GIS can help them in their work
- Work with and create GIS maps in ArcMap
- Access and query a GIS database
- Explain what geographic data is, how it is made, and where to get it
- Explain what spatial analysis is and solve geographic problems using simple analysis tools
This course is designed for those who are new to GIS and ArcGIS and those who need to refresh on the basics.
Duration: 2 days
Format: Classroom
Cost: $750 per person
ArcGIS Desktop 2: Tools and Functionality – ESRI Class (3 days)
ArcGIS Desktop software is an integrated system that includes all the tools needed to get the most out of a GIS. This course teaches the range of functionality available in the software and the essential tools for visualizing, creating, managing, and analyzing geographic data. The hands-on course exercises emphasize practice with ArcMap and ArcCatalog (the primary applications included with ArcGIS Desktop software) to perform common GIS tasks and workflows. The tools for creating and managing geographic data, displaying data on maps in different ways, and combining and analyzing data to discover patterns and relationships are highlighted, and you learn how ArcGIS Desktop provides a complete GIS software solution. By the end of the course you will be prepared to start working with the software on your own.
Those completing this course will e able to:
- List common GIS tasks and identify which ArcGIS Desktop application is used for each task
- Understand what the geodatabase offers for GIS storage
- Create and edit geodatabase features
- Control the appearance and display of data layers in ArcMap
- Classify and symbolize map data
- Label map features
- Change the coordinate system and map projection used to display a dataset
- Access feature information in tables and control table display properties
- Query and analyze GIS data
- Create presentation-quality maps and graphs
Students are expected to have completed ArcGIS Desktop 1 or have equivalent training and/or experience with ArcGIS before enrolling in this course.
Duration: 3 days
Format: Classroom
Cost: $1,125 per person
ArcGIS Desktop 3: GIS Workflows and Analysis – ESRI Class (2 days)
Understanding how and when to apply ArcGIS tools and functions is the key to creating an efficient GIS workflow. Building on the skills and knowledge taught in ArcGIS Desktop 2: Tools and Functionality, this course shows how to apply ArcGIS tools in a workflow context with a focus on working with data stored in a geodatabase and performing geoprocessing and analysis. In the course exercises, you organize and edit data stored in a geodatabase, prepare data for analysis, create and edit geoprocessing models using ModelBuilder, and work through a challenging analysis project.
Those completing this course will be able to:
- Add data from different sources to a geodatabase
- Work with subtypes to edit data
- Edit and validate feature geometry and attributes using geodatabase topology
- Run analysis tools using dialog boxes and models
- Build a complex model using ModelBuilder
This course is designed for experienced ArcGIS users who want to learn more about the ArcGIS tools for creating and editing data and GIS analysis. Students must have completed ArcGIS Desktop 2 or have equvalent training and/or experience before enrolling in this course.
Duration: 2 days
Format: Classroom
Cost: $850 per person
Working with ArcGIS Spatial Analyst – ESRI Class (3 days)
ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension provides tools for conducting raster spatial analyses and creating different types of spatial models. This course covers fundamental raster data concepts and shows how to use ArcGIS Spatial Analyst tools to create, process, and analyze spatial data. Students focus on tasks that are best solved in a raster environment such as surface analysis and distance measurement.
Those completing this course will be able to:
- Understand fundamental raster concepts
- Display and query raster data
- Georeference, transform, and project raster data
- Create geodatabase raster datasets and raster catalogs
- Understand how ArcGIS spatial Analyst tools are organized
- Apply ArcGIS Spatial Analyst tools for surface and distance analyses
- Use groundwater hydrology tools
- Use map algebra functions
- Interpolate surfaces from sample points
- Understand basic suitability modeling methodology
- Use ModelBuilder to create suitability models
This course is designed for experienced ArcGIS users who want to conduct raster-based analysis, conversion, and editing.
Duration: 3 days
Format: Classroom
Cost: $1,125 per person
Integrating GPS and GIS
Collecting GPS data for a GIS empowers organizations to enhance and develop their geodatabase. Using the right tools, your GIS can be greatly enhanced from the on-the-ground knowledge of your field workers. If you’re looking at how you can begin using GPS data to develop your GIS, this course is perfect for you. You will learn valuable tips and resources for helping you select the right equipment for you needs and essential workflows for integrating GPS and GIS. Topics include:
- Hardware and software options to collect GPS data for your GIS
- Pros and cons of different GPS units and software packages
- Designing your GIS database for GPS data collection
- Workflows for using various professional and recrational grade GPS to collect GIS-ready data
- GPS accuracy and post-processing your data
- Data formats and how to avoid common problems
Duration: Half-day
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD Integrating GPS with GIS - $60
Introduction to GPS Technology
Learn the fundamentals of how GPS technology works, the equipment you’ll need to acheive the accuracy you want, and comprehensive workflows for collecting and integrating GPS data with a GIS. This course is ideal for you if you want to learn how GPS works and what to look – and look out — for when shopping for GPS equipment. The focus is on using GPS to collect GIS-ready data. Topics include:
- Fundamentals of GPS
- Differential GPS – pros and cons of different techniques
- Identifying your needs – how to shop for GPS equipment
- Field data collection guidelines
- GPS-GIS workflows
- GPS data accuracy – when data don’t line up
Duration: Half-day
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD Introduction to GPS Technology - $60
Adding Digital Photos to your GIS
Pictures add a whole new dimension to your GIS. With GPS capable cameras, you can take a digital photo of a field asset and embed it in the attribute table. You can also geotag your photos — either manually or automatically using GPS – so your photos plot in their right location in ArcMap or Google Earth. This class will teach you how and introduce you to various cameras and other field equipment you’ll need. Topics include:
- Using GPS to geotag digital photos in the field
- Linking your digital photos to GIS field assets
- Mapping your digital photos in ArcMap and in Google Earth
- Equipment options for every budget
- Essential workflows for adding digital photos to your GIS
Duration: Half-day
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD Adding Digital Photos to Your GIS - $60
Working with Coordinate Systems in GIS and GPS
Always a challenge in GIS and doubly so when using GPS to collect GIS data, this class focuses on the importance of coordinate systems. What is a coordinate system? Why should I care? How do I work with them? What do I need to be aware of when using GPS? Why doesn’t my data line up and how can I fix it?
This course is designed for all levels. Topics include:
- Geographic and projected coordinate systems
- How ESRI data formats like shapefiles and geodatabases store coordinate system information
- ArcGIS tools for working with coordinate systems
- Differential GPS and coordinate systems
- Scenarios for identifying and fixing data alignment issues
Duration: Half-day
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet, training video on CD
Cost:
* Classroom and eTraining prices depend on course duration. Contact us for more information.
* Training video on CD Working with Coordinate Systems in GIS and GPS - $60
Designing and Building a GeoDatabase
Designing a geodatabase requires an understanding of the structure and capability of the geodatabase format as well as some fore-thought as to how it will be used by an organization. This course provides an overview of the geodatabase format and the process of designing and building a geodatabase. Students will learn how to:
- Conducting a needs analysis to plan the design of your GDB
- Creating a geodatabase in ArcGIS
- Convert existing spatial data (SHPs, CAD, etc) to the geodatabase
- Editing and maintain data stored in a geodatabase
- Schema editing vs GIS feature editing
Duration: Half-day
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet
Cost: Varies depending on format – contact us for more information.
Working with Data Dictionaries
Data Dictionaries define the features, their geometry type, and attributes that will be collected with a GPS device. Students will learn how to design an effective data dictionary in GPS Pathfinder Office software that will include points, lines and polygons and how to keep the data dictionary true to the geodatabase. Topics include:
- Defining features and attributes
- Creating drop-down menus
- Setting default values and limiting field access to attributes
- Creating a data dictionary from an existing shapefile
- Transferring data dictionaries to a GPS device
- Sharing data dictionaries
Duration: Half-day
Format: Classroom, eTraining via internet
Cost: Varies depending on format – contact us for more information.
