Tutorial I: Organizing Principles - An Introduction to GIS

This training introduces several useful pieces of analytical GIS functionality with health applications including: cartographic principles, table joins, and feature symbolization.

This training is part of a larger curriculum created as part of the GIS Surveillance for Heart Disease, Stroke, and Other Chronic Diseases in State and Local Health Departments project.

Learn more about the other GIS Training programs.

Module 1: Considering Spatial Data

This module and exercise covers the importance of organizing spatial data and introduces the ArcCatalog program. The module and exercise are in PDF format with provided data.

• Module 1 [PDF-391K]
• Module 1 Exercise [PDF-174K]
• Module 1 Data [ZIP-59M]

Module 2: Displaying Data

This module and exercise introduces the ArcMap program and covers the basics of adding spatial data to a map project, and also examines how to symbolize and classify spatial data. The module and exercise are in PDF format with provided data.

• Module 2 [PDF-692K]
• Module 2 Exercise [PDF-152K]
• Module 2 Data [ZIP-1M]

Module 3: Working with Spatial Data

This module and exercise provides information on basic geoprocessing tools and techniques. It also explains coordinate systems and projections for spatial data. The ArcToolbox software is briefly introduces. The module and exercise are in PDF format with provided data.

• Module 3 [PDF-352K]
• Module 3 Exercise [PDF-307K]
• Module 3 Data [ZIP-715K]

Module 4: Leveraging the What of Geographic Data

This module and exercise focuses on working with tables in the ArcGIS program. Attribute information, table joins, and table queries are explained. The module and exercise are in PDF format with provided data.

• Module 4 [PDF-558K]
• Module 4 Exercise [PDF-512K]
• Module 4 Data [ZIP-1.7M]

Module 5: Map Design and Communication

This module focuses on map making fundamentals for communicating with various audiences. It includes some things to consider for cartographic best practices. The module and exercise are in PDF format.

• Module 5 [PDF-476K]