About
The GIS Analyst Workflow is a set of tasks you need to complete to produce part of your presentation, while the discussion is where you check in with your peers and me about the workflow.
Geographic Information Systems "is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations—helping users make smarter decisions." GIS analysts work with spreadsheets and GIS software.
Learning Objectives
By the completion of this workflow, you will be able to:
- Remember what GIS analysis is
- Understand the utility of GIS maps
- Apply GIS maps to your public problem
- Analyze GIS maps for patterns related to your public problem’s causes or effects
- Evaluate the utility of GIS analysis in explaining a public problem
- Create a GIS Analyst Highlight slide
Assignment
The purpose of the following tasks is to: introduce yourself to GIS, watch an overview of ArcGIS software, watch an overview of ArcGIS Online software, read an Introduction to GIS, find 3 maps related to your public problem, and create a presentation slide.
Step 1: Watch short videos about ArcGIS
The purpose of this step is to learn about ArcGIS, industry-leading software for geographic information systems analysis. You are NOT expected to use this software for this workflow. I just want you to know that it exists so in the future when you hear about GIS analysis, you can recall: "Hey, I remember there is GIS analysis software called ArcGIS!"
- Watch"What is GIS"Links to an external site.
- As an alternative to watching this video, visit What is GIS?Links to an external site. to read about GIS.
- Watch"ArcGIS Overview"Links to an external site.
- As an alternative to watching this video, visit About ArcGISLinks to an external site. to read about ArcGIS.
- Watch"ArcGIS Online Overview"Links to an external site.
- As an alternative to watching this video, visit What is ArcGIS OnlineLinks to an external site. to read about ArcGIS Online.
Step 2: Read a book chapter on GIS
The purpose of this step is further introducing yourself to GIS by reading a book chapter in "Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro." This chapter answers the question "What is GIS?" and later helps you explore ArcGIS Online, a web-based GIS software that you can sign up for.
- Read Chapter 1 "Introducing GIS"Download Chapter 1 "Introducing GIS" in Law, Michael, and Amy Collins. 2016. Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro. Redlands, California: Esri Press.
Step 3: Find at least 3 maps online related to your public problem
The purpose of this step is to apply your knowledge of GIS to your specific public problem. The way you apply your knowledge is by searching online for 3 maps related to your public problem.
I recommend using Google and typing in the name of your public problem, followed by the word "maps." For example, if your public problem is ocean pollution, then you should search Google for "ocean pollution maps."
- First map and source/citation
- Second map and source/citation
- Third map and source/citation
Step 4: Create your GIS Analyst Highlight presentation slide
The purpose of this step is to reflect on these steps by explaining what you liked or disliked about the process and place 1 or more of your maps you found online in a presentation slide.
A Google Slides Presentation TemplateLinks to an external site. is available to assist you in preparing this slide for your presentation.
Discussion
As you progress through the public policy project and the analyst workflows, please check in with me and your peers at our discussion.
- Post any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions that you'd like to share with me and your peers.
- If you don't have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions, then feel free to post that as well.
Estimated Time
An estimated 2 hours is needed to complete this assignment and discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to include the file or link to my completed slide in the discussion?
- One aspect of the public policy project is that you are given autonomy to progress through your work.
- You do not need to upload or link to your presentation in your check in post.
Can I include a file or link to my slide in my discussion post?
- Some students use the discussion to hold themselves personally accountable for making progress on the public policy project.
- Therefore, you are welcome to include a file or link to your slide or presentation. I will review and provide my feedback in the discussion.