Topic outline

  • Guide to GIS Technology

    Credits: 8 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a comprehensive review of GIS technology.

    Topics:

    • Functions of a GIS and Geoprocessing Operations
    • Raster preprocessing, GIS “Features”, Shapefiles, Metadata
    • US GIS Spatial Data Standards, and GIS Spatial Data Standardization
    • GIS Hardware and Software; ArcGIS and other GIS applications
    • Spatial and Attribute Data Models
    • What is the Data Structure; What is Spatial Data
    • Raster and Vector Data Model and Data Structure
    • The TIN Data Model and Data Structure, Digital Terrain Modeling
    • The Attribute Data Model and Data Structure
    • The Topological Data Model and Data Structure
    • Sources of Datasets
    • Data Input – COGO, Digitized, Scanned
    • Converting and Modifying Existing Data
    • Remote Sensing, Data Verification
    • The Data Storage and Retrieval System
    • Spatial Databases or Geodatabases
    • Data Compression vs Compaction; Organizing Data for Analysis
    • Spatial Data Layers - Vertical Data Organization
    • Spatial Indexing - Horizontal Data Organization
    • Editing, Updating, and Conversion of Data
    • Types of GIS File Formats, Spatial Data Relationships
    • Spatial Data Errors,Spatial Editing (Data Cleanup)
    • Manipulation and Transformation of Spatial Data
    • Integration and Modeling of Spatial Data
    • Data Quality and Standards

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.


    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 
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    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This general engineering course is intended for all engineering disciplines, such as: Construction, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Power, Water Resources, or any other engineers whose job description may require an "overview" knowledge of GIS technology, analysis, software, and hardware. This course is meant to compliment the other GIS original course, "GIS Analysis Methods and Technical Applications", which is an Intermediate to Advanced level course.
    Publication Source: Based on original courseware written by Donald W. Parnell, PE

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1