GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
In this course, you will learn how to find GIS data for your own projects, and how to create a well-designed map that effectively communicates your message. The first section focuses on the basic building blocks of GIS data, so that you know what types of GIS files exist, and the implications of choosing one type over another. Next, we'll discuss metadata (which is information about a data set) so you know how to evaluate a data set before you decide to use it, as well as preparing data by merging and clipping files as needed.
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- Level Foundation
- Duration 20 hours
- Course by University of Toronto
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Offered by
About
In this course, you will learn how to find GIS data for your own projects, and how to create a well-designed map that effectively communicates your message. The first section focuses on the basic building blocks of GIS data, so that you know what types of GIS files exist, and the implications of choosing one type over another. Next, we'll discuss metadata (which is information about a data set) so you know how to evaluate a data set before you decide to use it, as well as preparing data by merging and clipping files as needed. We'll then talk about how to take non-GIS data, such as a list of addresses, and convert it into "mappable" data using geocoding. Finally, you'll learn about how to take data that you have found and design a map using cartographic principles. In the course project, you will find your own data and create your own quantitative map. Note: software is not provided for this course.Modules
Course Overview
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- GIS Software needed for this course
1
Videos
- Welcome to the course!
1
Readings
- PDF files of all lecture slides
GIS File Types, Data Models, and Topology
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7
Videos
7
Videos
- Introduction to topology
- Topology and data formats
- Shapefile: simple, with no topology
- Coverage: Complex, but has topology
- Comparison of shapefile, coverage, and geodatabase
- Building basic topology
- Georelational and object-relational vector data models
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 1 Quiz
Activity
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1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Topology and file types
Finding Data and Preparing It For Your Project
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8
Videos
8
Videos
- Evaluating data using metadata
- Data dictionary
- The importance of metadata
- Viewing and editing metadata in ArcMap
- Downloading and using GIS data
- Adding x,y data from a table
- Clipping a feature class
- Merging feature classes
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 2 Quiz
Activity
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1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Share data sources you've found
Geocoding Addresses and Postal Codes
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9
Videos
9
Videos
- What is geocoding?
- Geocoding in ArcGIS Online
- Geocoding postal codes
- Geocoding postal codes in ArcMap
- Postal codes and census data
- Canadian census units
- Ecological fallacy
- Geocoding street addresses
- Geocoding street addresses in ArcMap
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 3 Quiz
Activity
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Geocoding practice
Map Design Principles
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17
Videos
17
Videos
- Developing a critical eye
- The map design process
- Controls on map design, part 1
- Controls on map design, part 2
- Controls on map design, part 3
- Design principles
- Visual hierarchy
- Figure-ground relationship
- Contrast
- Legibility
- Visual balance
- Map elements
- Creating a map layout in ArcMap
- Basic map design in ArcMap
- Exporting a map as an image in ArcMap
- Typography
- Creating and customizing labels in ArcMap
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 4 Quiz
Activity
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Map design practice
Mapping Quantitative Data
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10
Videos
10
Videos
- Levels of measurement and mapping
- Colour models: RGB
- Colour models: HSV
- Colour models: CMYK
- Choropleth maps
- Creating choropleth maps in ArcMap
- Data classification for mapping
- Data classification methods for mapping
- Mean vs. median
- Zero values on your map
Working with Tables
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Joining tables
- Working with tables in ArcMap
- Field calculations in tables
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 5 Quiz
Activity
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Practice mapping quantitative data
Quantitative Map Types
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8
Videos
8
Videos
- Dot maps
- Creating dot density maps in ArcMap
- Proportional symbol maps
- Graduated symbol maps
- Creating proportional and graduated symbol maps in ArcMap
- Contour maps
- Flow maps
- Multivariate maps
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 6 Quiz
Activity
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Continue practicing with quantitative mapping
Project
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Data Acquisition and Map Design Project
Auto Summary
Unlock the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the "GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design" course by Coursera. Tailored for those passionate about Science & Engineering, this foundational course guides you through the essentials of locating and utilizing GIS data for your projects. You'll delve into the various types of GIS files and their specific uses, understand the importance of metadata, and learn techniques for preparing data, including merging and clipping files. Additionally, the course covers geocoding to transform non-GIS data, like addresses, into mappable information. As you progress, you'll master the art of map design using key cartographic principles to create maps that effectively convey your message. The course culminates in a hands-on project where you will source your data and craft a detailed quantitative map. Spanning 1200 minutes of comprehensive content, this course is perfect for beginners looking to build a solid foundation in GIS. Although the software is not included, the skills you gain will be invaluable for your future projects. Enroll in the Starter subscription to begin your journey in GIS data acquisition and map design today.
Don Boyes