Home » Past Symposiums » 2008
MAGIC 2008 Short Courses
Sunday, April 20 (Half-Day) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
101. Editing in ArcGIS:
Edits happen. Most spatial databases require regular editing
for maintenance purposes. This class will allow attendees
to get hands on exposure to the data editing capabilities of
ArcGIS software. (Technical/Basic, Lab)
102. Introduction to the Geodatabase at 9.2: Instructor - Stacey Priest, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
This half day short course introduces basic elements of a
geodatabase: tables, annotation, feature classes, feature
datasets and relationship classes. Participants will explore
the geodatabase structure and properties in ArcCatalog,
as well as geodatabase storage options and techniques to
convert existing data into a geodatabase. Notes on changes
to the geodatabase at 9.2 will also be discussed. This handson
short course is intended for those familiar with ArcGIS
9.1 (ArcView/ArcEditor/ArcInfo), those considering
migrating or just getting started with the geodatabase data
model. (Technical/Basic, Lab)
103. Programming with Python: Instructor - James Stockford, Ocean Beach Consulting, Inc.
This four-hour, hands-on introduction to the Python
programming language covers essential techniques of
writing software in Python, including data handling
of lists and dictionaries, branching and looping,
creating functions, classes, packages, and importing
modules, with special emphasis on GIS and GPS-related
available software. Throughout the course emphasis
will be on the particular advantages Python provides
for performance and readability. (Technical/Basic, Lab)
104. Mobile GIS: Instructor - Cary Chevalier, Missouri Western University
Recent advances in the integration of hand-held
computing devices, GPS, and GIS software have lead to
growth in the cutting edge technology of mobile GIS.
Mobile GIS applications are wide spread in areas such as:
land records management, asset tracking, utilities, public
safety and natural resources management. Applications
and capabilities of mobile GIS will be the focus of this
introductory level short course. The course will provide
a working overview and learn about data collection in the
fi eld, navigation and other techniques. Practical use of
these devices in data collection and verifi cation will also
be presented, please dress accordingly for outside work.
(Technical/Basic, Class)
105. LiDAR: Instructor - Keith Cunningham, Lidar Logic, Inc.
The price of LiDAR is coming down, and it's becoming
more affordable for and increasing user base. This short
course will cover the basics of what LiDAR is and how it
is collected. File formats, data delivery options and other
basic information will be reviewed. Several LiDAR data
application examples will also be covered. (Technical/Basic,
Class)
106. Emergency Response and GIS: Instructor - Ryan Lanclos, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
All emergencies, whether caused by nature or people, begin
locally and elevate to regional, state, or national levels
depending on severity, complexity, size, and the nature of
the event. During these events, emergency managers need
the right information at the right time to effectively manage
events as they unfold. GIS is a powerful decision support
tool that can help deploy resources, implement evacuation
plans, establish medical aid and build the common
operating picture for a response. This informational
workshop will discuss the common uses of GIS to support
emergency response efforts and discuss ways to build
situational awareness for your organization. (Informational/Basic, Class)
107. 3D GIS Modeling : Instructor - Chris Seeger, Iowa State University
Visualization of data in three dimensions is no longer limited
to high-end computer systems and expensive software.
Participants in this workshop will have an opportunity to
create 3D buildings and landscapes and explore techniques
for integrating these 3D objects into their GIS projects.
Software covered in the workshop will include ESRI's 3D
Analyst Extension, SketchUp and Google Earth (Technical/
Basic, Class)
108. GIS Management and Business Intelligence: Instructor - Peter Thum, GeoAnalytics
This short course provides strategies and techniques for
successfully managing a GIS, and examines the major
organizational and management issues involved in GIS
development and operation. Learn how to manage
a multi-participant GIS, implement GIS in complex
organizations, expand GIS operations, integrate GIS into
the organization's information technology and operational
environment, develop a GIS staff, perform GIS cost/benefi t
analysis, fund GIS operations, and manage geographic data
sharing. (Informational/Advanced, Class)
109. Tuning and Extending Your ArcIMS: Instructor - Ken Nelson, State of Kansas Data Access & Support Center
ArcIMS is a powerful tool for publishing geospatial data in
an interactive format. While a great deal of functionality
is available out of the box, customization is often required
to harness the full power of ArcIMS. This course will
cover a variety of topics to help you get the most out
of ArcIMS including installation and confi guration,
hardware considerations, software components, webbased
cartography and ArcXML, application development
environments, web services, RDBMS and application
and system management techniques. Additionally, this
course will take a look at extending and enhancing IMS
technologies with Image Server, mash ups, map caching
and ArcGIS Server. (Technical/Advanced, Class)
Monday, April 21 (Full-Day) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
201. Introduction to ArcGIS: Instructor - Stephanie Bany, Watershed Concepts & Jason Felton, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
Can't get to an ESRI led class? Can't get the enough
funding? Here is an opportunity to get a cost effective
one-day hands-on exposure to the ArcGIS software,
covering many of the same topics as the full two-day class.
(Technical/Basic, Lab)
205. ArcGIS Server: Instructor - Dan Haag, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
This technical workshop will provide a more detailed
understanding of how to successfully implement and
manage ArcGIS Server. ESRI staff will provide a brief
overview of ArcGIS Server technology, followed by an
implementation workfl ow that that provides in-depth
coverage on: server installation and confi guration, creating
and using ArcGIS web services, out of the box applications
and templates, leveraging ArcGIS Explorer, creating and
deploying ArcGIS Mobile applications, and best practices.
Instructors will also provide workshop participants with
a detailed guide to available ArcGIS Server resources.
Prerequisites: Users should have a general understanding
of the capabilities of ArcGIS Server technology, as well as
a familiarity with ArcGIS Desktop, ArcSDE, and internet
application server technology. (Technical/Advanced,
Class)
Monday, April 21 (Half-Day) 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
202. Advanced Geodatabase at 9.2: Instructor - Stacy Priest, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
A continuation of the Sunday class (#102), this half day
short course will explore the advanced capabilities of the
geodatabase data model, highlighting the concepts of
spatial and attribute validation. Topics also covered will
be relationship classes and options for storing annotation.
Participants will get hands-on experience creating subtypes
and domains and creating and editing a geodatabase
topology. This hands-on short course is intended for those
with ArcGIS 9.X experience and general familiarity with
the geodatabase data model. (Technical/Advanced, Lab)
203. Customizing with ArcGIS: Instructor - Ken Wilkerson, GISEdge, Inc.
This hands on half day short course is designed for GIS
professionals that are regular users of ArcGIS software
but are not programmers in the ArcGIS development
environment. Participants will learn how to customize
ArcGIS with little or no programming. In this course
we will cover how to take advantage of useful commands
that are packaged with the software but are not part of
the interface in the out of the box product. We will also
explore how to take advantage of the wealth of information
available over the web and how to incorporate tools found
on the web in to ArcGIS. The class will also have discussions
about COM concepts and how to read the ArcObjects
Object Model Diagrams which will be an excellent primer
that eventually want to do custom development in ArcGIS.
(Technical/Advanced, Lab)
204. GPS :
This short course will familiarize participants with GPS
technology and its capabilities, applications and relationship
to GIS. It is an overview of the technology focusing on basic
operating concepts, geodesy, general applications in GIS,
types of receivers, implementation costs, project planning,
data collection and data adjustment. The second portion
of this short course will layout a complete project from data
collection, through upload, post-processing, and importing
into a GIS project. Participants should be familiar with GPS
hardware and terms. (Technical/Basic, Class)
206. Next Generation of GIS on the Web: Instructor - Ken Nelson, State of Kansas Data Access & Support Center
How we are doing GIS on the web is going to dramatically
change within the coming months. Get a head start and
learn just what those folks over at Google and Microsoft have
fi gured out. GIS developers are just beginning to embrace
this technology. Learn what is to come with ArcGIS Server,
Google Maps, Google Earth and Virtual Earth. See real-world
examples and take home code that you can use to bring your
web GIS a step further. (Informational/Basic, Class)
207. Agricultural Land Assessment: Instructor - Brent Mainzinger, The Sidwell Company
Assessment of agricultural property based on potential
productivity of farmland is a natural fi t for GIS. The
process involves a spatial overlay of parcels, soils, and land
use maps to generate the raw data necessary to calculate
values. We'll demonstrate this process in ArcGIS 9.2, and
show how it can be resolved down to a one button process.
However, the jump from a GIS overlay to land value can
be much more complicated than it initially appears. We'll
discuss the steps of map code validation, normalizing
calculated acreages to assessed acreages (when to do it and
when to avoid it), weighted versus non-weighted calculation
models, management over-ride decisions, reporting
requirements, and the necessity of integration with tax and
CAMA software applications. (Technical/Basic, Class)
208. Website Design and Development: Instructor - Amber Reynolds, Watershed Concepts
Web design and development can be a daunting task. This
course is designed for the beginner to early-intermediate
GIS user who has some or no web design and development
experience. Come explore and learn why design, usability
and accessibility are important and tips and tricks to have
your site become easy-to-use and resourceful. Learn basic
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading
Style Sheets (CSS) so you can customize your site. Also
- bring your web design and development questions. The
best method of learning what to do is to ask other users!
(Technical/Basic, Class)
209. Using Census Data: Instructor - Craig Best, U.S. Census Bureau
The Census Bureau produces a wide range of data for large
geographic areas down to city blocks. This workshop will
focus on the geographic and demographic products available
form the US Census Bureau including an introduction to
TIGER/Line Shapefi les; the Census Bureau's newest public
TIGER release. The geographic coding scheme used by
the Census Bureau and how to link the demographic
data to TIGER for use in a GIS will also be discussed.
(Informational/Basic, Class)
Monday, April 21 (Half-Day) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
302. Cartography in ArcGIS: Instructor - Micah Cutler, Hardin/Franklin County, IA
This will be a hands-on workshop focused on the process of
using ArcMap as a cartographic layout and design tool. This
workshop will focus on two distinct items. First, basic principles
for designing a cartographic product will be discussed. The
purpose of a printed map is to clearly convey information to
the reader in an aesthetically pleasing manor.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will walk through the
cartographic process. Attendees will perform the following tasks:
- Use the layout view in ArcMap;
- Introduce multiple data frames into the map layout;
- Connect multiple data frames with locator maps;
- Introduce North arrows, legends, scales, map titles, and disclaimers;
- Use graphic text to highlight specifi c map components;
- Inserting foreign objects into the map layout.
303. ModelBuilder: Instructor - Ken Wilkerson, GISEdge, Inc.
For many users, there are analysis tasks that need to be
completed more than once. The ESRI ModelBuilder
interface provides a way to graphically model all of the tasks
that need to be completed. The resulting geoprocessing
models can include tools, scripts, and the data. Whether
your in public works estimating annual street repair costs,
emergency services modeling to route vehicles, or a biologist
estimating wildlife populations, this class is for you. This class
will review the basics of ModelBuilder data-fl ow diagrams
and the tools used to create them. (Technical/Basic, Lab)
304. Fun with GPS!:
GPS is not just for work! Geocaching is a growing use of
portable GPS units. People hide "caches" in many locations, in
the woods or in cities, most contain a log book, and a trinket.
But make sure you leave something behind! One website lists
almost half a million sites world wide! There is bound to be
one nearby. Take this class to learn more about Geocaching,
and try it out. (Informational/Basic, Hands-On)
306. The FDO story (open source technology makes
interoperability real) AutoCAD Map and Mapguide
Open Source: Instructor - Paulette Mitchell, MidWest CAD
FDO is an open source set of API commands that allows the
direct connection to geospatial databases, shape fi les, and web
services. Using this technology desktop clients like AutoCAD
Map 3D 2008 and an open source web based mapping
technology (Mapguide Open Source) make a complete
geospatial solution. Also, see how DWF (design web format)
can be leveraged to further distribute your data to the fi eld and
non-GIS users. Learn the value of data interoperability and
how you can use this technology today! (Technical/Advanced,
Class)
307. Creating Parcel Geneology: Instructor - Brent Mainzinger, The Sidwell Company
Parcels are born to parents, they have children, they retire, and
they die. They may live to have second families, and sometimes
undergo life changes. Along the way there are documents that
tie to specifi c parcels, and sometimes there are documents that
drive transactions between parcels.
The process of tracing these family lineages has been a challenge. Instructors will demonstrate an approach that ties the process of tracking parcel genealogy into the established workfl ows of cadastral map maintenance in ArcGIS 9.2 and integrated with tax/CAMA workfl ows. We'll show you how scanned documents, as well as live letters, spreadsheets, walkthrough videos, and even web pages can be related back to a parcel or transaction through a simple and intuitive approach that makes it part of a cadastral existing map maintenance processes. (Technical/basic, Class)
308. Database Design: Instructor - Aaron Addison, Washington University in St. Louis
This short course will give participants an understanding
of what a relational database management system is in the
context of a Geographical Information System. The course
will focus on the fundamentals of relational databases,
conceptual database modeling and an introduction to SQL.
(Technical/Advanced, Class)
309. Ramona:
Ramona is a GIS Inventory Tool. Ramona is produced by the
National States' Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) as
a tool for states and their partners. Its primary purpose is to
track the status of GIS in U.S. state and local government to
aid the planning and building of spatial data infrastructures.
Ramona is designed to work in concert with Geospatial One
Stop (www.geodata.gov). The Ramona system continues to
grow with more submissions everyday. Recent enhancements
released in Ramona version 2.0 are sure to prove benefi cial to
users and administrators. This session will focus at some of the
coordination Ramona is enabling and how Ramona can be
used to support disaster response and recovery. (Informational/Basic, Class)
Tuesday, April 22 (Half-Day) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
401. The Art of Finding Data: Instructor - Aaron Addison, Washington University in St. Louis
There is spatial data everywhere. There is an art to fi nding
it and fi nding the right data for your project. This short
course will cover many aspects of locating and downloading.
It will also review the proper procedures for importing
the data into your database, and some detail on getting
everything to line up properly. (Technical/Basic, Lab)
Wednesday, April 23 (Full-Day) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
501. Introduction to ArcGIS (Repeat Session): Instructor - Stephanie Bany, Watershed Concepts & Jason Felton, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
Can't get to an ESRI led class? Can't get the enough funding?
Here is an opportunity to get a cost effective one-day handson
exposure to the ArcGIS software, covering many of the
same topics as the full two-day class. (Technical/Basic, Lab)
Wednesday, April 22 (Half-Day) 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
502. Introduction to the Geodatabase at 9.2
(Repeat Session): Instructor - Stacey Priest, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
This half day short course introduces basic elements of
a geodatabase: tables, annotation, feature classes, feature
datasets and relationship classes. Participants will explore the
geodatabase structure and properties in ArcCatalog, as well
as geodatabase storage options and techniques to convert
existing data into a geodatabase. Notes on changes to the
geodatabase at 9.2 will also be discussed. This hands-on
short course is intended for those familiar with ArcGIS 9.1
(ArcView/ArcEditor/ArcInfo), those considering migrating
or just getting started with the geodatabase data model.
(Technical/Basic, Lab)
Wednesday, April 22 (Half-Day) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
602. Advanced to the Geodatabase at 9.2
(Repeat Session): Instructor - Stacey Priest, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
A continuation of classes #102 and #502, this half day short
course will explore the advanced capabilities of the geodatabase
data model, highlighting the concepts of spatial and attribute
validation. Topics also covered will be relationship classes and
options for storing annotation. Participants will get hands-on
experience creating subtypes and domains and creating and
editing a geodatabase topology. This hands-on short course
is intended for those with ArcGIS 9.X experience and general
familiarity with the geodatabase data model. (Technical/
Advanced, Lab)
Thursday, April 24 (Half-Day) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
701. GIS in Law Enforcement: Instructor - Herb Kuehne, City of Sioux City, IA
A hands-on session in which participants will learn (or review)
the processes by which a crime analyst analyzes incident data
using ESRI's ArcMap 3.2. The workshop will begin with a
short review of basic processes for retrieving and processing
data in ArcMap. Incident data will then be geocoded and
displayed in various ways that can suggest tactical directions
for offi cers. Practice doing basic analyses will follow, including
summarizing, sequencing, joining tables, charting, and using
general statistic functions, etc. The fi nal hour will show how
several built-in analytical tools might be used and interpreted.
(Technical/Basic, Lab)
702. Getting Started with GIS in Local Government:
A Performance Based Overview: Instructor - Steve Kinsey, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
GIS is the hottest new technology in Local Government
because of its ability to help organizations visualize information
regarding community problems and thereby develop costeffective
solutions. Developing a successful GIS program
can be a daunting challenge: establishing the necessary
hardware and network infrastructure, selecting the appropriate
software products, designing and implementing mission
critical applications and training staff require vision, executive
commitment and resources. This workshop focuses on a
"performance based approach to GIS" and the development
of strategies designed to insure the development of a successful
program with emphasis on high value return-on-investment
GIS applications. (Informational/Basic, Class)
703. Geography on the Web: Experiments with
Google Earth and Google Maps: Instructor - Kirk Keller & Mark Brunner, Missouri Department of Conservation
Wanting to have interactive map opportunities on the public
Web but not really knowing how to do it, the Missouri
Department of Conservation developed an application to
ingest shapefi les of Conservation Areas, merge them with area
public use information, and create a Google Earth KML fi le for
public download into the free Google Earth viewer. This has
not been without its quirks, issues, and limitations including
requiring a new build each time a piece of information is
updated and having no control over the wrapper in which it is
presented. Enter Google Maps which can be embedded in a
custom Web page that can be tailored to ones own presentation
style. The challenge then becomes how to dynamically feed
the page polygon and supporting information in real time.
(Technical/Basic, Class)
704. Public Works GIS:
This short course will focus on the use of GIS as a tool to
effectively manage our physical assets such as, electricity, clean
water, storm water, sewer, pavement, equipment and human
resources. Topics will include project start-up considerations
such as identifying participants, organizing the project team,
establishing roles and responsibilities, and determining and
prioritizing application output needs. Knowledge of GIS and
GPS preferred. (Technical/Basic, Class)
705. Fun with GPS (Repeat Session):
GPS is not just for work! Geocaching is a growing use of
portable GPS units. People hide "caches" in many locations, in
the woods or in cities, most contain a log book, and a trinket.
But make sure you leave something behind! One website lists
almost half a million sites world wide! There is bound to be
one nearby. Take this class to learn more about Geocaching,
and try it out. (Informational/Basic, Hands-On)
706. GIS Query Skills Database Connections, and SQL: Instructor - Chris Cooley, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS
Being able to use the query tools, table manipulation tools
and SQL in ArcGIS is a skill that everyone needs. Just a little
SQL and you can customize your labeling or enhance other
aspects of ArcGIS. Much of the data needed to drive the "IS"
portion of GIS resides in an external data source. That source
could be a fl at fi le, an Access database, an Excel spreadsheet or
a relational database. The full impact and effi ciency of a GIS
can really be accomplished when linking geographic features to
external data, and being able to query and manipulate that data
to obtain the desired results. This short course will introduce
the basics of attaching to external data, using simple SQL
statements, as well as demonstrate ArcGIS table manipulation
tips and tricks. (Technical/Basic, Class)
707. National Hydrography Dataset Applications: Instructor - Jeff Simley, U.S. Geological Survey
This class provides all of the basic information you need to
exploit the power of the National Hydrography Dataset.
The NHD was carefully designed for scientifi c applications
and consists of many attributes and characteristics perfectly
suited for geographic analysis using GIS. However, the data
was designed to be simple enough for anyone to use, not just
highly skilled GIS specialists. Thanks to this design, powerful
applications can be developed with just half a day's training.
The class starts by looking at how others around the country
are using the NHD. The NHD data structure is explored and
applied to basic mapping techniques. The ability to navigate
throughout the stream network is covered, opening up new
approaches for conducting GIS. The data structure is explored
in more detail revealing many new possibilities for network
analysis. The important process of linking scientifi c data to the
stream network is covered. These techniques, combined with
network navigation, lead to cause and effect analysis allowing
the scientist to discover how one event in the environment
can impact another event. The importance of data change
management, the added power of NHDPlus, and the role of
ArcHydro are also covered. (Informational/Basic, Class)
708. Open Source Web based Mapping using Map Guide: Instructor - Paulette Mitchell, MidWest CAD
Whether you're a veteran web-developer or a novice new to
the web-based mapping environment this course will show
you a mature web-based mapping platform that is both easy
to use and open source. Mapguide Open Source is a robust
mapping application that has fl exibility in deployment
and with customization. Come see what Mapguide Open
Source can mean to your organization and cut the cost out
of web-based mapping today! (Technical/Basic, Class)
.