Technical courses on key software packages are made available through the Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA) and the Harvard-MIT Data Center (HMDC). Classes are offered throughout the academic year in both Cambridge and Longwood locations (depending on the topic). Taught by experienced instructors, these courses will give you the ability to utilize specialized software applications in your research activities.
Each semester the Center for Geographic Analysis offers instructor-led, non-credit technical training workshops to introduce geographic information system (GIS) concepts and teach the basics on how to use GIS software. Workshops are free and open to the Harvard community, but you must register to attend. For self-study, you can download the Powerpoint presentations, and the lab exercises PDF and data by visiting the CGA Training web page.
Workshops are offered on Fridays from 1 PM to 3 PM, alternating between the Cambridge and Longwood campuses.
Harvard/MIT Data Center (HMDC)
CGIS Knafel Building
Room K018
1737 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA
HSPH Micro Computing Lab
Kresge Building
Room LL-10
677 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA
This course offers a brief introduction to GIS-related terminology and spatial data basics. Students create a basic map using ArcGIS.
For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.
The ability to wrangle various forms of data into a GIS is necessary in order to produce maps or analysis. Students learn how to convert and properly geo-reference text-form raw data into GIS format, find and import relevant publicly available data, and produce a map of the results.
For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.
Learn about spatial analysis for various kinds of problem solving in a GIS environment. Examples of both raster and vector data-based spatial operations, such as overlay, buffering, and interpolation, are covered.
For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.
Explore hands-on the extensive functionality of Google Earth Version 4.2, including navigation, feature creation, and map georefererencing. Various methods of importing GIS data into and exporting data out of ArcMap GIS software for use in Google Earth are covered.
For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.
A hands-on workshop, this course introduces the concepts and applications of a Global Positioning System (GPS). Students use mapping GPS devices in the field and then upload the mapped data into desktop and internet mapping applications. Intended for students and researchers who plan to use GPS for their field work.
For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.
Learn how to create a Google Map using the Google Maps application programming interface (API), and add or remove different features and data layers, all on your local computer.
For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.
HMDC regularly provides a variety of technical training courses to facilitate incorporation of the most recent technological capabilities into the ongoing reserach of Harvard's academic community. The courses offered by HMDC cover everything from strategies for locating numeric data to R, the open-source system for statistical computation and graphics. You can view the current class schedule and download class handouts from the HMDC web site Statistical Support menu Tutorials & Workshops pages. All members of the Harvard community are encouraged to take advantage of this resource; others who wish to participate first should obtain sponsorship from either a member of the IQSS faculty or senior staff.
All classes are held in the Room K018, 1737 Cambridge St (CGIS Knafel Building). To enroll, please contact Diane Sredl at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.
Learn strategies for locating numeric data for term papers, senior theses, dissertations, or other research purposes. Taught by a Data Librarian from the Harvard College Library Numeric Data Services, this course covers everything from quick look-up sources to micro-level datasets in the social sciences, including those found in the IQSS Dataverse Network. Undertake hands-on practice using Harvard e-resources in Economics, Government and Political Science, Sociology, and Health. Both sessions cover the same material.
Stata is available for download through the FAS Information Technology web site, as well as in many computer labs throughout campus.
For futher details and registration information, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.
Learn techniques for data management by using Stata software, one of the more frequently used statistical packages at Harvard and MIT. Perform hands-on exercises and learn how to create cross-sectional, time-series, and panel datasets from several data files. Topics include importing data into Stata, labeling data and variables, converting data from string to numeric format, appending and merging datasets, and collapsing and reshaping a dataset.
To enroll, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.
Get an introduction to R, the open-source system for statistical computation and graphics. With hands-on exercises, learn how to import and manage datasets, create R objects, and generate figures.
For futher details and registration information, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.
This hands-on class provides a comprehensive introduction to estimating the linear regression model using ordinary least squares in Stata. Topics for the class include multiple regression, dummy variables, interaction effects, hypothesis tests, and model diagnostics. Prerequisites include a general familiarity with Stata, including importing and managing datasets and data exploration, the linear regression model, and the ordinary least squares estimation.
To enroll, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.
Get an introduction to SAS, one of the more frequently used statistical packages in business. With hands-on exercises, explore SAS's many features and learn how to import and manage datasets and do statistical analysis.
SAS is available in many computer labs throughout campus.
For further details and registration information, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.