Geographic Information System (GIS) Software 2009-2010

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.

Cambridge Location

Harvard/MIT Data Center (HMDC)
CGIS Knafel Building
Room K018
1737 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA

Longwood Location

HSPH Micro Computing Lab
Kresge Building
Room LL-10
677 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA

GIS Basics with ArcGIS

This course offers a brief introduction to GIS-related terminology and spatial data basics. Students create a basic map using ArcGIS.

  • Instructor - Sumeeta Srinivasan
  • Date (Location) -
    • Sep 11 2009 (Cambridge)
    • Nov 6 2009 (Longwood)

For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.

Wrangling Data Into Maps

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.

  • Instructor - Jeff Blossom
  • Date (Location) -
    • Sep 18 2009 (Cambridge)
    • Nov 13 2009 (Longwood)

For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.

Making Sense out of Spatial Data

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.

  • Instructor -  Sumeeta Srinivasan
  • Date (Location) -
    • Sep 25 2009 (Cambridge)
    • Nov 20 2009 (Longwood)

For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.

Getting the Most out of Google Earth

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.

  • Instructor - Ben Lewis
  • Date (Location) - Oct 16 2009 (Cambridge)

For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.

GPS Workshop

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.

 

How to Create Google Maps Mashups

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.

  • Instructor - Jeff Blossom
  • Date (Location) - Oct 30 2009 (Cambridge)

For further details and registration information, go to the CGA Training web page.