Training

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.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Software 2009-2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Statistical Software 2009-2010

Statistical Software 2009-2010

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.

Introduction to Numeric Data Resources/Introudction to Stata

Introduction to Numeric Data Resources/Introudction to Stata

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.

  • Instructors - Diane Sredl, Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn
  • Dates -
    • Sep 16 2009 (Wed), 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Oct 2 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Oct 20 2009 (Tues), 2:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Nov 13 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location - Rm K018, 1737 Cambridge St (CGIS Knafel Building)

For futher details and registration information, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.

Data Management in Stata

Data Management in Stata

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.

  • Instructors - Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn
  • Dates -
    • Sep 22 2009 (Tue), 3:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Oct 30 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Nov 18 2009 (Wed), 2:00 - 5:00 PM
  • Location - Rm K018, 1737 Cambridge St (CGIS Knafel Building)

To enroll, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.

Introduction to R

Introduction to R

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.

  • Instructors - Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn
  • Dates -
    • Sep 23 2009 (Wed), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Nov 6 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Dec 1 2009 (Tue), 2:00 - 5:00 PM
  • Location - Rm K018, 1737 Cambridge St (CGIS Knafel Building)

For futher details and registration information, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.

Regression in Stata

Regression in Stata

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.

  • Instructors - Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn
  • Dates -
    • Oct 9 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Oct 27 2009 (Tue), 2:00 - 5:00 PM
    • Nov 20 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location - Rm K018, 1737 Cambridge St (CGIS Knafel Building)

To enroll, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.

Introduction to SAS

Introduction to SAS

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.

  • Instructors - Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn
  • Dates -
    • Oct 14 2009 (Wed), 2:00 - 5:00 PM
    • Dec 4 2009 (Fri), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location - Rm K018, 1737 Cambridge St (CGIS Knafel Building)

For further details and registration information, please contact us at dataclass@help.hmdc.harvard.edu.