The Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium

 Conference Workshops

All workshops will be held on Wednesday, October 10. All lecture style workshops will be held at the DECC, while most hands-on workshops will be held off-site at various computer labs. Transportation to off-site hands-on workshops will be provided. If you register for a full day workshop or two half day workshops, your registration fee includes lunch. Lunches will be provided at the DECC and at off-site workshop locations.

 

Full Day Workshops (Hands-On) 1. Introduction to GPS and the Trimble ProXR 2. AutoCAD 2000 for GIS Applications FULL 3. Building GIS from Imagery (ERDAS) 4. Raster Analysis with Spatial Analyst Cancelled 5. Applying Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) FULL 6. Orthophotos Made Easy Full Day Workshops (Lecture) 7. The Basics of "Reading" Aerial Photographs 8. Introduction to GIS 9. Spatial Analysis Cancelled 10. GIS/GPS Field Tour Morning Workshops (Hands-On) 11. Introduction to ArcView GIS 8.1 FULL Morning Workshops (Lecture) 12. ArcView 3.2 Report Writer Extension and Seagate's Crystal Reports 7.0 13. Everything You Wanted to Know about the 2000 Census, but Didn't Know Who to Ask 14. GIS Services Using the Internet 15. Keeping Pace on a Spinning Planet: Dealing With Stress and Change

Morning Workshops (Lecture) Continued 16. Making Better Maps 17. ArcView 3-D Analyst and Sonar 18. GIS for Public Works 19. Map Objects Lite 2 -- Using Visual Basic 20. Using the Geodatabase in ArcInfo 8 Afternoon Workshops (Hands-On) 21. Introduction to ArcView 3.2 22. Using a Garmin Handheld GPS with ArcView FULL Afternoon Workshops (Lecture) 23. Datums, Projections and Coordinate Systems: An Understanding for GPS Applications and Mapping 24. Exploring ArcView 8.1 25. MBTI Personalities in the Workplace 26. Redistricting: Law and Technology 27. Principles of Graphic Design, Advanced Cartography, and Visualization 28. Introduction to Customizing the ArcIMS HTML Viewer 29. Advanced ArcView 3.2 Tips and Tools 30. Avenue to Visual Basic for ArcGIS 8.1

 Full Day Workshops

1. Introduction to GPS and the Trimble ProXR (Hands-On)
This workshop will provide a basic introduction to GPS, the Trimble ProXR receiver and Pathfinder Office software. This course was designed to prepare students to map point, line and area features in the field. After a one hour introduction to GPS, the course is divided into three distinct sections: a) what's required in the office before moving to the field, b) how to collect data in the field using a data dictionary and c) what to do in the office after collecting the data. Students must bring: a) Trimble ProXR system with charged and/or new batteries for the receiver and data collector (at least one receiver per two students) and b) Pathfinder Office Software.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Pete Knutson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

2. AutoCAD 2000 for GIS Applications (Hands-On) FULL
Topics Covered: AutoCAD MAP 2002 and Database Fundamentals, Applying MAP 2002 to Base Mapping
An intermediate class for AutoCAD technicians in the use of AutoCAD MAP 5 (2002) for the management of spatial and attribute data using Dataview, the Project Workspace and MAPs new Thematic Wizard. Learn how to extend AutoCAD drawings into GIS applications by associating AutoCAD objects to internal and external data sources. Break source maps into manageable sizes and automate the creation of reports and thematic maps using Drawing Attachments and Queries. The session will also use Coordinate Zones and Property Alteration to assemble source data from several coordinate systems into one consistent base map.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Van Maguire, CAD/CAM Engineering

3. Building GIS from Imagery (ERDAS) (Hands-On)
Imagery, together with the technology available today, allows the average GIS user to turn imagery into information. The first half of the workshop will cover the tools used in image processing, sources and availability of imagery, automatic feature extraction using an expert system and land cover analysis. The second half of the workshop will cover the generation of orthoaccurate aerial photographs. This ortho-imagery can then be used to build a highly accurate GIS database or correct and update an existing GIS.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructors: Ben Dorland, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Suzie Noble, ERDAS, Inc.

4. Raster Analysis with Spatial Analyst (Hands-On) Cancelled
Learn how to apply raster GIS concepts and techniques using ESRI's ArcView 3.2 and Spatial Analyst. This full day workshop will cover the basics of GIS data management and analysis techniques for raster based processes. Topics include coverting vector to raster, reclassification, distance modelling, density mapping, spatial coincidence and overlay analysis. You must have a working knowledge of ArcView to attend this workshop.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Tim Loesch, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

5. Applying Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) (Hands-On) FULL
Visual Basic for Applications has been licensed by many vendors and imbedded into their software applications (such as ArcInfo 8). This workshop assumes you understand basic programming concepts such as those covered in the free module 'Getting Started With Visual Basic' on the ESRI Virtual Campus. Topics covered will include error handling, debugging, string functions, manipulating COM objects and working with Map Object's sample class modules.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Rose Erickson, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

6. Orthophotos Made Easy (Hands-On)
This workshop is designed to teach the GIS professional how to easily create and update orthophotos. The emphasis in the workshop will be on how to use existing maps and/or orthophotos to create new orthophotos from new or historical aerial imagery. Quality control tools will be discussed to verify that the new orthophoto will overlay precisely with existing orthophotos. Tools such as coordinate transformations (of images, DEMs and Shape files), file type conversion and mosaicing options will be extensively discussed. The general schedule for the workshop includes basics of orthophotos, creation of orthophotos, orthophoto mosaics, utilities necessary for orthophoto production, hands-on experience in creating orthophotos and hands-on experience in orthorectifying overlays. In the afternoon, the participants will be using OrthoMapper to create their own orthophotos.

Logistically, each participant should bring a laptop (or desktop) computer (two can share). Access key and computer files needed to use the OrthoMapper program will be loaded onto your machine at the beginning of the workshop. The following minimum specifications will optimize the program upload and functions:

• There must be a parallel port on the computer.
• If you are running Windows NT or 2000, you must have administrative privileges to install the program.
• 64 MB RAM minimum -- the more the better.
• 300–600 MB of disk space suggested -- digital images used to create orthophotos take a lot of memory.

Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Frank Scarpace, University of Wisconsin–Madison

7. The Basics of "Reading" Aerial Photographs: Overview of Fundamentals, Classification Systems, Interpretation and Other Stuff (Lecture)
This is a beginner/novice workshop that will cover the basic principals of aerial photography. The workshop includes a quick overview in the morning including a stereo eye test and sample photo feature identification problems followed by interpretation lab work in the afternoon. The lab work includes wetland classification systems and practice interpretation; forested landscape classification system and practice interpretation; and, time permitting, personal assistance with student provided aerial photographs. Participants may also wish to bring their own stereoscopes and pocket calculators.
Audience: Beginner
Instructors: John Anderson, EnviroData, Inc., Brian Huberty, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Howard Post, GeoData Model Solutions

8. Introduction to GIS (Lecture)
This is a workshop designed to introduce basic terminology and concepts in GIS. It is intended for those individuals who have little or no experience with GIS. The workshop will cover a variety of broad-ranging, introductory material designed to give the beginning user an appropriate background, including maps and spatial analysis, components of GIS, data acquisition, data structures, hardware and software systems, data analysis and GIS application examples.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Ben Richason, St. Cloud State University

9. Spatial Analysis (Lecture) Cancelled
GIS provides access to a wide variety of tools for analyzing spatial data. Deciding which data model (vector or raster) and which tools to use can be confusing. This course will consider some common geographic questions that can be resolved by spatial analysis. Following an introduction to spatial analysis and data models, each section will focus on selecting the most appropriate spatial analytical techniques for a category of questions. The final section will introduce participants to spatial modeling. Both vector and raster analysis will be covered, with particular attention paid to distinguishing the strengths and weaknesses of each. Through a combination of lecture and group exercises, participants will learn to develop a plan for addressing complex spatial problems. As examples of spatial analysis tools will be drawn from ESRI software products (ARC/INFO, ArcView and their extensions), participants should be familiar will one or more of these software packages.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Elizabeth Hobbs, Minnesota Department of Transportation

10. GIS/GPS Field Tour (Lecture)
This full day workshop departs from the DECC to examine GIS and GPS use in northeastern Minnesota's mining industry. Day begins with on-bus briefings by mining, government and landowner GIS/GPS staff. Field stop highlights include a visit to the Hibbing Taconite mining operations to see GPS use in 240 ton trucks, shovel operations, drill rig positioning and mine surveying. Other stops include the DNR's Lands and Minerals office to see GIS use related to mining, mineral land leasing and mineral exploration, and a rare opportunity to stand atop the only triple continental divide in the US (on private land). Bus returns to the DECC late in the afternoon.
Audience: Beginner
Trip Leader: David Dahl, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Morning Workshops

11. Introduction to ArcView GIS 8.1 (Hands-On) FULL
This workshop introduces you to the three applications comprising ArcView GIS 8.1: ArcCatalog, ArcMap and ArcTools. We will explore the following topics:

• ArcCatalog: managing GIS data, creating metadata, creating/modifying GIS data
• ArcMap: creating a data frame containing layers of data, querying data spatially and by attribute, creating a map layout
• ArcTools: projecting GIS data, converting GIS data format
• Comparison of ArcView GIS 3.2 to ArcView GIS 8.1: functionality differences between 3.2 and 8.1, hardware and software requirements, programming environment of 8.1 and how that affects your existing Avenue applications, strategies to consider for implementation of this new software.

Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Terese Rowekamp, Rowekamp Associates, Inc.

12. ArcView 3.2 Report Writer Extension and Seagate's Crystal Reports 7.0 (Lecture)
This lecture style workshop will include the basics of ArcView 3.2 Report Writer and Crystal Reports 7.0. Topics covered include using the 8 Report Experts to create reports, working with fields, sorting, grouping, formulas, visually appealing reports and creating charts. Participants will receive a manual with step by step instructions to use with their own data. No experience required.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Annette Theroux, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

13. Everything You Wanted to Know about the 2000 Census, but Didn't Know Who to Ask (Lecture)
How does 250 PowerPoint slides, talking in a soft monotone voice and a dark quiet room sound to you? Not at this workshop. Games, prizes, an atmosphere of high self-esteem and more data than you can shake a stick at will be the order of the day at this workshop. The 2000 Census offers a wealth of data, and with a little work, yields usable information. Census geography, definitions and changes from 1990 will be covered. If you're new to Census data, or haven't used it since 1990, all will be revealed. Datamining, GIS and several other buzzwords will be used throughout the presentation.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Kent Treichel, Wilder Research Center

14. GIS Services Using the Internet (Lecture)
This session will take a basic look at how users can utilize GIS data through the Internet. The session will include discussion; topics covered include dispensing data, accessing data, privacy issues, implementing your GIS online, as well as locating data. This session will also look at how PMC has used ESRI's ArcIMS (Internet Map Server) technology to enhance GIS throughout the Midwest. This includes increased citizen access to public data as well as minimizing traffic in public offices. Featured sites include county systems that also utilize real estate data for customized reports and comparison. ESRI software will be heavily referenced.
Audience: Beginner
Instructors: Geoff Wood, Jeff Corns, PMC ProMap Corporation

15. Keeping Pace on a Spinning Planet: Dealing With Stress and Change (Lecture)
"On your mark … get set … change!" The rapid pace of change is constantly throwing new challenges in our path. Just as we overcome one obstacle, a new one is bearing down upon us. How can we possibly keep up? Change doesn't have to lead to that common sensation of being overwhelmed. We can learn how to navigate the turbulent waters of change. This session provides insight and skills that enhance our ability to keep pace in the face of rapid, constant change.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Karl Mulle, Bruce Christopher Seminars

16. Making Better Maps (Lecture)
Making Better Maps is a short course for those without cartographic training. "Maps are the tools that communicate results of Geographic Information Systems." What sets them apart from other tools is that you build them yourself. You can do it well, or poorly. This workshop will help you to make better maps for your purposes. The fundamentals of good map design will be covered, including choosing symbols, data classification, map elements and effective layouts of the map elements. The overall goal of this workshop is to show how to optimize those map revisions and make more effective maps. If possible, everyone should bring 15 copies of some of their own maps for a round of constructive criticism. Most examples will be ArcView products, but the intent is to be generic.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Charlie Parson, Bemidji State University

17. ArcView 3-D Analyst and Sonar (Lecture)
This workshop will examine the techniques for field data collection using sonar for application within ArcView 3-D Analyst. Detailed descriptions of creating, editing and analyzing data within ArcView as well as an exposure of various tools that are available for data manipulation and 3-D view enhancement. The intermediate user will gain an exposure to data preparation, scene creation and the ancillary data needed to get the most out of 3-D Analyst. The examples used for this workshop are river bottom modeling for MN/DOT river crossing analysis.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Thomas Martin, Minnesota Department of Transportation

18. GIS for Public Works (Lecture)
This presentation will discuss the advantages of using GIS as an asset and maintenance management tool for public works. CityWorks, which is an extension to ArcView and/or ArcInfo will be demonstrated as one option for management. CityWorks is a very robust product which will create and manage work orders, inspections and tests, and maintain a detailed inventory of infrastructure. CityWorks provides management tools for sewer, water, storm, parking, pavement, signs and signals. We will also take a look at a very simple GIS application built using ESRI's "MapObjects". This application can be used by anyone to access information about parcel ownership, sewer, water, or storm information, view your scanned as-builts, create very simple mailings -- with a simple click of the mouse.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Rebecca Blue, SEH, Inc.

19. Map Objects Lite 2 -- Using Visual Basic (Lecture)
This workshop will highlight how to get started using Map Objects Lite with Visual Basic. This will include the basics of displaying data (Arc/Info coverages, Shape Files and Images), pan, zoom, length, area, transparency issues, text and labeling maps, working with tables, displaying DOQs from USGS and printing. Some Visual Basic experience would be helpful. While Map Objects will be the primary focus, some Visual Basic concepts will be covered, but at a very fast pace.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Craig Perreault, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

20. Using the Geodatabase in ArcInfo 8 (Lecture)
This workshop demonstrates how to create a geodatabase in ArcInfo 8. Discussion of the following topics will include a lecture, a demonstration and a question/answer session: 1) Overview of the geodatabase, 2) How to manage the geodatabase with ArcCatalog, 3) How to implement subtypes and domains, 4) How to establish relationships between feature classes and tables, 5) Use of custom feature types. This workshop is designed for existing ArcInfo 8 users. Some familiarity with ArcMap and ArcCatalog will be advantageous. This workshop is intended to explain the geodatabase data model and the new functionality it incorporates.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Mark Midas, ESRI

Afternoon Workshops

21. Introduction to ArcView 3.2 (Hands-On)
This half day workshop will provide a hands-on approach to understanding the major functionality of ESRI's ArcView GIS, version 3.2. Topics covered include: Getting around in the ArcView documents (Views, Tables, Charts, Layouts) and trying different queries and geographic analysis functions. A question and answer period provides opportunity to discuss functionality and implementation issues. The workshop is appropriate to those with no prior ArcView experience.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Catherine Hansen, Rowekamp Associates, Inc.

22. Using a Garmin Handheld GPS with ArcView (Hands-On) FULL
Learn how to transfer data to and from ArcView 3.x and the Garmin GPS handheld receivers. After a brief introduction to the Garmin 12/12XL handheld GPS receiver, we will collect data and convert it to a shapefile using WaypointPlus and the DNR Garmin ArcView extension. We will also create a point shapefile and a polygon shapefile in ArcView and load them into the Garmin GPS receiver. We will conclude with tips and tricks for using the GPS with ArcView in work, hobby and recreational settings. Some experience with creating and editing shapefiles using ArcView is helpful but not required.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Paul Olson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

23. Datums, Projections and Coordinate Systems: An Understanding for GPS Applications and Mapping (Lecture)
This workshop is designed for those just beginning in the mapping fields such as GPS Surveying, Photogrammetry, GIS and map making. You will learn about the origins of datums, projections and coordinate systems, and why they are necessary for GPS and mapping applications. It will give you an understanding of their use and relationship and how they are applied to GPS and mapping. You will learn how to create a datum, projection and coordinate system; the difference between different datums; the difference between Geoid Separation, Ellipsoid Height, Orthometric Height and Mean Sea Level; and how to convert from one to another and back using transformations and other algorithms. Participants will receive a disk with the tools necessary to accomplish these tasks as well as a bibliography for future research.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Ken Whitehorn, Leica Geosystems, Inc.

24. Exploring ArcView 8.1 (Lecture)
This workshop will explore the latest version of ESRI's desktop GIS offering, ArcView 8.1. Its place within the ArcGIS suite of products, including a comparison of applications versus functional product levels, will be discussed. The technical portion of the workshop will focus on the basics of using ArcView for data display, query and simple analysis in ArcMap, and on using ArcCatalog and ArcToolbox for data management and processing. Migration issues from ArcView 3.x will also be covered.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Ron Bruder, Applied Data Consultants, Inc.

25. MBTI Personalities in the Workplace (Lecture)
An introduction to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator through the lens of work relationships. Ever wonder why
co-workers do the things they do? Curious about how your natural approach to a project or challenge is so different or similar to that of your colleagues? Personality doesn't explain everything, but some insight into its role can help you to appreciate the complimentary gifts of others and learn to better develop your own. This session is designed for people unfamiliar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and explains the origin of the MBTI personality theory, basics of the testing instrument, ethical use and purpose of the MBTI, activities to illustrate type in action and a take-home "inventory" for those interested in learning about one's own type.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Jenaya Van Horn, Minnesota Department of Employee Relations

26. Redistricting: Law and Technology (Lecture)
In 2002, election districts will be redrawn throughout the nation to account for population changes reflected in the 2000 census. The art of redistricting is a balance between legal requirements, technical capabilities and politics. This session will provide a glimpse into the milieu in which technical staff will be working when assisting with redistricting.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Randall Cutting, Minnesota Department of State

27. Principles of Graphic Design, Advanced Cartography and Visualization (Lecture)
This workshop is designed for practitioners who want a better understanding of the potential for GIS-based maps. Topics will include basic principles of cartographic symbolization, classification and generalization. There will be an emphasis on principles of design and the graphic hierarchy. Also covered will be multivariate symbolization and advanced techniques of data visualization.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Robert McMaster, University of Minnesota

28. Introduction to Customizing the ArcIMS HTML Viewer (Lecture)
This workshop is intended for GIS professionals who are familliar with ArcIMS but have been struggling with customizing the HTML Viewer interface and functionality. Topics to be covered will include: a basic primer on HTML, JavaScript and XML; how the Server Request/Response cycle works in ArcIMS; how the HTML Viewer is coded and constructed, so the user better understands how to customize it; how to customize the HTML Viewer design; how to add custom functionality to the HTML Viewer. Sample scripts and documentation will be provided. Attendees should have a basic understanding of and preferably some experience with ArcIMS.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Suzanne Fliege, Plansight, LLC

29. Advanced ArcView 3.2 Tips and Tools (Lecture)
This workshop will demonstrate the tips and tools that make you a proficient ArcView user. Instruction will be in the use of various downloadable tools, easy to use query builder commands, error control, importing parts of a project into a separate project, converting your DOQs to JPEG format and portable projects. Participants will receive a manual with step by step instructions to use with their own data. ArcView experience is required.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Annette Theroux, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

30. Avenue to Visual Basic for ArcGIS 8.1 (Lecture)
This workshop demonstrates how to leverage your existing Avenue skills using VBA in the ArcGIS Environment. The workshop will include a lecture, a demonstration and a question/answer session. This workshop is designed for existing ArcView/Avenue programmers. Familiarity with Visual Basic, ArcMap and ArcCatalog will be advantageous. This workshop is intended to assist the Avenue Programmer in transitioning from the Avenue programming environment to using VBA in ArcGIS.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Mark Midas, ESRI