The Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium

12^th Annual Conference & Workshops
Conference Workshops

All workshops will be held on Wednesday, October 2. 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 locations.

Check-in for workshop participants begins at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the DECC. If you register for a hands-on workshop, please arrive at the DECC no later than 8:00 a.m. for check-in. Buses will depart for the off-site hands-on workshops promptly at 8:30 a.m. from the DECC City Side Convention Center entrance.

• The morning workshops begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by 12:15 p.m.

• The afternoon workshops begin at 1:15 p.m. and will conclude by 4:30 p.m.
  

Full-Day Workshops
1. Applying Visual Basic for Applications (Hands-On) FULL
Visual Basic for Applications has been licensed by many vendors and embedded 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 routines, debugging techniques, data access components and Built-In VBA functions. This workshop will use Microsoft Access 2000 to introduce students to the VBA development environment by creating a simple GIS application with Map Objects Light components.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Rose Erickson, ProWest & Associates

2. Turning Imagery Into Information (Hands-On) FULL
This workshop will give you an overview of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetric techniques using the ERDAS IMAGINE product suite. We will start by discussing the sources and availability of geographic imagery. You will then perform automatic feature extraction, vector editing, and do a simple land cover analysis. The second portion of the workshop will include a hands-on project, allowing the student to walk through a "real world" example of how imagery can be used in the everyday functions of a GIS project. Following this, you will see a demonstration of creating ortho-accurate photos from raw scanned imagery. We will also perform a stereo feature collection project. And to finish the workshop, we will visualize the results in a 3D environment.
Intended Audience: Beginner
Instructors: Deborah Stoner and Ben Dorland, ERDAS

3. Applications of GPS Data: Using GPS Data in a GIS (Hands-On) FULL
This intermediate level workshop will examine collection issues using GPS equipment with the end intent of display and analysis within a GIS. All GIS data types will be given consideration for collection techniques, GIS scripts and extensions for data manipulation will be presented. Data dictionaries for attribute collection will be developed, in addition to an exposure to a fully integrated GPS/GIS application. This workshop will have an afternoon session on the St. Louis River on the LL Smith, Jr.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Thomas Martin, Mn/DOT, assisted by Jeanne M. Ullevig

4. AutoCAD 2000 for GIS Application CANCELED
An introduction to the use of new features in AutoCAD 2000 for the management of spatial and attribute data, including an overview of DesignCenter, dbConnect, Dataview, the Properties manager, and Paperspace Layouts. The workshop concentrates on extending AutoCAD drawings into GIS applications by associating AutoCAD objects to internal and external data sources. Learn how to break base maps into manageable sizes and automate the creation of thematic maps and reports using AutoCAD MAP Drawing Attachments and Queries. The session also introduces the use of Coordinate Zones and Property Alteration to edit drawing sets and perform coordinate system transformations.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Van Maguire, CAD/CAM Engineering

5. Crime Fighters Workshop - Mapping Crime
This workshop is intended for intermediate ArcView users with an interest in a one-day tutorial using typical raw police department data to begin to track criminal events. Workshop is intended as starting point for novice crime analysts beginning to use their data for the first time.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Dr. Robert Bixby, Saint Cloud State University

6. Orthophotos Made Easy
This workshop is designed to teach the GIS and Engineering professional how to easily create and update orthophotos. The workshop will discuss how to use existing maps and/or orthophotos to create new orthophotos from new or historical aerial imagery. The use of traditional ground control and as well as creating DEMs from points/breaklines exported from plotters will be discussed. Quality control tools will be discussed to verify that the new orthophoto will overlay precisely with existing orthophotos/maps. Tools such as coordinate transformations (of images, DEMs and Shape files), file type conversion, and mosaicing options will be extensively discussed. In the afternoon, 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:

1. There must be a parallel port on the computer.

2. If you are running Windows NT, 2000 or XP, you must have Administrative Privileges to install the program.

3. 64 MB RAM minimum - the more the better.

4. Try to have 300 -> 600 Megs of disk space available - digital images used to create orthophotos take lots of room.

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

7. GIS/GPS Field Tour
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, mine shovels, drill rigs and dispatch. Other stops include 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 U.S. (on private land). Bus returns to the DECC late in the afternoon.
Audience: Beginner through Advanced
Trip Leader: David Dahl, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

8. Project Management for GIS Techies
For those who are not traditionally in project management positions (but need to manage GIS projects anyway) this course offers a humble yet rewarding approach to planning and managing your GIS business matters. Discover strategies, philosophy, and organizational techniques that will lead to effective planning for project scope, budget, resource allocation, scheduling, equipment and software needs, and marketing plans specific to GIS.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Ed Krum, Mn/DOT

Morning Workshops
9. Introduction to ArcView GIS 3.2 (Hands-On) FULL
This hands-on workshop introduces the functionality of ESRI's ArcView. Subjects covered include views, tables, charts and layouts. In addition, you will learn how to manipulate spatial data to meet your needs. This workshop provides a great opportunity for those just getting started to learn the basics to get you up and running. Please bring your questions for our open discussion period.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Becky Blue, SEH

10. A Quick Overview of ArcMap and ArcCatalog in ArcGIS 8.2 (Hands-On) FULL
The ArcCatalog application within ArcGIS is a GIS data manager, allowing you to preview geographic data and data tables, document your data and more. ArcMap is used to create maps with multiple layers of geographic data that can be queried, analyzed, symbolized, printed, and more. Hands-on exercises will familiarize you with some basic concepts and uses of the two applications. Because of the power and complexity of ArcGIS, more training than can be provided in this workshop is required to become a fully proficient user.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Catherine Hansen, Rowekamp Associates

11. Applying Network Analyst in ArcView 3.2
Network Analyst is an extension for ArcView 3.2 that allows you to solve common network problems. Network Analyst is simple to use and an excellent tool when used alone. When used in conjunction with other GIS data, it can become very powerful. Topic to be covered include: setting up a basic/advanced network, using the Network Analyst GUI, real world applications and customizing/automating with Avenue. The student should leave the class with enough knowledge to set up their own network, using the GUI and simple automation of procedures.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Blaine Hackett, Plansight

12. Expanding ArcGIS with Geodatabases
If you've been hearing about geodatabases in ArcGIS, but aren't quite sure what a geodatabase is or why you might want to use one, this workshop is for you. We'll define geodatabase and discuss the kinds of GIS data that it can store. We'll move on to an overview of implementing data subtypes and behavior rules and how doing so can improve the integrity of your GIS data. We'll finish with a review of geometric networks and analysis tasks like trace upstream, trace downsteam and find path.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Terese Rowekamp, Rowekamp Associates

13. Avenue to Visual Basic for ArcGIS 8.x
The objective of this workshop is to assist the Avenue programmer in transitioning to the ArcGIS development environment. The workshop includes a lecture, a demonstration, and a question-and-answer session. Topics include understanding the ArcObjects Object Model, using VBA for creating custom controls, and a review of the VB utilities that ship with the ArcGIS developer samples. This workshop is intended for existing ArcView/Avenue programmers. Familiarity with Visual Basic, ArcMap, and ArcCatalog is advantageous.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Mark Midas, ESRI

14. Customizing the ArcIMS HTML Viewer
This class is designed for GIS professionals who've hit the wall in customizing the out-of-the-box HTML viewer provided by ArcIMS. Topics to be covered include: HTML and JavaScript Coding Basics; Exploration of the HTML Viewer and its Components; ArcXML and the Server Request/Response Cycle; Customizing MapServices; Customizing the HTML Viewer; Hints on Website Design and Navigation. Several examples will be done in-class, based on a Parcel View/Query Application.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Suzanne Fliege, Plansight

15. Land Record Management CANCELED
This seminar will address how ArcGIS is used to create and maintain a parcel-based land records geographic information system (GIS) using Parcel Editor 8 Version 4.0 and Land Development Office 8 (LDO). Organizational and technical issues encountered when establishing a land records GIS will be covered, as well as the various levels of GIS integration possible with ArcGIS. This workshop will include both lecture and a workshop so users appreciate the streamlined workflow processes that are incorporated in the Novalis suite of products. The importance of integrating your growth management tools with a GIS is stressed.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Laurie Morrison, Novalis

16. Data Conversion Techniques and Coordinate Systems
Attendees will learn about data conversion techniques including COGO, digitizing and field data collection. The conversion techniques will be applied to parcel, street centerline and natural resource mapping. An overview of datums and map projections will aid attendees in understanding the coordinates used on mapping projects. In addition to a comparison of projections and transformations, discussion will include: Datums, NAD27, NAD83/86 and NAD83/96; Map projection: transverse mercator and lambert conformal; Coordinate systems: UTM, Stateplane, and County. Note: Some trigonometry will be covered.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Jay Wittstock, Wright County

17. Introduction to Cartography
Cartography is the art and science of making maps. We will learn fundamental concepts and apply them through exercises with numerous examples of good and less-than-good attempts at presenting GIS findings in map form. Without basics of cartography you are unlikely to succeed in making optimal maps from your GIS. Non-geographers are the target group for this workshop. Please bring 12 copies of examples of your work for constructive group discussion.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Charlie Parson, Bemidji State University

18. Report Creation within ArcView 3.x and ArcView 8.x
By way of the tools provided within both ArcView 3.3 and ArcView 8.2, this workshop explores the ways in which professionally formatted reports can be created using the ESRI desktop GIS products. Covered topics include creating basic reports using the internal reporting modules of 3.3 and 8.2, as well as the option of advanced reporting utilizing the relationship between ArcView and Crystal Decision's Crystal Reports (CR) application. Examples of automated CR reports will also be provided.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Ron Bruder, Applied Data Consulting

19. Writing for GIS Professionals
Writing well is the best offense. Clear, concise writing prevents confusion, saves time, and pleases the reader. Our training as GIS professionals emphasizes presenting information clearly in maps, but not in words. This workshop tackles the basics of good writing. Its goal is to help participants learn to write concise, unambiguous documents. We will address both the writing process and the mechanics of writing clearly through lectures as well as group and individual exercises.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Elizabeth Hobbs, Mn/DOT

20. Census 2000: The Good Stuff
Mystery, mayhem, statistics... and more data than you can shake a stick at. This workshop will include an introduction on the history of the decennial Census and some of the issues surrounding sampling. The main emphasis will focus on how to use the recently released Summary File 3. This file, derived from the Long Form, includes data on income, employment, poverty, disabilities, veteran status, language spoken, migration, travel time to work, education level, ancestry and much, much more.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Kent Treichel, Wilder Foundation

Afternoon Workshops
21. Raster Analysis with Spatial Analyst (Hands-On)
This workshop will introduce students to basic raster analysis in ArcView's Spatial Analyst Extension. Workshop attendees will learn about raster processing concepts in general and get a chance to try some of the basic Spatial Analysis commands related to data preparation, reclassification, data exploration and overlay analysis.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Tim Loesch, Minnesota DNR

22. Customizing ArcGIS FULL
The power of ArcGIS can be expanded through simple customization. For example, you can create your own toolbar, filling it with the particular buttons you use all the time that are currently found on a variety of separate toolbars. And if you've been frustrated because the Clear Selected Features option is only available through the Selection menu, add Clear Selected Features as a button on your custom toolbar. You can also expand the capabilities of ArcGIS by adding functions freely available on the Internet. Get an introduction to the possibilities by attending this workshop.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Terese Rowekamp, Rowekamp Associates

23. Introduction to ArcIMS 4.0 FULL
Get to know ArcIMS and its potential! This class is designed to get those interested in ArcIMS, or those just getting started, familiar with its design and functionality. Topics to be covered include a Brief Overview of ArcIMS Architecture, the different "Viewers" available and their benefits, an Overview of ArcXML and MapServices, and how to use the Manager Components (Author, Designer, Administrator).
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Suzanne Fliege, Plansight

24. Advanced ArcView 3.2 Tips and Tricks
This workshop will demonstrate the tips and tools that will make you a proficient ArcView user. Instruction will be in the use of various downloadable tools and methods that help streamline your work. ArcView experience is required.
Audience: Intermediate
Monica Gerberding, Widseth, Smith, Nolting & Associates

25. Exploring ArcView 8.x
This workshop will explore the latest version of ESRI's desktop GIS offering, ArcView 8.2. 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

26. GIS for Public Works
Learn the advantages of using GIS as an asset management tool for public works including sewer, water, storm, signs, pavement maps and data. "So where's the manhole?" How can GIS help meet the requirements for GASB34, Cmom and Npdes permitting? We will discuss options for getting started, data accuracy issues, new technologies, hardware and software requirements, and successful tips. We will tour a couple of different software options - from the robust to the simple application.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Becky Blue, SEH

27. GIS in Public Health
The use of GIS technology for Public Health is relatively new, when compared to other GIS applications. Since September 11, interest has heightened and funding has increased. This lecture-style workshop will review how GIS has been used, post 9/11, current regional Public Health GIS activities, potential applications and funding sources.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Wayne Becker, SEH

28. GIS on the Internet
This session takes a basic look at utilizing GIS data through the Internet. The session will include discussion; topics covered include dispensing data, accessing data, privacy issues, implementing a GIS online, as well as locating data. This session will also look at how PMC has used ESRI's(r) ArcIMS(tm) (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
Instructor: Matt Boeck, PMC Promap Corporation

29. GIS in Emergency/Disaster Management
This lecture will focus on what GIS has done to assist in emergency and natural disaster situations. The instructor will draw on personal experiences to show examples of GIS supporting emergency response efforts, including forest fires in Minnesota, Montana and Utah; severe weather incidents; and search and rescue efforts in New York City last September. Topics will include: getting pre-pared, typical GIS products requested by emergency responders, data management and using GPS for data collection.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Paul Olson, Minnesota DNR

30. GIS Implementation Planning - Case Studies in Minnesota
This is a follow-up from the Spring in the Cities workshops with some specific examples of local GIS implementations. The workshop's purpose is to help GIS Managers and other decision-makers plan to implement GIS technology within their organizations. The workshop will combine of Case Study lectures with interactive discussion. Topics covered include: what's the difference between a Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan; what does a typical Implementation Model look like; how to translate business needs to measurable objectives and much more.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Walter Potts, ESRI

31. Advanced Cartography
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