The Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium

Past Conferences
2002 Duluth, MN
2001 Duluth, MN

13^th Annual Conference & Workshops
October 8-10, 2003 St. Paul, Minnesota

Wednesday Workshops

All workshops will be held on Wednesday, October 8, either at the Touchstone Energy^® Place, RiverCentre, or at the Science Museum across the street. Your registration fee includes lunch, snacks and refreshments. Lunch will be provided at the location of your morning workshop. Space is limited for workshops, so please register early.

Check-in for workshop participants begins at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the Touchstone Energy^® Place, RiverCentre. All workshop participants should check-in for their workshop by 8:30 a.m. so that workshops can start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

• 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.

Conference materials can be picked up at the Touchstone Energy^® Place, RiverCentre from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, or at the Welcome Reception between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Science Museum.

Full-Day Workshops

1. Turning Imagery Into Information (Hands-On)
This workshop will give participants an overview of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetric techniques using the ERDAS IMAGINE product suite. We will start the workshop by discussing the sources and availability of geographic imagery. Participants will then per-form automatic feature extraction, vector editing and do a simple land cover analysis. The second portion of the workshop will include a hands-on project. This project will allow the student to walk through a ‘real world’ example of how imagery can be used in the everyday functions of a GIS project. To conclude the workshop, we will visualize the results in a 3-D environment.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Amy Zeller and Suzie Noble, Leica Geosystems GIS and Mapping

2. Applying Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) (Hands-On)
Visual Basic for Applications has been licensed by many vendors and imbedded into their software applications (such as ArcGIS 8.x). Topics covered will include error handling, debugging, data access components, the object browser and several built-in VBA func-tions. Students will use the VBA development environment in Microsoft Access to create a simple GIS application with the MapObjects™ Custom Control. This workshop assumes you understand basic programming concepts and will not cover advanced programming of MapObjects or ArcGIS objects.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Rose Erickson, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

3. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making in GIS Using ArcView 3.x and Spatial Analyst (Hands-On)
Everyone who uses a GIS knows about its map-making capabilities. A far smaller percentage of users are able to harness the true power of the GIS as a complex decision-making tool. Where is the best place to locate a new store and what plots of land should be focused on for wetland restoration? Answers to these questions must take into consideration a countless number of factors, many of which can be analyzed spatially. This class will give a hands-on approach to various methods for using a GIS as a decision-making tool. Vector and raster-based techniques will be demonstrated and the class will gain experience using the following extensions: Geoprocessing Wizard, Spatial Analyst, and Model Builder.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Chris Pouliot, MN DNR

4. Customizing ArcIMS HTML Viewer (Hands-On)
Introduction to Customizing ArcIMS is intended for ArcIMS users who are familiar with the basics of ArcIMS but are struggling with the next step of creating an interface that works for their particular needs. Topics to be covered include: an introduction to ArcIMS, its architecture and how it works; creating and editing map services with ArcXML; ArcXML, and the Server/Client request and response cycle; Customizing Map Services to get the most performance; discussion of the ArcIMS HTML Viewer and how it is built; a basic review of HTML and JavaScript coding; several examples of customizing the HTML Viewer; and a discussion on optimizing cus-tomizations and setup of your ArcIMS web site.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Suzanne Fliege, PlanSight LLC

5. Introduction to GIS Theories and Concepts (Lecture)
This is a seminar on the basic fundamentals of GIS. Material will be presented in a lecture/demonstration format using examples in ESRI’s ArcView software. Information to be covered will include basic definitions of terminology, introduction to data types and models, the capture and conversion of digital data, spatial data analysis, and data display. In addition, such topics as data sources and remote sensing data integration will be covered.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Benjamin F. Richason III, Ph.D., St. Cloud State University

6. Exploring ArcView 8.3 and Topology in ArcEditor and ArcInfo (Lecture)
This workshop will explore the latest version of ESRI’s desktop GIS offering, ArcView 8.3. Its place within the ArcGIS suite of products, including a comparison of applications versus functional product levels, will be discussed. Examples of using ArcView 8.3 for data display, query and analysis (ArcMap), and for data management (ArcCatalog and ArcToolbox) will be covered. The technical portion of the workshop will focus on the recent introduction of topological relationships in 8.3, and how they can be used to improve the integrity and accuracy of GIS databases.
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Ron Bruder, Applied Data Consultants, Inc.

7. Professional Airborne Digital Mapping Camera Systems (Lecture)
This course gives an overview of current professional airborne digital mapping camera systems which are emerging as a new tool for mapping the Earth’s surface. All technical aspects will be covered, ranging from different sensor configurations to integration of GPS and IMU navigation systems. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the capabilities and limits of these new systems as well as how to outsource your future projects.
Audience: Beginner to Advanced
Instructor: Brian Huberty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

8. Project Management for GIS Techies (Lecture)
For those who are not traditionally in project management positions—but need to manage GIS projects—this course offers a humble and practical approach to planning and managing GIS business matters. Discover strategies, philosophy, and organizational techniques that will lead to effective planning for project scope, budget, resources allocation, scheduling, equipment and software needs, and marketing plans specific to GIS. Interactive discussion will include the use of project management software and applied case exercises.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Ed Krum, Mn/DOT

9. Applications of GPS Data: Using GPS Data in a GIS (Lecture/Tour)
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, and 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 walking tour to examine common GPS use in the field. The walking tour will be a minimum of 3 miles walking and numerous stairs.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Thomas P. Martin, Mn/DOT

10. GIS/GPS Field Tour (Tour)
This full-day workshop departs from the Touchstone Energy^® Place, RiverCentre to examine GIS and GPS use in the Metro area. The day begins with a tour of Mn/DOT’s new RTMC (Regional Traffic Management Center). This stop features demos of GPS vehicles, including the Mn/DOT GPS Safe Plow, State Patrol GPS Unit, Metro Transit Technobus, Mn/DOT Videolog Van and others. Other stops include the City of Minneapolis to view their Code 4 crime mapping process, the Transit Control Center to see real-time tracking of transit services, and the City of St. Paul with several GIS stations showing various applications and processes. The bus returns to the Touchstone Energy^® Place, RiverCentre by 4:30 p.m.
Audience: Beginner to Advanced
Instructor: Peter Morey, Mn/DOT

Morning Workshops

11. Introduction to ArcView GIS 3.x (Hands-On)
This half-day workshop provides a hands-on approach to understanding the major functionality of ESRI’s ArcView GIS 3.x. Topics covered include: getting around the ArcView documents (views, tables, charts and layouts), 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 experience.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Becky Cooper, Rowekamp Associates

12. Leveraging Enterprise Data with GIS (Hands-On)
For enterprises, the potential gains of sharing data from the corporate Geographic Information System (GIS) with employees are compelling. Now, GIS professionals can take full control of this process via an interface that requires no conversion. This workshop will instruct users how to combine a multitude of datasets for analysis. Some of the basic functionality of Geographic Information Systems will be discussed. Students will input new data and connect to existing data to see maps of geographical locations; perform spatial analyses using spatial and attribute data; quickly gain access to enterprise data with no conversion; and display the results of the analyses in the form of maps and tables.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Jeffrey J. Fiore, Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions

13. A Quick Overview of ArcMap and ArcCatalog in ArcGIS 8.x. (Hands-On)
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 of the basic concepts and uses of the two applications. Because of the power and complexity of the ArcGIS, more training than can be provided in this workshop is required to become a proficient user of ArcGIS.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Catherine Hansen, Rowekamp Associates

14. AutoCAD—Tips and Tricks (Hands-On)
This workshop is designed for the current AutoCAD (2000 or 2002) user for data creation and maintenance in a GIS. It will entail tips and tools to assist with everyday procedures and help increase productivity by eliminating steps and keystrokes for some of the most common tasks. A manual and CD are provided for each attendee.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

15. Surveying Survey (Lecture)
A general survey workshop designed to acquaint the GIS/LIS practitioner with the field of surveying. Combining lecture and discussion, the workshop will explore what surveying is and is not, as well as tools and techniques employed by the survey professional. Potential survey data types of use to the GIS/LIS community will be discussed. Lastly, the evolving role of the surveyor in the GIS/LIS world will be examined, to include a brief examination of the NCEES proposed Model Law.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Rick Morey, Mn/DOT

16. Environmental Atlas (Lecture)
The Atlas is an electronic textbook with over 300 of Minnesota’s best GIS data layers, integrated with software to retrieve and analyze information. Attendees will learn how to explore the interrelationships between climate, soils and geology in shaping Minnesota’s landscape over time. The enhanced land use/land cover navigators will then be used to access topographic maps, aerial photos and parcel data to identify and quantify flood prone areas, wetlands and development trends. Educators and government staff will receive a free copy of the Atlas that integrates data, software, tutorials and lesson plans that are all hyperlinked to the Internet.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Ken Pekarek, LMIC

17. 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, and also on color theory and application to mapping. The workshop will also review multivariate symbolization and advanced techniques of data visualization.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Robert B. McMaster, University of Minnesota

18. Expanding ArcGIS with Geodatabases (Lecture)
The Geodatabase is ESRI’s latest and most advanced structure for storing and managing spatial and related non-spatial data in a GIS. Though the Geodatabase has been available for quite some time, many organizations have not yet migrated from their legacy data formats such as shapefiles and coverages. The purpose of this workshop is to define the Geodatabase and demonstrate the advanced capabilities that can be implemented with it. Capabilities such as data subtypes, geometric networks, attribute domain rules and Geodatabase topology rules—new in ArcGIS 8.3—will be explained and demonstrated.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: John Schiebold, EMA, Inc.

19. Delivering GIS Functionality and Geospatial Data with Map Services (Lecture)
Advancements in technology and the growing acceptance of online services have presented new options to make GIS data and functionality available over the Internet. A well-designed map service can significantly reduce the burden on staff responsible for responding to routine requests, while improving service delivery to customers, whether those customers are citizens or other government agencies. The ability to use and view data ‘on-the-fly’ from various organizations without having to actually download the data has made map services very appealing. To develop successful map services requires upfront consideration of a variety of technical, policy and organizational issues. In this workshop, we will work through these issues through discussion of best practices, demonstrating tools and exploring real-world examples.
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Instructor: Dick Chronowski, ESRI

20. Spatial Databases (Lecture)
This workshop explains basic concepts of SDBMSs to GIS professionals and researchers interested in modeling, querying, and analyzing large spatial datasets. It uncovers SDBMS at three levels: conceptual, logical, and physical. Trends will be briefly discussed. Familiarity with a GIS or a RDBMS is useful but not required.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Shashi Shekhar, University of Minnesota

Afternoon Workshops

21. Raster Analysis with Spatial Analyst in ArcView 8.x (Hands-On)
This workshop will introduce students to raster analysis with an emphasis on the raster data model and the management of raster data using ArcGIS. Topics covered include an overview of the raster data model, where raster data comes from, comparing vector and raster data and setting up a GIS project, and fundamental raster data management techniques, including copying, merging, clipping and windowing raster data sets.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Tim Loesch, MN DNR

22. Customizing Arc GIS 8.x (Hands-On)
The power of ArcGIS can be expanded through simple customization. For example, you can create your own toolbar and fill that tool-bar with the particular buttons you frequently use, currently found on a variety of separate toolbars. 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: Intermediate
Instructor: Terese Rowekamp, Rowekamp Associates

23. Auto CAD-GIS Applications in CAD (Hands-On)
This workshop is intended to give existing Autodesk Map users new functionality by exploring innovative ways of using the tools already at their fingertips. Topics covered will include combining external queries, creating dynamic reports from queries, advanced annotation using range tables and much more.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Scott Hameister, Taylor Technologies

24. Web Mapping with OGC/WMS Using Existing Map Services (Hands-On)
This workshop for web developers will demonstrate how to add web maps to your own web pages from existing map servers, using OGC/WMS protocols. Attendees will participate in exercises that will build a working model web site to demonstrate how this is done. Exercises will be done using HTML and Javascript. Prior experience with HTML and knowledge of programming languages will be necessary.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: James R. Dickerson, LMIC

25. GIS for Homeland Security (Lecture)
This year, both the Governor’s Council on GIS and MetroGIS created workgroups focused on GIS for Emergency Preparedness. This is a significant development and represents the creation of focused efforts in Minnesota to coordinate the development of data and strategies to address this important application area. This workshop will explore the specific developments and strategies of these work-groups and related national efforts. It will also explore data, software, and techniques for enhancing emergency management and response.
Audience: Beginner
Instructor: Randy Knippel, Dakota County

26. Minnesota MapServer and PostGIS (Lecture)
This workshop is intended to provide an introduction to the University of Minnesota MapServer web mapping system. Topics to be covered include system requirements and installation, capabilities, including support for open standards, and basic application development. The workshop is intended for users interested in cost-effective, standards-based web mapping solutions. Familiarity with web application development is helpful but not required.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Steve Lime, MN DNR

27. GIS for Public Works (Lecture)
This workshop will demonstrate the advantages of using GIS as an asset management tool for public works, including sewer, water, storm, signs, pavement maps and data. 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 robust to the simple application.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Becky Blue, S.E.H.

28. National Hydrography Dataset (Lecture)
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a national program that provides an integrated GIS dataset of all hydrologic features within the United States. Minnesota agencies have been working to translate 1:24,000 scale DNR stream coverage information into the NHD data structure. When this is complete, some new applications may be possible. This workshop is for managers and GIS technicians interested in these emerging opportunities. First, the NHD data structures and functionality will be presented. Next, a few examples of applications will be presented by linking NHD with other existing or emerging datasets. Finally, an open discussion will be conducted about these and other opportunities for using NHD in Minnesota.
Audience: Intermediate
Instructor: Terry Bixby and Jim Ellickson, St. Cloud State University

29. Efficient Implementation and Integration with ArcGIS (Lecture)
This workshop will focus on helping users learn how to integrate ArcGIS, ArcSDE with the Geodatabase and ArcIMS in a cost-effective GIS Implementation. Topics discussed in this workshop include standard GIS Implementation process, Geodatabases and Data Models, integrating ArcSDE and the Geodatabase with ArcIMS and ArcGIS, strategies to deal with resource constraints, and the next steps for moving forward with the Implementation Plan.
Audience: Intermediate to Advanced
Instructor: Chuck Leppert, ESRI

30. Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) (Lecture)
The MLCCS has become the standard in the Twin Cities metropolitan area for creating detailed land cover data. It is based on the National Vegetation Classification System, and thus complies with the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standards. This hierarchical classification system can be used to interpret land cover at a variety of scales. The MN DNR has developed protocols and ArcView tools to help standardize detailed land cover inventories using the MLCCS.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Bart Richardson, MN DNR

31. Spatial Statistics (Lecture)
This workshop covers both descriptive and inferential methods that are used for the analysis of geographically-referenced data. Descriptive methods covered include basic geostatistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion, and cartometrics. Spatial inter-polation, including distance-based methods and kriging, will be covered. Inferential methods include point-pattern analysis, joint count statistics, and spatial autocorrelation. Methods of testing spatial significance using Monte Carlo methods are also reviewed. For this advanced workshop, participants should have a basic knowledge of both statistics and geographic information science systems.
Audience: Advanced
Instructor: Robert B. McMaster, University of Minnesota