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Eric Howard

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is becoming an essential business skill across a variety of different disciplines. In this course, you will explore how GIS skills are commonly applied and used in a variety of industries focusing specifically on: environmental studies, public health, emergency management, and business development. You will be empowered to conduct GIS-based analyses that are commonly used in these areas and benefit from how each industry uses GIS to tackle common analysis needs. Additionally, you will work through a series of hands-on exercises that will improve your knowledge of the advanced analysis capabilities of ArcGIS Pro.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started and GIS for Environment
By the end of this module, you will be able describe what land use planning is and the planning process. You will be able to describe how GIS is commonly used in land use and conservation planning. You will be able to identify and find GIS datasets and common data sources and describe the processing steps used in land use change analysis. You will be able to conduct an analysis using land cover datasets to measure changes in land use over time. You'll be able to describe what a buildout analysis is and conduct a buildout analysis to evaluate the potential development growth in a given location. You will be able to explore common datasets, analytical tools and processes used in conservation planning. You'll be able to analyze a location and define its watershed boundaries as well as analyze GPS monitoring data to define wildfire ranges. You will be able to analyze and prioritize candidate locations for conservation efforts and be able to describe what citizen science is and the role it plays in community-based conservation strategies.
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GIS for Public Health
By the end of this module, you will be able to describe common GIS applications used in Public Health. You'll explore how GIS is used to track the spread of disease and analyze disease prevalence data and create maps showing the spread of disease. You will be able to explain what social determinates of health are and how they can be mapped using ArcGIS Pro. You will also be able to analyze and map the social determinates of health in a given community and describe how to measure community access to health-promoting resources.
GIS for Emergency Management
By the end of this module, you will be able to describe how GIS is commonly used in Emergency Management. You will be able to define what hazard mitigation planning is and how GIS is commonly used in mitigation planning activities. You'll be able to analyze the wildfire risks of a community and describe how GIS is used to inform emergency preparedness activities. You will apply GIS methods to aid in the development of an evacuation plan and use GIS to aid first responders during an emergency event. Lastly, you'll be able to describe how GIS is used to track the progress of recovery from an emergency event.
GIS for Business
By the end of this module, you will be able to describe how GIS is used in business applications and use GIS to identify potential customers and markets for a new business. You will be able to analyze demographic and employment data to locate a potential site for a new business. You will be able to describe how GIS can be used to inform Supply Chain Management and analyze potential warehouse locations based on the number of customers they can easily serve. You'll also be able to define location-base services and their common use cases, as well as discuss the role GIS plays in creating digital twins and in 3D visualization. You will also have the chance to create a 3D scene using ArcGIS Pro.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers environmental studies, public health, emergency management, and business development
Focuses on advanced analysis capabilities of ArcGIS Pro
Taught by Eric Howard, who are recognized for their work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Offers hands-on exercises to improve knowledge of GIS
Requires some prior knowledge of GIS, as it builds on existing knowledge

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in GIS Applications Across Industries with these activities:
ArcGIS Pro Tutorials for Beginners
Follow online tutorials to practice using ArcGIS Pro, the software you will use throughout this course, to reinforce key concepts and familiarize yourself with the software's capabilities.
Show steps
  • Start by completing the introductory tutorials provided by ArcGIS Pro to learn the basics of the software and its interface.
  • Find additional tutorials that cover specific tasks and workflows relevant to the course topics.
  • Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the steps and experimenting with different options to gain hands-on experience.
ArcGIS Pro Level 101
Doing this tutorial will provide you with a strong foundation in using ArcGIS Pro.
Browse courses on ArcGIS Pro
Show steps
  • Enroll in the tutorial
  • Work through the interactive exercises
  • Complete the quiz at the end of each module
Land Use Change Analysis
This activity will help you build your skills in conducting land use change analysis using ArcGIS Pro.
Browse courses on Spatial Analysis
Show steps
  • Download and install the necessary data
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to conduct the analysis
  • Create a map and report your findings
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
GIS Conference Attendance
Attend a GIS conference to connect with professionals in the field, learn about industry trends, and gain exposure to the latest GIS tools and technologies.
Show steps
  • Research and identify GIS conferences relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the conference and plan your attendance.
  • Attend conference sessions, workshops, and presentations.
  • Network with other attendees, industry experts, and potential employers.
GIS Project Plan
Develop a plan for a small-scale GIS project to apply the skills you learn in the course, providing a structured approach to hands-on implementation.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific problem or issue that you can address using GIS.
  • Define the scope and objectives of your project.
  • Determine the data and resources you will need to complete the project.
  • Outline the steps and methods you will use to conduct your analysis.
  • Consider the potential outcomes and impacts of your project.
Hands-on GIS Workshop
Participate in a hands-on GIS workshop to gain practical experience working with GIS software and tools, enhancing your technical skills and confidence.
Show steps
  • Find and register for a GIS workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the hands-on exercises.
  • Practice the skills and techniques learned in the workshop using real-world data.
  • Ask questions and engage with the workshop instructors and participants.
Conservation Planning Report
This activity will provide you with an opportunity to apply your GIS skills to a real-world conservation planning project.
Browse courses on Conservation Planning
Show steps
  • Identify a conservation area
  • Collect and analyze data on the area
  • Develop a conservation plan
  • Write a report on your findings
ArcGIS Pro Map Showcase
Develop a polished ArcGIS Pro map that demonstrates your skills in data visualization, spatial analysis, and cartography, which will serve as a tangible representation of your learning.
Show steps
  • Select a dataset or theme that aligns with the course topics.
  • Design your map layout, including the basemap, layers, and symbology.
  • Perform spatial analysis and create visualizations to communicate your findings.
  • Add annotations, legends, and other elements to enhance the map's readability and clarity.
  • Export your map in a high-quality format for presentation or sharing.
Story Map on GIS Applications
Create a story map that demonstrates your understanding of the various GIS applications covered in the course, providing a creative and engaging way to synthesize your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Identify the key GIS applications and their benefits for each industry covered in the course.
  • Gather images, data, and examples that illustrate the applications of GIS in each field.
  • Choose an online story map platform, such as ArcGIS StoryMaps or Google My Maps, and create a new story map.
  • Design your story map with engaging visuals, clear explanations, and interactive elements.
  • Publish your story map and share it with others to showcase your understanding of GIS applications.

Career center

Learners who complete GIS Applications Across Industries will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
GIS Analyst
GIS Analysts use GIS software to collect, manage, and analyze geographic data. This course may be particularly useful for GIS Analysts interested in developing and implementing GIS solutions for a variety of industries, such as environmental protection, public health, emergency management, and business development.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course may be particularly useful for Environmental Scientists interested in using GIS to analyze environmental data, assess environmental impacts, and develop strategies for environmental protection.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists study the conservation and management of natural resources. This course may be particularly useful for Conservation Scientists interested in using GIS to analyze habitat data, assess conservation threats, and develop strategies for species protection.
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth and its human and natural environments. This course may be particularly useful for Geographers interested in applying GIS to solve real-world problems in environmental studies, public health, emergency management, and business development, as the course covers industry-specific applications of GIS.
Emergency Manager
Emergency Managers plan and coordinate activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters or emergencies. This course may be particularly useful for Emergency Managers interested in using GIS to assess risks, develop emergency plans, and manage emergency response and recovery operations.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts use data to identify and address public health problems. This course may be useful for Public Health Analysts interested in using GIS to analyze health data, identify health disparities, and develop strategies for health promotion and disease prevention.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers interested in using GIS to identify target markets, analyze customer behavior, and develop location-based marketing strategies.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use statistical and computational methods to extract insights from data. This course may be useful for Data Scientists interested in using GIS to analyze spatial data, identify patterns, and develop predictive models.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course may be useful for Business Analysts interested in using GIS to analyze market data, identify customer trends, and develop strategies for business growth.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of disease and other health problems in populations. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists interested in using GIS to track the spread of disease, identify risk factors, and develop strategies for disease prevention.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers plan and coordinate the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course may be useful for Supply Chain Managers interested in using GIS to analyze transportation networks, optimize inventory levels, and manage logistics operations.
Urban and Regional Planner
Urban and Regional Planners develop plans and programs for the use of land and other resources in cities, towns, and counties. This course may be useful for Urban and Regional Planners interested in using GIS to analyze land use patterns, plan for future development, and address environmental and social issues in their communities.
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit Directors manage the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Directors interested in using GIS to identify funding opportunities, track program outcomes, and communicate with stakeholders.
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide emergency medical care and transportation to patients. This course may be useful for EMTs interested in using GIS to locate patients, navigate to emergency scenes, and track patient outcomes.
Engineer
Engineers conceive, design, develop, implement, maintain, and operate technological systems. This course may be useful for Engineers interested in using GIS to develop and implement technological systems for various industries, such as environmental protection, public health, emergency management, and business development.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in GIS Applications Across Industries.
Offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field of GIS, covering topics such as GIS theory, data models, and applications. It provides a solid foundation for students who want to gain a broader understanding of GIS as a discipline.
Classic in the field of GIS and provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of GIS in environmental studies. It valuable resource for understanding the role of GIS in land use planning, conservation planning, and environmental impact assessment.
Explores the use of GIS in environmental applications, covering topics such as land use planning, conservation planning, and watershed analysis. It provides a solid foundation for the environmental studies module of the course.
Explores the use of GIS in business and industry, covering topics such as market analysis, site selection, and supply chain management. It complements the business development module of the course.
Provides an overview of GIS applications in business, covering topics such as market analysis, site selection, and logistics planning. It complements the business development module of the course by providing real-world examples of how GIS is used to solve business problems.
Provides a practical guide to using GIS for environmental science, including applications in land use planning, conservation planning, and environmental impact assessment. It valuable resource for understanding the role of GIS in improving environmental outcomes.
Provides a practical guide to geostatistical methods, which are commonly used in environmental studies and other disciplines to model and analyze spatial data. It offers a deeper understanding of geostatistical techniques for students who want to specialize in this area.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the ArcGIS Pro software, which is used in the course for hands-on exercises and assignments. It covers the basics of GIS and ArcGIS Pro, making it a valuable resource for beginners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ArcGIS Pro software, including its features and functionality. It valuable resource for learning how to use ArcGIS Pro to perform a variety of GIS tasks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the use of GIS in business applications, including applications in marketing, site selection, and supply chain management. It valuable resource for understanding the role of GIS in improving business outcomes.

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