GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality from Coursera

In this course, the second in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization, you will go in-depth with common data types (such as raster and vector data), structures, quality and storage during four week-long modules:

Week 1: Learn about data models and formats, including a full understanding of vector data and raster concepts. You will also learn about the implications of a data’s scale and how to load layers from web services.

Week 2: Create a vector data model by using vector attribute tables, writing query strings, defining queries, and adding and calculating fields. You'll also learn how to create new data through the process of digitizing and you'll use the built-in Editor tools in ArcGIS.

Week 3: Learn about common data storage mechanisms within GIS, including geodatabases and shapefiles. Learn how to choose between them for your projects and how to optimize them for speed and size. You'll also work with rasters for the first time, using digital elevation models and creating slope and distance analysis products.

Week 4: Explore datasets and assess them for quality and uncertainty. You will also learn how to bring your maps and data to the Internet and create web maps quickly with ArcGIS Online.

Take GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality as a standalone course or as part of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization. You should have equivalent experience to completing the first course in this specialization, Fundamentals of GIS, before taking this course. By completing the second class in the Specialization you will gain the skills needed to succeed in the full program.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview & Data Models and Formats

This first module covers major concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

Creating and Working with Vector Data

This module is all about working with vector data. We'll review geoprocessing and introduce the intersect tool. This module also covers writing query strings to subset data, adding and calculating fields, configuring selections, editing and creating feature classes, and everything you need to know about digitizing data.

Storage Formats and Working with Rasters

This module covers choosing data storage formats for particular purposes as well as tools for working with rasters. In the first lesson, we'll discuss geodatabase design and go over considerations for file geodatabases, personal geodatabases, shapefiles, and SQLite databases. The second lesson covers creating and working with raster data. We'll talk about spatial analysis, georeferencing rasters, raster calculator, and using zonal statistics.

Data Quality and Creating Web Maps

The first half of this module goes over uncertainty and data quality, including a lecture on topology, which affects data relationships in your vector feature classes. In Lesson 8, guest lecturer Megan Nguyen will talk all about using ArcGIS Online, including sharing our maps with our colleagues.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers core concepts for raster and vector data models, scale, and using vector attribute tables

Provides instruction on query strings, field calculations, editing, and digitizing

Helps learners understand data storage mechanisms, file geodatabases, and raster calculator

Introduces data quality and uncertainty, as well as ArcGIS Online for web map creation

Teaches how to load layers from web services and create a vector data model

Requires that learners have foundational knowledge and experience in GIS

Reviews summary

Gis data formats, design, and quality

Learners say this course is largely positive for those who want to learn GIS. The course covers vector and raster data models, data storage formats, data quality, and web mapping in ArcGIS. It is part of a larger specialization on GIS.

Focus on maintaining data quality and understanding design principles.

"This course helped me get a better grip on building maps and the managing of geodatabases."

"Excellent course! Essential knowledge for anyone wanting to become a GIS analyst."

"The best thing about this source is I had learned web mapping."

Comprehensive introduction to the ArcGIS software and its tools.

"Great way to learn GIS database handling - formats, design and quality of the data."

"Excellent course to have taken."

"Very thorough course with lots of hands-on experience"

Knowledgeable and engaging instructor who makes learning enjoyable.

"Excellent explanations."

"Nick Santos is fantastic and I learned a lot in this course."

"Thanks for the amazing opportunity Coursera, you are simply the Best, very soon I will come back with the Story How GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality have to help me"

Informative and clear video lectures that cover essential concepts.

"Very clear and explicative. It´s also accurate about what information to focus more in and what other to leave behind, according to the times of the demos."

"This course dwells deeper into processing and analyzing vector and raster data."

"Really good , clear explanations."

Well-designed assignments that reinforce concepts and provide opportunities to apply skills.

"Great course and excellent tutor."

"Very helpful course that builds up upon the first course in the specialization."

"Weekly assignments and final graded project help to build a good understanding of the spatial tools in ArcGIS."

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 Data Formats, Design and Quality with these activities:

Read "Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop" by Michael Law

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"Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop" is a comprehensive guide to the ArcGIS software suite, which is used extensively in this course.

View Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop 10. 8 on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Watch the Coursera lectures on GIS data formats

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Watching the Coursera lectures on GIS data formats will help you understand the different types of data that can be used in GIS and how they are stored.

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Create a Coursera account.
Enroll in the Coursera course on GIS data formats.
Watch the lectures in the order they are presented.
Take notes on the key concepts.

Create a GIS resource compilation

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Creating a GIS resource compilation will help you organize and access the resources you need to succeed in this course.

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Create a folder or online document to store your resources.
Add links to GIS websites, articles, tutorials, and videos.
Add links to GIS datasets and tools.
Organize your resources into categories.

Five other activities

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Complete the ArcGIS Online tutorials

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Completing the ArcGIS Online tutorials will help you reinforce the concepts you learn in this course and gain hands-on experience with the software.

Browse courses on Geospatial Analysis

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Create an ArcGIS Online account.
Enroll in the ArcGIS Online tutorials.
Complete the tutorials in the order they are presented.
Apply what you learn in the tutorials to your own projects.

Volunteer with a local GIS organization

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Volunteering with a local GIS organization will help you gain hands-on experience with GIS and give back to your community.

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Search for GIS organizations in your area.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientation.
Participate in GIS projects and activities.

Create a web map of your local area

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Creating a web map of your local area will help you practice the skills you learn in this course and see how GIS can be used to solve real-world problems.

Browse courses on Web Mapping

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Choose an area of interest.
Gather data about your area of interest.
Create a web map using ArcGIS Online.
Share your web map with others.

Attend a GIS workshop or conference

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Attending a GIS workshop or conference will help you learn about the latest GIS technologies and trends.

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Search for GIS workshops or conferences in your area.
Register for a workshop or conference that interests you.
Attend the workshop or conference and participate in the activities.
Network with other GIS professionals.

Create a GIS project that uses data from your local area

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Creating a GIS project that uses data from your local area will help you apply the skills you learn in this course to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Geospatial Analysis

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Choose a topic for your project.
Gather data about your topic.
Create a GIS map or model that addresses your topic.
Write a report that summarizes your project.

Career center

Learners who complete GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial Analysts develop, design, and implement geographic information systems (GIS). They use specialized software to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to the Earth's surface. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be immensely helpful for a Geospatial Analyst. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial Data Scientist

Geospatial Data Scientists use their knowledge of geospatial data to solve problems. They work with data from a variety of sources, including satellites, sensors, and social media. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would provide a solid foundation for a Geospatial Data Scientist. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Data Scientist

GIS Analyst

GIS Analysts use GIS software to create maps and other visualizations that help people understand spatial data. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, census data, and land use maps. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be very helpful for a GIS Analyst. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visualizations that represent geographic data. They use a variety of software and techniques to create maps that are both accurate and visually appealing. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be very helpful for a Cartographer. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, developers, and community members. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be helpful for an Urban Planner. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its impact on human health. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, sensor data, and field observations. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be helpful for an Environmental Scientist. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's physical features and history. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, satellite imagery, and rock samples. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be helpful for a Geologist. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Archaeologist

Archaeologists study the human past through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and structures. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, aerial photographs, and excavation data. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course would be helpful for an Archaeologist. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners develop plans for the development and use of transportation systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, engineers, and community members. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Transportation Planner. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers design and manage water resources systems. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, satellite imagery, and hydrological data. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Water Resources Engineer. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and manage outdoor spaces. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, aerial photographs, and soil surveys. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Landscape Architect. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers design and manage mines. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, satellite imagery, and geological data. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Mining Engineer. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and manage oil and gas wells. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, satellite imagery, and geological data. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Petroleum Engineer. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and manage infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, satellite imagery, and engineering data. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Civil Engineer. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design and manage databases. They work with a variety of data sources, including maps, satellite imagery, and other types of data. This GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality course may be helpful for a Database Administrator. The course covers key concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator