ArcGIS Essential Workflows Training Course

Participants can select, assign and transform coordinate systems without compromising positional accuracy.

• Geographic versus projected coordinate systems and appropriate measurement uses
• Assigning coordinate systems to datasets with missing spatial reference
• Projecting feature classes using approved transformation parameters and output names
• Vertical coordinate systems, elevation units and terrain data implications
• Distortion assessment for area, distance, direction and local mapping
• Coordinate system warnings, diagnostics and common positional error sources

Participants can prepare external spatial and tabular data for reliable use in ArcGIS projects.

• Importing shapefiles, CSV files, CAD drawings and spreadsheet tables
• XY table display using documented coordinate fields and units
• Field mapping, data type selection and null-value inspection
• Cleaning attribute values with Calculate Field expressions and domains
• Converting KML, GeoJSON and CAD features into geodatabase classes
• Data source assessment using lineage, scale, currency and positional accuracy

Participants can design geodatabase structures that support consistent data entry and analysis.

• Feature datasets, feature classes, tables and relationship classes selection
• Attribute domains for coded values, ranges and controlled data entry
• Subtypes for asset categories with different default attribute values
• Global IDs, object IDs and stable identifiers for managed datasets
• Relationship classes linking inspections, assets, owners and service records
• Schema documentation using field aliases, descriptions and data dictionaries

Participants can edit spatial features while applying practical geometry and attribute quality controls.

• Editing templates for consistent feature creation and attribution
• Snapping settings for vertices, edges, endpoints and intersections
• Trace tools for digitising linear assets and parcel boundaries
• Topology rules for gaps, overlaps, dangles and containment errors
• Error Inspector workflows for reviewing and resolving topology exceptions
• Attribute rules for validation, calculation and constrained data entry

Participants can combine tabular and spatial evidence to identify records meeting defined criteria.

• SQL definition queries using text, numeric, date and null conditions
• Select By Attributes expressions with logical operators and wildcards
• Table joins using stable keys and one-to-one relationships
• Relates for one-to-many inspection, incident and transaction records
• Summarising grouped records to calculate counts, totals and averages
• Field calculations using Python expressions and conditional logic

Participants can identify spatial relationships and calculate measurements suitable for decision support.

• Select By Location relationships including intersect, contain, touch and within
• Distance measurement using planar and geodesic calculation methods
• Near analysis for closest facility, asset and incident relationships
• Spatial joins for transferring location-based attributes between feature layers
• Generate Near Table outputs for ranked proximity analysis
• Selection sets, definition queries and selection layers for controlled processing

Participants can build repeatable geoprocessing workflows with clear inputs, outputs and parameters.

• Geoprocessing pane settings, environments, history and output naming conventions
• Analysis extent, processing mask, snap raster and cell-size controls
• Clip, Dissolve, Merge and Append tools for dataset preparation
• ModelBuilder diagrams linking tools, variables, iterators and parameters
• Intermediate data management and scratch workspace configuration
• Tool validation, messages and failure diagnosis using processing history

Participants can apply standard vector analysis methods to answer location-based operational questions.

• Buffer distances based on policy thresholds, service standards and risk zones
• Multiple Ring Buffer outputs for graduated accessibility and exposure analysis
• Intersect analysis for identifying overlapping constraints and opportunities
• Union and Identity tools for retaining combined polygon attributes
• Erase workflows for exclusion zones, restricted areas and unavailable land
• Proximity results interpreted against source scale and positional accuracy

Participants can construct transparent suitability models using spatial criteria and weighted scoring.

• Suitability criteria defined from policy, operational and technical requirements
• Reclassifying ranked criteria into comparable ordinal suitability scores
• Weighted Overlay methods for combining standardised raster criteria
• Constraint masks separating excluded locations from ranked candidate areas
• Sensitivity testing of weights, thresholds and classification breakpoints
• Suitability outputs documented with assumptions, limitations and decision rules

Participants can inspect, prepare and display raster datasets for analysis and mapping.

• Raster resolution, extent, bit depth, bands and pixel values
• Multiband imagery display using natural color and false-color composites
• Raster function templates for display enhancement and on-the-fly processing
• Mosaic datasets for managing large imagery collections and footprints
• Resampling methods including nearest neighbor, bilinear interpolation and cubic convolution
• Raster metadata assessment for acquisition date, sensor and processing level

Participants can derive terrain measures and interpret their operational implications.

• Digital elevation models, digital surface models and terrain source selection
• Hillshade generation using azimuth, altitude and vertical exaggeration settings
• Slope and Aspect outputs for construction, access and erosion assessment
• Contour creation with suitable intervals, smoothing and label placement
• Viewshed analysis for visual impact, surveillance and communications planning
• Surface interpolation concepts using point observations and prediction uncertainty

Participants can create basic classified imagery outputs and assess land-cover change evidence.

• Training samples representing land-cover classes and spectral variability
• Supervised classification concepts using representative pixel signatures
• Spectral indices including NDVI for vegetation condition assessment
• Change detection using raster differencing and classified image comparison
• Accuracy assessment with reference samples, confusion matrices and kappa statistics
• Classification limitations caused by seasonality, shadows and mixed pixels

Participants can produce clear, publication-ready maps that communicate analytical findings accurately.

• Visual hierarchy through symbol size, color value and label priority
• Classification methods including natural breaks, quantiles and equal intervals
• Color schemes for nominal, sequential and diverging thematic data
• Label classes, scale ranges, conflict detection and placement weights
• Layout elements including legends, scale bars, sources and locator maps
• Export settings for print, PDF, image and accessible digital distribution

Participants can document datasets and analysis methods for review, reuse and audit.

• ISO 19115 metadata elements for identification, quality and distribution
• Dataset lineage recording sources, transformations, dates and responsible parties
• Analysis documentation covering inputs, parameters, assumptions and limitations
• Naming conventions for datasets, fields, tools and published outputs
• Readme files describing project folders, dependencies and reproduction steps
• Version records for revised datasets, maps and analytical outputs

Participants can publish managed GIS content for internal teams and approved external audiences.

• Web maps, web layers and hosted feature layer relationships
• Publishing feature layers with appropriate fields, renderers and pop-ups
• Sharing permissions for owners, groups, organisations and public audiences
• Web map configuration for search, bookmarks, filters and feature inspection
• Offline areas and synchronisation considerations for mobile field operations
• Content ownership, item details and lifecycle management responsibilities

Participants can design location-based operational views and structured field data collection workflows.

• Dashboard indicators, lists, charts and maps linked through selectors
• Operational views for incidents, inspections, assets and service requests
• Field form design using required fields, domains and conditional visibility
• Location capture methods using GPS, map selection and coded locations
• Data validation before synchronisation with authoritative feature services
• Mobile workflow planning for connectivity, safety and offline requirements

Participants can identify and automate repeatable ArcGIS processing tasks using Python tools.

• Python window commands for inspecting layers, fields and map properties
• ArcPy geoprocessing syntax using toolboxes, parameters and environment settings
• Variables, lists, loops and conditional statements for batch processing
• Script tools with input parameters, validation and documented outputs
• Error handling using messages, exceptions and processing log files
• Automation candidates identified from repetitive data preparation and reporting tasks

Participants can conduct structured technical reviews of GIS datasets, analysis and map outputs.

• Quality assurance checks for geometry, attributes, topology and completeness
• Positional accuracy review against source scale and collection method
• Analytical review of parameters, assumptions, classifications and uncertainty
• Cartographic review for legibility, hierarchy, accessibility and source citation
• Peer review checklists for reproducible GIS project approval
• Issue registers assigning corrective actions, owners and completion evidence

Participants can build, review and present a complete GIS project from source data through published decision-support outputs.

• Project brief defining decision question, users, constraints and success criteria
• Source data inventory assessing quality, permissions, spatial reference and gaps
• Geodatabase schema supporting required features, attributes and relationships
• Spatial analysis model producing documented and reviewable decision evidence
• Map layout and web output communicating findings to intended users
• Technical review against metadata, quality assurance and publication requirements