ArcGIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis Training Course

Participants can design a file geodatabase that supports accurate editing and analysis.

• Vector, raster, table, TIN and network datasets distinguished by purpose
• Feature datasets organised around shared coordinate systems and business themes
• File geodatabases created with feature classes, fields and aliases
• Field types, null values and coded value domains specified carefully
• Subtypes and default values applied to controlled asset classifications
• Relationship classes connect inspection records, assets and reference tables

Participants can select coordinate systems and align spatial datasets accurately.

• Geographic and projected coordinate systems distinguished through measurement consequences
• Datum transformations selected when combining datasets from different reference systems
• Project tool creates analysis-ready copies in the target coordinate system
• Define Projection repairs missing coordinate system information without moving features
• Georeferencing control points align scanned plans and historical maps
• Residual errors assessed before saving a georeferenced raster dataset

Participants can import, inspect and document spatial data before use.

• CSV coordinates converted into point features using XY Table To Point
• Excel tables prepared with consistent identifiers, dates and coded fields
• Shapefiles, CAD drawings, KML and GeoJSON imported with validation checks
• Metadata records document source, currency, scale, lineage and usage constraints
• Geometry Check and Repair Geometry identify invalid feature construction
• Attribute completeness and duplicate identifiers tested through selection queries

Participants can edit geographic features while enforcing spatial integrity rules.

• Create Features pane adds points, lines and polygons using templates
• Snapping settings control coincident boundaries, vertices and network connections
• Trace, reshape, split and merge tools revise existing feature geometry
• Topology rules identify gaps, overlaps, dangles and invalid containment
• Error Inspector reviews topology exceptions and documented correction decisions
• Editing transactions, backups and versioned copies protect source data

Participants can prepare attributes and connect operational data to map features.

• Attribute tables filtered, sorted and selected using SQL expressions
• Calculate Field derives categories, ratios and standardised reporting values
• Joins connect census, inspection and operational tables through identifiers
• Relates preserve one-to-many links between assets and transaction records
• Summary Statistics aggregates records by district, service area or category
• Pivot tables and frequency counts reveal coding gaps before mapping

Participants can produce clear thematic maps matched to decision requirements.

• Map purpose, audience and scale determine appropriate thematic map design
• Graduated colours portray ordered rates, ratios and density measures
• Proportional symbols communicate counts without disguising value differences
• Classification methods compare natural breaks, quantiles, equal intervals and standard deviations
• Labels, annotation and feature weight ranking resolve crowded map content
• Colour ramps, visual hierarchy and contrast support readable printed maps

Participants can prepare professional map layouts and repeatable map outputs.

• Layout elements include title, legend, scale bar, north arrow and credits
• Dynamic text displays dates, page numbers and map-specific attribute values
• Extent indicators and locator maps establish geographic context for readers
• Map series generates district sheets from an index layer
• Export settings control PDF, PNG and SVG output quality
• Pre-publication checks verify sources, projections, legends and sensitive information

Participants can use attribute and location queries to identify relevant features.

• Select By Attributes applies SQL expressions to operational and geographic data
• Select By Location identifies features intersecting, containing or touching targets
• Definition queries restrict displayed records without altering source datasets
• Spatial relationships distinguish intersect, within, overlap, crosses and nearest
• Selection sets exported as controlled subsets for downstream analysis
• Query assumptions documented with data dates, units and geographic boundaries

Participants can measure proximity and assess geographic coverage using vector methods.

• Buffer analysis creates fixed, variable and multiple-ring distance zones
• Dissolve options prevent overlapping buffer polygons from double-counting coverage
• Near and Generate Near Table calculate nearest-feature distances
• Spatial Join summarises facilities, incidents or households within areas
• Thiessen polygons estimate nearest-site service territories from point locations
• Coverage results checked against barriers, population distribution and access assumptions

Participants can combine spatial criteria to identify areas meeting defined conditions.

• Clip extracts study-area features while preserving relevant attribute fields
• Intersect creates combined features from overlapping polygon, line and point layers
• Union retains all polygon areas and records source membership
• Erase removes constrained land from candidate development areas
• Identity transfers target attributes to input features during overlay
• Overlay outputs reviewed for sliver polygons and area calculation errors

Participants can convert address records into validated geographic point datasets.

• Address locators and geocoding services match records to reference streets
• Street, locality and postal fields standardised before batch geocoding
• Match scores and status codes identify records requiring manual review
• Interactive rematch procedures correct ambiguous and unmatched address candidates
• Geocoded points aggregated by district, catchment or administrative boundary
• Privacy controls suppress precise locations for sensitive client records

Participants can prepare and interpret raster datasets for spatial analysis.

• Raster cells, bands, resolution, extent and bit depth interpreted correctly
• Cell size and resampling methods affect analytical precision and output appearance
• Mosaic To New Raster combines adjacent imagery tiles consistently
• Extract By Mask limits raster processing to an approved study area
• Stretch methods and band combinations improve image feature interpretation
• Raster attribute tables support analysis of categorical land-cover data

Participants can build transparent raster models for multi-criteria site assessment.

• Reclassify converts continuous values into defined suitability score ranges
• Euclidean Distance creates distance surfaces from facilities, hazards or roads
• Raster Calculator combines criteria using explicit map algebra expressions
• Weighted Overlay applies documented criteria weights and common evaluation scales
• Boolean operators exclude restricted areas from final candidate locations
• Sensitivity testing compares outcomes under alternative weighting assumptions

Participants can derive terrain and drainage information from elevation data.

• Digital elevation models examined for resolution, voids and vertical units
• Slope and Aspect derive terrain steepness and directional exposure
• Hillshade supports terrain interpretation without replacing quantitative analysis
• Contour creates elevation lines at specified intervals and smoothing settings
• Fill, Flow Direction and Flow Accumulation model drainage pathways
• Watershed delineation identifies upstream catchments from selected pour points

Participants can classify imagery and assess mapped land-cover change.

• Training samples represent spectral classes with sufficient geographic variation
• Supervised classification assigns pixels using defined land-cover signatures
• Maximum Likelihood classification assessed against independent validation samples
• Confusion matrices report producer accuracy, user accuracy and overall accuracy
• Post-classification comparison identifies changes between two classified dates
• Classification outputs cleaned using majority filters and boundary review

Participants can analyse routes, service areas and facility locations using network datasets.

• Network datasets represent streets, turn restrictions, speeds and travel costs
• Route analysis calculates shortest paths using distance or travel time
• Service Area polygons estimate reachable demand within specified travel thresholds
• Closest Facility analysis assigns incidents to suitable response locations
• Location-Allocation models test facility sites against weighted demand points
• Network results validated against road closures, schedules and local knowledge

Participants can build reusable ModelBuilder workflows for repeatable GIS processes.

• ModelBuilder links inputs, tools and outputs into visible processing chains
• Variables, parameters and iterators support reusable batch geoprocessing models
• Preconditions control tool execution order and prevent invalid intermediate outputs
• Inline variable substitution creates systematic names for model outputs
• Model documentation records purpose, inputs, assumptions and output locations
• Package tools share validated workflows with colleagues and project teams

Participants can review spatial analysis quality and communicate limitations clearly.

• Analysis plans define questions, units, extent, criteria and decision thresholds
• Data quality dimensions assess positional accuracy, completeness, consistency and currency
• Scale mismatch and modifiable areal unit problems identified before interpretation
• Peer review checks tool settings, assumptions, formulas and output plausibility
• Methods statements document sources, transformations, exclusions and analytical limitations
• Decision maps distinguish evidence, uncertainty and recommendations for management audiences

Participants can build, review and present a complete ArcGIS spatial analysis project addressing a defined operational decision.

• Project brief translated into spatial questions, outputs and acceptance criteria
• Geodatabase structure prepared for supplied operational and reference datasets
• Coordinate systems, attributes and geometry validated before analytical processing
• Vector and raster methods selected against documented decision rules
• ModelBuilder workflow records repeatable processing steps and output dependencies
• Maps, findings, limitations and recommendations presented for peer technical review