Instructor: Hi, and welcome
to Advanced Geographic Information Systems.
This is the first module in a nine-module sequence.
In this first module, I'll introduce you to the course
and I'll talk about what to expect
in terms of course rhythm,
accessing software and data resources,
time management,
and course participation.
Let's start with the course learning objectives.
It's a fairly aggressive timeline
to accomplish the work that I have in store for you.
We will continue to use and develop best practices
around creating, storing, and managing data
in a variety of geospatial and tabular formats.
We will draw on a variety of public data resources
to assemble data in a cohesive analytic framework
while applying critical thinking skills
to assess data suitability for your intended purpose.
We will explore ethical questions surrounding data creation,
analysis, and representation.
We'll take deep dives into vector and raster toolkits
to broaden your base of geoprocessing knowledge
and begin to automate geoprocessing workflows
with Model Builder.
I want to help you develop your skills
to define, support, and execute an independent GIS project.
And last but certainly not least,
we will develop effective communication skills
using the language of GIS.
How to succeed in this course.
Time management is critical.
We've got a lot of material
packed into each of the learning modules.
My advice to you:
complete the readings as early in the week as possible,
watch the lecture videos
and complete knowledge and skill checks
before beginning your lab exercises.
And perhaps most important of all,
don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches.
There's nothing you can break that we can't fix.
As you'll learn pretty quickly in this class,
there's more than one way to get the same answer.
I might focus on one method,
but that doesn't mean that discovering other solutions
isn't a good test of your knowledge.
Be sure to participate in the online community.
Offer your own perspectives.
Feedback and constructive criticism are always welcome.
Seek out technical assistance from me
and your fellow students via Yellowdig.
Most importantly, have fun,
work with intent and perspective.
Computers can be challenging,
software can be fickle.
We continue to deal
with a very difficult time in our country
and the world right now.
Do your best to keep this all in perspective.
Make sure to have a sense of humor.
You can laugh at my jokes if you want, or tell your own,
but do keep a level head.
This is a skill you obviously want to develop,
and I wanna help you do so.