ArcGIS Online
The session will begin with an overview of geographic information systems (GIS). It will sketch the historic use of data-driven mapping for discovery and as a tool to make an argument. It will then outline the origins and use of computational methods in mapping and the spatial humanities.
We will then begin our walk-through of using ArcGIS Online. The walk-through will demonstrate the basics of GIS mapping, best practices for using the program, and how to navigate and manage data in the program. You will use data that I have provided for the session to perform a series of tasks. These tasks include: loading data onto a map; modifying the visual components of layers; finding and identifying particular features; editing and adding information to layers; using basic tools for data analysis; and saving and organizing layers. We will conclude the session with a mapping exercise where you will apply the skills you learned to find a solution to a real-world mapping problem.
The goal of the session is for you to gain a basic understanding of GIS and basic competence in using ArcGIS Online. At the conclusion of the session, you should be able to get started in ArcGIS Online with your own datasets, aware of the possibilities and limitations of using ArcGIS Online for your own projects.
Before we begin the session, you should make sure that you have access to ArcGIS Online and have downloaded the datasets. If you do not have access to ArcGIS, please follow the instructions on this document: https://www.binghamton.edu/geography/gis/documents/agol_login.pdf. The datasets that we will be using are available in the DHRI shared folder.