E406 Geographic Information Systems Online Training Modules


Class Syllabus (Adobe Acrobat Format)

ES406 Class Syllabus - Python Scripting (Spring 2021)

Final Exam Schedule

Bulletin Board **Check Here for Class News and Events**

Welcome to ES406 Online GIS Training with Dr. Taylor!

Python Tutorial Data Self Extracting (change file extension *.xxx to *.exe)

GIS Tutorial Text Read Me File Instructions (*.txt)

Tutorial Text Chapter 1 (*.pdf)


ES406 Independent Study Documents

Procedures for Compiling Digital Class Portfolio

  • Digital Class Porfolio Model Work Sample 1
  • Digital Class Porfolio Model Work Sample 2

    By Arrangement Form - Intro Arc GIS
    By Arrangement Form - Advanced GIS (Python)


    WOU ArcGIS Software Access

    ArcGIS 10.2.2 Installation File (secure, *.xxx rename to *.exe after download)
  • Installing ArcGIS 10.2.2 (mrplow.wou.edu license server) (Updated October 2015)

    New: ArcGIS 10.3 Upgrade Instructions (May 2015)

    WOU VDI Client - Virtual Deskstop Link 2015-2016 (updated October 2015)
    VMWare View Client - WOU UCS Instructions for Virtual Desktop Interface to ArcGIS 10.2.2 (2014-2015 legacy)

  • Link to VMWare Download Page
  • Click Here to Download VMWare View Client 32-bit (note: rename *.xxx extension to *.exe and run to install)
  • Click Here to Download VMWare View Client 64-bit (note: rename *.xxx extension to *.exe and run to install)

    ESRI Virtual Campus Training and Class Access

    ESRI Training Web Site for Virtual Course Access ("Annual User License" gateway)
  • Virtual Campus Master Code / Web Link / Login Information (2015-2016)
  • ESRI Online Training Course List (Updated November 23, 2015)

    ESRI Training Web Site / Main Portal

    ESRI Web Training Planning Guide Fall 2015

    Class Notes / Introduction to GIS

    The class notes are organized according to their order of occurrence throughout the term. They are available in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) Format. Acrobat Reader is invoked as a plug-in within the web browser environment. It is available on most machines at WOU. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free by returning to Taylor's Home Page

    Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

    A Review of Topographic Map Principles

  • Reading on Mean Sea Level and the Geoid

    Introduction to ESRI ArcGIS Software
  • Taylor's Choice - Glossary of Selected GIS Terms and Concepts
  • Link to ESRI GIS Glossary of Terms

    New reference resource: Overview of Key ArcGIS Files and File Extensions (reference sheet)

    New:ArcGIS 10.1 Tips, Shortcuts and Hot Buttons

    Map Projections
  • Oregon Lambert Custom Map Projections (from Oregon Geospatial Web Site)
  • Overview of Projections and Datums (from SeisSoft website)

  • World Projections Reference List - ArcGIS 9.3 (*.pdf)

  • Oregon Map Projection: Instructions for Converting from NAD1983_HARN to UTM Zone 10 N NAD 1927 (for use with OLC Lidar data)

  • World Projections Reference List - ArcGIS 9.3 (*.doc)

    Youtube Link: Working with Map Projections and Coordinate Systems in ArcGIS

    Vector Data Structures and Input
    Raster Data Structures

    Overview of GIS Metadata Standards
  • FGDC National Metadata Standards (Guidance Document)

    Class notes - introduction to database management systems (DBMS)
  • Youtube Link: Introduction to Geodatabases in ArcGIS

    Introduction to Data Editing Tools in ArcGIS
  • New:ArcGIS Training Video - Getting Started with Editing

    Identifying and Managing Special Data File Types
  • DRG Example (*.zip)
  • DEM Example (*.zip)
  • E00 Example (*.zip)
  • Grid Example (*.zip)
  • DEM Example (Laurel Mountain Quad)(*.zip)
  • Grid Example (*.zip)
  • 1-m Lidar DEM Example HJ Andrews (*.zip; ESRI Grid Format)
  • Monmouth-Independence 1-m Bare Earth DEM (ESRI Grid format)

    Quick Start Guide to Creating Shape Files and Geoprocessing
  • ESRI Video: Overview of Geoprocessing

  • Monmouth Quad DRG (*.zip; raster; UTM Zone10N NAD1927 meters)
  • Monmouth Quad DEM (*.zip; raster; UTM Zone10N NAD1927 meters)
  • Monmouth Quad Geology (*.zip; shapefile; UTM Zone10N NAD1927 meters)
  • Monmouth Quad Geology Southern Half (*.zip; shapefile; UTM Zone10N NAD1927 meters)
  • Luckiamute Watershed Subbasins (*.zip; shapefile; UTM Zone10N NAD1927 meters)
  • Lewisburg Quad DEM (*.zip; raster; UTM Zone10N NAD1927 meters)

    Introduction to Raster Analysis
  • ESRI Training Video: Introduction to Spatial Analyst Extension

    Overview of LIDAR Topographic Survey Methods (Hill et al., 2000)
  • LIDAR Seminar Summary Notes: OSU, April 28, 2009 (Faux-Watershed Sciences)
  • Monmouth-Independence 1-m Bare Earth DEM (ESRI Grid format)

  • Basics of Lidar Data Processing Using ArcGIS

  • LIDAR Mapping Fact Sheet

  • Link to WOU Lidar Resource Page


    Class Slide Shows

  • Introduction to GIS Concepts
  • Map Elements
  • Vector and Raster Data Models
  • Map Projections
  • Data Errors and Topological Editing
  • Introduction to Data Analysis
  • Introduction to Image Analysis
  • Geographic Position Systems and GIS Technology
  • Cartography and Map Design
  • Introduction to LIDAR Mapping Technology


    Additional Reading (Clarke, 2003)

  • Introduction to GIS Concepts
  • GIS Data Formats
  • Map Projections and Scales
  • Databases
  • Making Maps
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Data Entry
  • GIS Software Platforms
  • GIS Case Studies


    Digital Class Portfolio Instructions

    Upload Instructions:

    (1) Clicking on the link at the end of this section will take you to a web-based course management software called "Moodle".
    (2) Once at the site, choose the "Login" option at the upper right of the page.
    (3) Enter your WOU student server username (the one you use for WOU email or to get to your "H:\" drive).
    (4) Enter the last four digits of your student ID V-no. for the password (unless if you have already changed it).
    (5) Once you are logged in, look for the "Change Password" icon...but DON'T FORGET IT.
    (6) Scroll down your list of online classes to ES473 Environmental Geology; you are automatically enrolled in the Moodle course with your class registration.
    (7) Scroll to the topic/assignment section, and begin the submission process.
    (9) Make sure you print hard copies and make back-up files of your lab report materials; save back up files!

    Note: Pay attention to the availability and due dates.

    Click Here to Go to Moodle and the ES322 Class Page

    Instructions for Making Acrobat PDF Files and Compiling a Digital Lab Report

    Procedures for Compiling Digital Class Portfolio
  • Digital Class Porfolio Model Work Sample


    Lab Exercises and Resources

    Unit Conversion Tables for Lab Exercises

    Reference List of Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions

    Review of Topographic Map Principles


    Lab Data


    Lab Answer Keys


    Related Links



    Study Guides