Natural resources are distributed spatially across large areas. The interactions between elements of ecosystems and the humans who use and manage them are tremendously complex. This explains why natural resource professionals were among the first to exploit computer technology for spatial data management and analysis. Modern geographic information systems (GIS) provide incredible power for collating and manipulating spatial data, and for communicating the resulting information to a variety of audiences. Massive quantities of resource-related spatial data are readily available, and have fueled the explosion of GIS applications in natural resources.

This course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of GIS to natural resource professionals. Types and sources of spatial data are described, and examples of typical GIS operations are demonstrated.

Participants will:

• Gain substantial hands-on experience using the popular ArcGIS software from ESRI
• Understand sources and limitations of publicly available GIS data and how to integrate them in an application
• Develop an appreciation for how spatial data can be manipulated in a GIS, and how data collection procedures can impact utility of the data
• Gain insights into how GIS can be used for resource accounting, analysis, and communication

Each participant will receive a CD containing data used during the course, the book "Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop" (with software CD), and a course notebook with lesson notes and exercises.

Who Should Attend

Those who want a full understanding of GIS concepts and to develop the ability to use GIS to manipulate and analyze natural resource data. This course will benefit field practitioners, technical staff, managers and supervisors- anyone with responsibility for natural resources management, data collection, analysis or reporting.

How to Register

The fee for this course is $695 and includes a CD of data used during the course, the book "Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop" (with software CD), a course notebook with lesson notes and exercises, refreshment breaks, and a certificate of completion with documentation of 2.1 Continuing Education Credits (CEU) earned. Registration deadline is May 24.

Check-in registration is conducted on-site from 8:00-8:30AM on Monday, June 7th.

Register On-Line

For More Information

For further information about the workshop, contact Steve Prisley Department of Forestry, Virginia Tech, (540) 231-7674, email: prisley@vt.edu

About the Course | About the Instructor | Location & Lodging | Class Schedule | Register On-Line