GIS Tutorials
Six geographic information systems (GIS) tutorials have been developed that utilize data from the Wai‘anae Ecological Characterization (WEC) GIS. These tutorials cover how to use ESRI® ArcGIS™ applications, from the basics of looking at and creating maps to more complex analyses. These tutorials require the use of WEC GIS data (see the Data Inventory), which are available on CD-ROM. To order a copy of the WEC CD-ROM please complete an online request form.
ArcGIS actually consists of three applications: ArcCatalog™, ArcMap™, and ArcToolbox™. These tutorials primarily focus on ArcMap, which is the ArcGIS application used for creating, viewing, and analyzing spatial data. However, the first tutorial briefly discusses ArcCatalog, which can be used to organize and preview GIS data. If you are a novice GIS user, it is recommended that you proceed through the tutorials in the order that they are presented here. The last tutorial is for the ArcReader™ application, which can be used by those without ArcGIS to view the ArcReader map projects provided on the WEC CD-ROM. This free software application may be downloaded from ESRI's Web site (http://www.esri.com/products.html).
- Getting Familiar With ArcCatalog Basics
The purpose of this tutorial is to become familiar with ArcCatalog, a program that allows you to access, organize, and manage your data. You will learn how to access and preview your data, view metadata for your files, and how to add data to ArcMap quickly. - ArcGIS
Tutorial 1: Getting Familiar with ArcMap Basics
The purpose of this tutorial is to become familiar with the basics of ArcMap by examining the benthic habitat and marine managed areas of the Wai‘anae coast. The tutorial will review how to inspect data and find specific information, how to add data layers and change legends, and how to identify features and measure distances quickly. - Creating Map Documents
The purpose of this tutorial is to learn the basics of creating a map document. Maps, if created well, can be highly effective forms of communication. This tutorial will cover the basic principles and techniques behind creating a quality map layout, creating map legends, using labels and colors, and exporting maps to various electronic formats. - ArcGIS
Tutorial 2: Creating New Data
The purpose of this tutorial is to learn how to create new layers from existing data and begin some basic data analysis by examining the land use of the Wai‘anae moku. The tutorial will review how to import and save legend symbology, create a hillshade effect, create new layers through clipping and select by location, and add a buffer to existing layers. - ArcGIS
Tutorial 3: Site Suitability Analysis
The purpose of this tutorial is to conduct a simple site suitability analysis for a project in the Wai‘anae moku. When projects such as a new subdivision, shopping mall, park, or school are being considered, it is important first to identify potential sites for their location. The tutorial will review the steps involved in a site suitability analysis and how to conduct an analysis using the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension. - Getting Familiar with ArcReader
The purpose of this tutorial is to become familiar with ArcReader, a cost-free application that lets you examine GIS data layers without having to purchase GIS software. ArcReader provides many of the same functions as ArcMap – it allows you to examine data layers, identify and find feature attribute information, measure distances, and print maps.
