While an Excel spreadsheet can act similar to a traditional database, it is not. A spreadsheet allows users to perform functions within, such as assign equations to individual cells or records, which are not allowed in a database. This additional functionality often causes problems when a GIS User tries to integrate spreadsheets into their workflows and analysis within Esri’s ArcGIS platform. To be successful, they must be aware of the limitations.

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So far we have developed four courses which include:

• Network Infastructure 1: Intro to networking basics for GIS Users
• Network Infrastructure 2: Windows Server & Internet Information Server (IIS)
• SQL Server 1: Managing & maintaining data in Microsoft SQL Server
• SQL Server 2: Installing & Configuring SQL Server

We will be offering these as online Instructor Led Courses. Those in the Columbia South Carolina area will also have the option to attend the courses at MicroStaff IT’s facilty. In addition we will also be holding traditional GIS training classes at this location. Please check our current training schedule for a complete list of upcoming classes.

Planning is underway but registration fees have not been established and the web site is not yet live. The conference Executive Committee will announce fees as soon as possible. The Sheraton Hotel in Raleigh will be the conference hotel and is offering rooms for $99 for singles/doubles.

We look forward to seeing you at the 13th NC GIS Conference.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ULA, URISA is offering a one hour informational session, presented by ULA Committee Chair and Instructor, Hilary Perkins, GISP. She’ll provide an overview of the topics discussed during the week and you’ll have the opportunity to hear about this exciting learning experience from recent ULA graduates.

Event Title: URISA Leadership Academy Virtual Information Session

When: Thursday, April 12 at 3 PM ET/ 2 PM CT/ 1 PM MT/ 12 PM PT

Duration: One hour

Cost: FREE

Register Now

So what is some of the new functionality you can expect to see with ArcGIS 10.1. Also don’t forget that Esri is changing the names of the Licensing levels for ArcGIS Desktop to be more consistent with ArcGIS Server. ArcView is now ArcGIS Desktop Basic. ArcEditor is now ArcGIS Desktop Standard and ArcInfo is now ArcGIS Desktop Advanced.

Integration with other Software:

1. Integration with Microsoft Office with new application call Maps Ribbon. This application takes data stored in a spreadsheet and creates maps on the fly. This map can then be exported to PowerPoint.
2. Integration with Microsoft Sharepoint, IBM Cognos, and Salesforce.com
3. Full 64 Bit support
4. Linux version

Editing and Visualization:

1. Import support for KML files – Import KML files directly into maps
2. Edit Tracking – New Tab that shows edit while changing or adding features. See what you have done
3. Dynamic Legends – Change with display and scale
4. Improved support for Time enabled data – New live mode allows live information to be incorporated into map
5. Improved Map Packages –allow additional information to be included in the file such as reports and timelines
6. Better integration with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Server for improved sharing of data

Analysis:

1. New Grouping Analysis – find patterns using multiple variables
2. Spatial weighting based on distance

Data Formats:

1. ArcGIS Server can now render LiDAR data into a 3D model
2. ArcGIS Desktop supports use of LAS files
3. Several New base maps have been added to ArcGIS online gallery
4. Full motion video support
5. Multitemporal and multispectral image display can now be viewed as a single library

Application Development:

1. ArcGIS Runtime – allows for creation of light weight focused desktop applications
2. New Web APIs

I am sure there will be more information released as we get closer to the actual release. I hope this proves helpful as you begin planning for the release of 10.1.

This 3 day course is designed to introduce users to Esri’s Geodatabase format. This GIS data format provides enhanced tools for data creation, data modeling, and data validation. Participants will learn how to design, create and manage Geodatabases. At the end of the course, students will have an in-depth understanding of the Geodatabase structure and Geodatabase tools for creating and editing data while maintaining data integrity, and will develop a solid foundation for future development into SDE. These tools include subtypes and domains, topology, linear referencing (routes), and Geometric Networks.

Course Topics:

• Geodatabase concepts and basics
• Converting data to the Geodatabase format
• Understanding Spatial References & Coordinate Systems
• Validating attributes with Domains/Subtypes
• Validating features with Topology
• Editing with the Geodatabase
• Spatial Adjustment & Attribute Transfer
• Geometric Networks
• Editing Networks
• Network Analysis
• Working with routes
• Linking to external database

Cost:

Cost is $1,350.00. Register before the close of business on Feb 24 and save $175.00 off the normal price.  Discounts are available for organizations that send 2 or more students.

Instructor:

This course was created and will be taught by John Schaeffer, GISP. John has over 25 years of experience in technical education and 16 years of experience using and teaching GIS and is certified as a GISP through the GIS Certification Institute and is an ESRI authorized consultant and instructor. John regularly develops and teaches hands-on GIS classes in ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst, and Geodatabases.

Location:

Please contact me at training@egisassociates.com to register or if you have any questions.

A URISA Task Force prepared the draft for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA). Reviews will be reported to the Task Force and DOLETA, and will used to refine and validate the GMCM. Reviewers who share contact information will also receive results of the public review as well as copies of the revised GMCM.

Links to the draft GMCM and an online questionnaire for reviewers are available at http://www.urisa.org/gmcm_review. The questionnaire will remain open through March 31, 2012.

The Geospatial Management Competency Model (GMCM) specifies 74 essential competencies and 17 competency areas that characterize the work of most successful managers in the geospatial industry.

The GMCM builds upon DOLETA’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model, which specifies the foundational, industry-wide, and industry sector-specific expertise characteristic of the various occupations that comprise the geospatial industry (http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/pyramid.aspx?GEO=Y).

URISA convened a task force composed of ten experienced geospatial managers and one facilitator at the 2011 GIS-Pro Conference in Indianapolis to produce the GMCM for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA).

URISA’s qualifications to organize the GMCM effort include its nearly 50-year history as one of the founding organizations of the GIS profession, its successful organization of the GIS Certification Institute and the URISA Leadership Academy, and its healthy working relationships with other professional and scientific associations in the geospatial field through the Coalition on Geospatial Organizations (COGO).