GIS Data Models and Processing

This unit develops foundational skills in spatial data models, data management, and basic raster and vector processing using ArcGIS. Students will learn coordinate systems and projections, attribute and spatial joins, raster creation and environment settings, and map composition elements while assessing data quality and precision.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze differences between vector and raster data models, including storage formats, precision, and appropriate use cases, and evaluate how floating-point rasters affect spatial analysis results
• Apply geodesy, coordinate system, and projection principles to correctly project, align, and set the general and raster environments in ArcGIS
• Demonstrate attribute and spatial data management workflows by performing selections, table joins, spatial joins (e.g., intersect, identity), and conversions between features and rasters in ArcGIS
• Evaluate map composition and data quality by assessing accuracy, precision, scale, labeling, and symbology, and produce saved map documents with appropriate map elements