2009 GIS Symposium
The Washington University GIS Symposium will be held on Thursday, November 19th and features presentations and discussion on technical, conceptual, and aesthetic applications of GIS technology. At the 2008 Symposium more than 50 users from across the university and all skill levels came together to share their experiences. Join us this year to learn about the resources available, find out how GIS technology is currently being used to address research, logistical, and management issues at Washington University, and how you can apply GIS to your projects.
The event is free and open to the public but registration is required.
Program
This year we are happy to have Dr. Alexis M. Elward, M.D., M.P.H. and
Dr. Min Lian, M.D., PhD speaking on their work with GIS and infectious
diseases. Our speakers have extensive experience in using GIS to gain
insight into pandemics such as the H1N1 influenza and West Nile virus.
Their research interests implement several GIS concepts such as spatial
statistics, multilevel modeling and temporal variations. The discussion
of "place" as it relates to timely issues such as H1N1 promises to be
interesting!
We also will have some exciting announcements during the Symposium, such
as the creation of a Certificate in GIS program now being offered
through Arts & Sciences University College.
Technical Sessions
This year's event will feature technical sessions in the afternoon covering topics of interest to beginning and experienced GIS practitioners alike. Some sessions will include hands-on exercises to allow participants to gain valuable experience while learning new skills. All sessions will be held in the GIS Teaching Laboratory in the Earth and Planetary Sciences building, room 308.
1:00 – 1:30 Overview of ArcGIS Components and Extensions
Confused by the number of modules and extensions available in the ArcGIS suite? This session will introduce you to the wide range of features available and explain the differences between ArcInfo, ArcEditor, ArcView, ArcReader, and ArcPad. We will also discuss ArcCatalog and data management, the various extensions including 3D Analyst and Spatial Analyst, and the Geodatabase.
1:40 – 2:10 Accessing Online Data
Numerous online data resources are available for use in ArcGIS. This session will detail how to find and connect to valuable base layers such as orthoimagery, seamless digital topographic maps, digital elevation data, and more. Additionally the session will introduce MSDIS, Missouri’s GIS clearinghouse and demonstrate how to download and add data from such sites to your map.
2:20 – 2:50 30 Minute Mapping
This session will walk you through the process of creating a map from start to printed product. Participants will find and add appropriate data layers, apply meaningful symbology and labeling, add cartographic elements, compose a final product, and output to print and digital formats.
3:00 – 3:30 Accessing Census Data and Demographic Mapping
Would you like to incorporate demographic data into your maps or spatial analysis? This session demonstrates how to acquire census data and more importantly, how to add such data to your ArcGIS projects.
3:40 – 4:10 Geocoding and Spatial Analysis
Convert your address tables into geospatially aware datasets. If you want to map where your donors, clients, or members reside and then perform geospatial analysis on those data points than this session is for you.
Poster Session
In conjunction with the GIS Symposium, a poster session will be hosted by the library in the Earth and Planetary Science building just west of Whitaker Hall. Exhibits show how students are applying GIS technology in their research. Submissions are currentlty being accepted and prizes are awarded for outstanding entries. If you have a project that includes GIS technology, please consider submitting a poster.
The session will run from 12pm-4:30pm on the November 19th in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Building.
Any project using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is eligible.
Deadline for submission is November 17th.
Prizes will be awarded for the best use of GIS.
Free poster printing is available.
Submit all posters and/or inquiries to Cheryl Morton (935-4148).
