Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/gis-data
### Course Review: GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality **Overview** The course "GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality" is the second installment in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization offered on Coursera. It provides an invaluable opportunity for learners to deepen their understanding of crucial data types and structures that underpin GIS applications. Over four comprehensive weeks, participants explore the intricacies of both raster and vector data, delving into storage, quality assessment, and practical applications that enhance GIS practice. **Course Structure** 1. **Week 1: Data Models and Formats** - This introductory module sets the foundation for understanding both vector and raster data models. Participants grasp the importance of data scale—an essential element for any GIS analyst—and learn how to load data layers from various web services. The coursework is meticulously designed to demystify key concepts such as data tables and relational databases, making them accessible even to those new to GIS. 2. **Week 2: Creating and Working with Vector Data** - Focused on vector data, this week introduces geoprocessing techniques, such as the intersect tool for analyzing data relationships. Participants practice writing query strings to effectively subset data, while also gaining skills in editing feature classes and digitizing data. The hands-on approach solidifies theoretical knowledge by applying it in practical exercises. 3. **Week 3: Storage Formats and Working with Rasters** - Understanding storage formats is critical for any GIS application, and this module dives deep into selecting appropriate data formats for specific tasks. Key topics include geodatabase design, personal and file geodatabases, and the use of shapefiles and SQLite databases. Additionally, participants are introduced to working with raster data through spatial analysis, georeferencing, and utilizing zonal statistics, enriching their toolkit for robust GIS analysis. 4. **Week 4: Data Quality and Creating Web Maps** - The final week emphasizes the significance of data quality in GIS. A lecture on topology explores how data relationships impact vector feature classes. Guest lecturer Megan Nguyen’s presentation on using ArcGIS Online to create and share web maps equips learners with contemporary tools and practices essential for modern GIS workflows. **Learning Experience and Recommendations** The course is designed to be interactive and engaging, promoting a mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Each module is well-structured, ensuring that learners can progress logically through complexities of GIS data formats and design principles. Furthermore, the inclusion of guest lecturers enriches the learning experience by providing real-world applications of the concepts studied. **Who Should Enroll?** This course is highly recommended for beginners and intermediate users of GIS who want to deepen their understanding of data structures and improve their practical skills. Whether you are a student, a data analyst, or a professional in environmental science, urban planning, or geography, this course serves as a vital stepping stone in enhancing your GIS capabilities. **Conclusion** In summary, "GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality" is an excellent course that successfully balances theoretical foundations with practical application. The engaging content, combined with expert insights, makes it a valuable resource for anyone serious about advancing in the field of GIS. Completing this course will undoubtedly empower learners with enhanced skills, preparing them for a variety of challenges in GIS-related tasks. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone looking to elevate their GIS proficiency!
Course Overview & Data Models and Formats
This first module covers major concepts in vector and raster data models, scale, designing data tables, using vector attribute tables, and separating and joining data in order to use it more effectively in a relational database.
Creating and Working with Vector DataThis module is all about working with vector data. We'll review geoprocessing and introduce the intersect tool. This module also covers writing query strings to subset data, adding and calculating fields, configuring selections, editing and creating feature classes, and everything you need to know about digitizing data.
Storage Formats and Working with RastersThis module covers choosing data storage formats for particular purposes as well as tools for working with rasters. In the first lesson, we'll discuss geodatabase design and go over considerations for file geodatabases, personal geodatabases, shapefiles, and SQLite databases. The second lesson covers creating and working with raster data. We'll talk about spatial analysis, georeferencing rasters, raster calculator, and using zonal statistics.
Data Quality and Creating Web MapsThe first half of this module goes over uncertainty and data quality, including a lecture on topology, which affects data relationships in your vector feature classes. In Lesson 8, guest lecturer Megan Nguyen will talk all about using ArcGIS Online, including sharing our maps with our colleagues.
In this course, the second in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization, you will go in-depth with common data types (such as raster and vector data), structures, quality and storage during four week-long modules: Week 1: Learn about data models and formats, including a full understanding of vector data and raster concepts. You will also learn about the implications of a data’s scale and how to load layers from web services. Week 2: Create a vector data model by using vector at
Awesome..... The lectures are very helpful to the students or gis learners who wants to do some on-line, especially the final project was awesome... i really enjoyed and learned much more things...
There's a lot of useful information for working with data. You can learn how to clean, manage and create data, which is vital if you want to publish your work online for others to see.
Great Course! Thought it will be difficult learning the course but the course tutor took me through very well and that made my learning very easy. It very interesting to learn GIS.
I expected that I have learned GIS in the last two years, but this course realized me that It wasn't even a scratch. Thanks, Nicholas and team Coursera for such a wonderful course.
The course provides required knowledge to understand GIS File types, data formats, Design, Spatial Analysis and Creating Web Maps etc., My sincere thanks to the Instructor Mr.Nick Santos.