Overview

ArcGIS is a high-end mapping software suite that enables CSCR to create, from scratch, professional-level maps of our community and display scientific data visually. This class not only aims to teach proficiency in the program, but also seeks to enable students to utilize their skills during the summer projects.

ArcGIS(geographic information systems) is a program created by ESRI(Environmental Systems Research Institute) and is unique in that it provides people a way to transribe collected data on map images. This program will be exceedinly helpful in taking CSCR's capabilities to another level. It also provides students with education that could be useful in future careers.

For More Specifics about the Arc Program

Procedures

The ArcGIS program has many capabilities. In each Thursday night class, the instructor Jared Stabach teaches class members new processes. These include creating sample_IDs and maps displaying these sample_IDs, downloading image layers from the Mass GIS website, manipulating shapefiles, linking data to geographic images, and viewing maps already created by ArcGIS.

This is how the program appears when we open it up. There are an endless amount of available tools on the ArcGIS program. Common tools include the add data button(yellow diamond and plus sign), the tool box, and the catalog on the left that describes the data on the map and allows us to view and alter attributes of this data. It may seem slightly complicated here, but in the interactive setting that the class provides, it is quite simple to maneuver about the page and learn skills with the instructor's help.

Location & Maps

The ArcGIS class is held at the CSCR building on Parker Ave in Cohasset.

 

Project Timeline

This project is year-round. The class meets every Thursday from 7:00-9:00 P.M.

Relevant Issues

 

Learning ArcGIS is extremely important to developing CSCR's data analysis capabilities. By linking the data we collect with physical maps of Cohasset and other South Shore towns, we can go further in understanding the New England watershed. Specifically, CSCR needs students with experience with ArcGIS in order to convey the summer's scientific findings to the general public.

Displaying scientific data effectively on a map is a unique challenge for even the most accomplished scientists. Map Makers must make the finished product visually appealing and must convey the data in an easy to read format. This is an awesome opportunity to learn the nuances of mapping and ArcGIS from a professional cartography, Jared Stabach, from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Understanding ArcGIS is also a valuable skill in this modern age of technology and this class provides an incredible opportunity to learn it for free.

Team & Contacts

Organizers:

Mr. Buckley --> jcbuckleyjr@gmail.com

August Oddleifson --> ao2009@gmail.com

Instructor:

Jared Stabach(Woods Hole Research Center, GIS specialist)--> jstabach@whrc.org

Class Members:

Sarah P. Grady

Mike Dick

Margaret Goodwin

Fiona McBride

Jessie Fitts

Jon Choi

 

 

 

Get Involved

Anybody is eligible for the class. Contact Mr. Buckley or August Oddleifson for more information or just show up at 7:00 P.M. on Thursdays. You do not need to have any previous computer experience to participate in this class.