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Programs • Data Driven DecisionMaking Workshops • Custom Programs -- have a custom structured briefing or workshop session for your group • WebCourses Using GIS and GeoDemographics WebCourse Start this program when it works with your schedule. Complete modules at your own pace. Content and Objectives. Participate in program to learn how to use Geographic Information System (GIS) software focused on geodemographic analysis. Learn how to use mapping and related GIS applications using demographic data, Census Bureau TIGER/Line files, and related multi-sourced geographic and subject matter data. 
Challenges in using maps and GIS only partly involve acquiring and using the software.
To use these tools effectively also requires 1) developing the vision for the geospatial data presentation needed
to support a decision or document a point of advocacy and 2) locating and integrating the data ... whether for the U.S. by
county or a neighborhood by census block.
This WebCourse helps you extend existing knowledge and master these abilities ...
on your own pace and in your own space.
Click on the graphic the right to see more about the types of analyses and mapping/GIS applications
that you will be able to do by completing this WebCourse.
Benefits. When you complete the course, performing all of the work as scheduled, you will have developed new skills enabling you to better understand and more effectively use Census 2000 geographic and demographic data -- and integrate these data with other data. • Bring your own data needs up; get answers/solutions to your specific requirements/problems. • Enable yourself to develop information resources that you presently cannot. • Learn how to better make data meaningful in your organization context. • Enable your organization to develop information resources that might otherwise have to be out-sourced and not exactly meet the requirements. All of the materials required for this course are structured so that they can be used effectively on a laptop, giving maximum flexibility as to participant location. Who Should Participate. This course is designed for people who need a better understanding of how demographic and geographic data can be accessed and used. Focused on geodemographics, the content covers related data resources and their integration. The course is intended to help participants learn about tools and techniques that enable them to perform tasks relevant to their needs in new and more effective/efficient ways. Participants are from businesses, academia, government, associations, and other organizations. Participants include, planners, managers, information specialists, software/systems developers, faculty, students, business and government leaders, policy analysts, statisticians, geographers, and others. The course has no prerequisites relating to software knowledge (other than general familiarity, e-mail, and Internet browser). Course Length and Time Requirement. The course is designed to operate as four two-hour modules. Complete the course in a week or less. Topics covered in each module enable you to apply what you have learned to your own type of application, subject matter and geography of interest. You can the workshop modules as a reference and example to recall and re-familiarize yourself at any time. Cost. $295 per participant. Requirements • Course software operating your computer • Knowledge of your computer operation • Internet • Windows-based computer How to Register [goto top] The WebCourse fee is $295. Click here to pay by credit card and get started immediately: You will receive an e-mail within 24 hours with start-up and additional information. You may also pay by check or other method. Group discounts are also available. Contact Proximity if paying by check or with questions about enrollment. Add questions or notes in the text box. Course Session Overview [goto top] • Module 1 -- Census 2000 Demographic Data: Access and Use • Module 2 -- Using Mapping & GIS Software with TIGER/Line and Derived Files • Module 3 -- Estimates & Projections; Integrating Your Own Data • Module 4 -- Data Integration and Analysis: Strategy, Planning, Effective Results Module 1 -- Census 2000 Demographic Data: Access and Use Module 1 is focused on basics of accessing the Census 2000 demographic data. An emphasis is placed on how to access and use demographic statistical data using computer-based methods. Some of the same data used in the Module 1 session are used subsequent module sessions. • Course and Census 2000 Data Resources Overview • Overview of Census 2000 demographic terms, concepts and data resources • Overview of Map/GIS Case Study/Project (application framework used throughout course) • Census 2000 Summary Files: scope and structure • Accessing and using Summary File data - Downloading from Census Web server - Converting files into database structure - Issues and alternatives in end user file structuring • Building profile databases (selected data from across summary files) • Aggregating census block level data to larger geographic areas • Developing and displaying tables and profiles • Demographic comparative analysis • Developing summary data from microdata files Module 2 -- Using Mapping & GIS Software with TIGER/Line and Derived Files Module 2 is focused on accessing and using the Census Bureau TIGER/Line files and files derived from TIGER/Line files. Instruction provided on use of mapping and GIS software. The session builds on the previous session. • Overview of key geographic terms, concepts and data resources • Role, scope and benefits of using TIGER/Line files • Shapefile concept, structure, and uses • Accessing and using TIGER/Line files - Downloading from Census Web server - Building shapefiles from TIGER/Line files - TIGER derived cross-reference files and databases • Using mapping software to display and use shapefiles - Creating a map project; adding "themes" - Modifying theme attributes to achieve desired view - Queries in the mapping environment • Modifying and integrating shapefiles to meet unique geographic requirements Module 3 -- Estimates & Projections; Integrating Your Own Data Module 3 is focused on post-Census 2000 demographic data and integrating your own data for use in mapping and GIS applications. The session builds on the previous sessions. • Post-Census estimates and projections - Integrating annual data from American Community Survey - Integrating annual demographic estimates (age-race-sex-origin) • Developing and interpreting thematic maps: time series data • Developing and adding your own data • Address-matching and geocoding applications • Developing point-oriented shapefiles from address-matching • Integrating point, line, polygon mapping and thematic maps • Data query operations from within and outside GIS contexts Module 4 -- Data Integration and Analysis: Strategy, Planning, Effective Results Module 4 is focused on planning and strategies for ways to approach the design and development of demographic and geographic data integrated with other data to achieve desired information-related goals and objectives. The session builds on the previous sessions. • Setting framework for meeting analytical goals and objectives • Choosing among software and platform options • Determining best approaches to acquiring/developing subject matter data • Determining best approaches to acquiring/developing geographic data • Planning for required codes to make all data elements cross-relate • Strategies for developing files that have maximal "reusability" • Using data verification, minimizing re-work, cross-checking for accuracy • Establishing timelines for data development/integration sequences How the Course Works Participants receive information about accessing all required materials via the Internet. Software. All software required for the workshop is provided to participants. These software resources, developed by Proximity, are intended for participant continuing use. Other than basic Internet browser and typical PC software, there are no other software requirements. This approach enables us to provide training on tools that you can continue to use in a production environment. You will learn to use the following software and data resources. CommunityViewer (CV) GIS. CV (http://proximityone.com/cv.htm) is a generalized GIS that can be used with any type of data or geography. CV makes direct use of shapefiles. CV is highly compatible with ArcView enabling you to directly open ArcView project and shapefiles. TLFGeocoder. TLFGeocoder (http://proximityone.com/tlfgeocoder.htm) is a a geocoding and address matching software tool. Learn to use it in the workshop and apply it to your own address-oriented data. Use the results of the geocoding with the CV software. Structured, Self-paced Operation. Participants proceed at their own pace. Participants have continuous support and interactive with the WebCourse instructor by e-mail. Optional exercises are integrated into the course. Exercises are task-oriented; e.g., do the following thing with specified software and data file(s). There are no exams. Certificates. Certificates are issued to participants who complete the course. Successful completion is determined by completion of exercises. The certificate is an indication that the participant has successfully completed each module. Successful module/course completion is based upon how well the exercises are completed. [goto top] |
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