Join Us for the Second Annual Conference

Pre-Conference Concurrent Technical Workshops - Wednesday 27 October 2004
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Overview:

The registration fee for a preconference workshop on October 27 is $145 per person, which covers costs of registration, lab instruction, and break service. Classroom space is limited, so attendance may be limited to a first-come, first-served basis. E-mail notification will be sent to you if your requested workshop is not available.

If you register for the full conference, you will be eligible to attend the vendor-sponsored workshops “Introduction to MapInfo Professional” and “Land Records Management Using ArcGIS” free of charge. In addition, Penn State’s Cooperative Extension Geospatial Technology Program will be offering free classes to conference registrants on October 25 and 26 at the University Park campus.

Preconference Workshop Descriptions

ATTENTION: The Advanced ArcView: Introduction to Spatial Analyst has been cancelled due to a greater demand for the other workshops.

1. Web Mapping: Introduction to ArcIMS

This workshop provides an introduction to the concepts and functionality of ArcIMS. Learn the basic architecture of ArcIMS, how to serve data over the Internet, and how to use the ArcIMS tools to create Web mapping applications. Explore ArcIMS in more detail, including the file structure of Web sites, ArcIMS server administration, and ArcXML, the communication language used within ArcIMS. Customizing Web sites using HTML, JavaScript, and ArcXML will be introduced, as well as security methods that restrict access to data.

2. Desktop GIS: What Is New in ArcView 9.x

This workshop will introduce the user to some of the new features and expanded capabilities of the recently released version of ArcView 9. Particular attention will be paid to the new upgrades provided for geoprocessing functions using command line and Model Builder.

3. GIS Implementation and Management—Building a Successful Local Government GIS

Click Here to Learn More About this Workshop

Instructor:
Rebecca Somers, GIS Consultant, Writer & Instructor:
Somers-St.Claire, GIS Management Consultants:Fairfax, Virginia

GIS is a very powerful tool for local governments, helping them manage information and resources, save money, and provide better service to their communities. Effective GIS development, operation, and use, however, require effective implementation and management plans and methods.

This workshop provides an overview and guide for successful GIS implementation and management 01-Dec-2004 13:28l uses and benefits of local government GIS and a guide to the crucial steps in GIS implementation, including planning, requirements analysis, system and database design, system and data procurement, system operation, and working with consultants and vendors. The workshop also addresses important organizational and management issues involved in implementing and operating a GIS, including coordination of GIS stakeholders and participants, staffing, and training. In addition, we will discuss success strategies that help local governments leverage their GIS investments by working together, including data sharing and partnerships.

This workshop is designed for those considering GIS or just getting started, as well as those who have GIS capabilities but wish to expand their GIS operations or solve problems they are encountering.

4. Using GIS and CommunityViz for Build-out Analysis

Instructor: Marcy Allen, CommunityViz - Boulder, CO
Assistant: Leah Wasser, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Geospatial Tech. Program, Land Analysis Lab

Build-out analyses allow planners to estimate the amount and location of development for an area. Performing a build-out analysis is the step in the community planning process that identifies the holding capacity of the land. In this workshop we will show how GIS can help simplify this part of the planning process.

Traditionally, planners have performed build-out analyses by using spreadsheet tables to associate build-out assumptions with a hard copy map. GIS improves this technique by associating the digital land- use plan with a database of associated attributes. The Scenario 360 Build-Out Wizard automates the entire build-out process. The wizard guides users through the choices and selections that will form the basis of a build-out analysis.

Build-out analysis results will reflect the remaining capacity for an area. You can estimate the number, location, and appearance of buildings based on land use or zoning information. You can set density assumptions in dwelling units per area, minimum lot size per dwelling unit, or floor area ratio. You can also assign design assumptions, including layout efficiency, building offsets, development constraints, layout pattern, and building type to your analysis.

Using the build-out results we will create indicators that will measure potential infrastructure and amenities needs. Many CommunityViz users are utilizing the Build-Out Wizard results to assist in their FEMA mitigation plans.

5. Introduction to MapInfo Professional 7.5

RTC Sponsored Workshop (Free to registrants of the Geographic Information Systems for Local Government Conference)

This course covers basic to intermediate MapInfo Professional functions. Participants will learn the basics of digitizing, map and raster image registration, and analysis. Creating complex queries, database connectivity (Oracle and SQL), importing, and exporting will also be covered.

6. Land Records Management Using ArcGIS

ESRI Sponsored Workshop (Free to registrants of the Geographic Information Systems for Local Government Conference)

ESRI ArcGIS software offers many ways for land records professionals to create, maintain, map, and distribute spatial data. Whether or not you currently use GIS, this seminar will be helpful in organizing your land records management policies. Discover how to leverage digital parcel maps to facilitate economic growth and at the same time increase worker efficiency. Using GIS for land records management will help you minimize costs and maximize productivity. This seminar will cover concepts that can make your land records management policies more accurate, more cost-effective, and more successful.