ArcGIS Pro: Beginner to Pro in 8 Weeks
Progression of program skills over an eight week course
Staring at the interface of ArcGIS Pro as a novice, the Spring 2021 NRES 455 class couldn't help but be intimidated if not overwhelmed by all of the buttons/functions/commands etc. available to the users.
However, within just a couple hours, it became surprisingly intuitive and user-friendly given some instruction from a GIS veteran.
From the beginning of the course they tackled common natural resource problems, working our way through the various functions and tools that are at the users' disposal. Learning to acquire data from 3rd party sources is a skill that is near essential for a myriad of obstacles that users attempt to overcome.
Using 3rd party data and multiple data processing techniques, they were able to display Malaria rates in African countries across multiple years.
Using models to automate various processes is a powerful tool used in ArcGIS pro that they learned. This skill can be applied to a multitude of scenarios. The possibilities are figuratively infinite.
The possibilities using this program were expanded even further when a third dimension was added to the workspace. Seen here they were able to map the bathymetry of a body of water. Showing the terrain of the benthic habitat is incredibly useful for managers and can be expanded to include things such as sonar imaging.
They learned not only to make maps, but to display raw statistical data in ways that are easy for readers to digest, understand, and retain.
The beauty of this eight week course was not only that this was another step towards graduation for the class members, but that this information can be applied to future situations in so many ways. It gave them a solid foundation to build from in order to advance themselves through their careers and gave them the tools necessary to learn more about the program on their own, in a way that is entirely theirs in which they can be proud of.
