GIS Exercises in Think Globally, Act Regionally

The module exercises are designed to reinforce the concepts taught in the modules and teach students operational skills so that they can create maps similar to the ones in Think Globally, Act Regionally. Each step-by-step exercise contains learning objectives that describe what students will learn in the module. The exercises show students how to perform the kinds of analysis described in the modules and create GIS maps.

The step-by-step exercises do not just involve a mechanical process of clicking on the right buttons; they require students to think about what they are doing and why. To reinforce what they have learned students can complete a “Your Turn” exercise after each exercise to practice the skills covered in the exercise. The final exercise asks students to pull together everything they have learned and apply it to an urban policy issue of their choosing in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan region.

Data files for the exercises are contained in a CD-ROM that comes with the book. The exercise data requires ArcGIS 9.0 or higher and the Spatial Analyst extension.

Following is a list of links to the learning objectives for each exercise. For an example that includes learning objectives, steps, and "Your Turn" questions, click here.

Exercises

Part I – Urbanization, GIS, and data visualization

Exercise 1 – Introduction to GIS

Exercise 2 – Taming urbanization with GIS

Part II – Raster GIS, multivariate data graphics, and balancing the natural and built environment

Exercise 3 – Introduction

Exercise 4 – Balancing nature with the built environment

Part III – Promoting spatial equity and regional integration with GIS and data visualization

Exercise 5 – Creating map symbology

Exercise 6 – Creating map layouts

PART IV – Using GIS in regional planning

Exercise 7 – Bringing it all together in the metro region (Portland, Oregon)