LI Course
CE Hours: 6 contact hours

Partnership: Penn State University

Statement of Purpose and Institute Overview: Geographic information systems have become indispensable tools for epidemiologic and health services research. Consequently, the need for training basic and applied research and education in geographic information science has never been greater. GIS plays a critical role in tracking public health trends and determining intervention strategies, including, childhood immunization, increasing access to healthcare, establishing targeted intervention areas and finding more cost-effective delivery modes. The purpose of this course is to train public health professionals in the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) by utilizing Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software (version 9.2) and health-related data provided by the instructors. This course is a one day (6-hour) dual instructor lead, hands-on, workshop providing short lectures and requiring participants to work through real-life examples using GIS data provided during the workshop. The following topics will be discussed in the short lectures: the desktop ArcGIS software interface, getting geographic data into ArcGIS, geographic data display, data symbology and classification, attribute data queries, and spatial data queries. Each concept discussed in the short lecture will be followed by an applied exercise utilizing the ArcGIS software completed by workshop participants. Participants will be provided with a workbook and GIS data CD corresponding to the exercises that can be repeated when they return from the conference. At the end of this course, participants will be familiar with the concept of a geographic information system and will be able to map and identify trends and patterns and present them visually in reports or presentations.

Session Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will -- •Be familiar with the concept of a Geographic Information System (GIS). •Comprehend the nature of geographic data. •Apply geographic data within the ESRI ArcGIS software. •Demonstrate the ability to display and classify data categories in the ArcGIS software. •Apply the ability to do spatial queries within ArcGIS software. •Apply the ability to do attribute queries within ArcGIS software. •Gain the ability to identify trends and patterns with data sets by creating visual maps.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing