CAPDU 1999 GIS workshop -- preliminary outline

The purpose of the workshop is to provide the conference participants with an opportunity to be introduced to the basic principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and to gain some experience using a GIS software. Previous experience in GIS is not a prerequisite. The workshop is divided into four sections as described below.

PART 1: Lecture (9:30 ­ 11:00)

A 2.5 hour lecture will provide participants with an introduction to the principles of GIS with a particular focus on topics that are especially relevant for the audience. The plan of the lecture is as followed:

  1. Defining Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
  2. The Four Components of GIS and the Computerized Components of a GIS
  3. Common Functions and Treatments of GIS applications
  4. Types of Data Models and Digitizing
  5. Most Common File Types and Translation of Geographic Data
  6. Review of GIS Software

PART 2: Demonstration (11:15 ­ 12:15)

In this demonstration, instructions on how to use MapInfo will be provided to participants so as to prepare them for an afternoon hands-on practice. As well, the demonstration will cover some of the most interesting features of MapInfo and other GIS applications.

PART 3: Practical workshop using MapInfo (13:30 ­ 16:00)

Using a step-by-step hand-out, participants will work on producing maps and basic GIS analyses using MapInfo in a Windows environment. During this 2 ½ hour practice session, each sub-groups of 6 to 8 people will be supervised by an individual instructor.

Carl Drouin