Students will work with in-demand digital tools used for spatial information and analytics, such as Excel, Google Earth, ArcGIS Pro and Story Maps. They will perform team project-based activities to develop important communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills.

Microsoft Excel: This basic Excel training covers several important components that can help you become proficient in using Excel to organize, analyze, and visualize data. You’ll learn how to format cells and text, including changing font styles, colors, sizes, and alignment, as well as understanding essential formulas and functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and COUNT to perform calculations and analyze data. You’ll also learn how to sort and filter data in Excel worksheets to better organize and analyze information, create various types of charts and graphs from data in Excel to visually represent and analyze data, and use conditional formatting to highlight cells that meet specific criteria. Additionally, you’ll learn how to create PivotTables, an essential tool for analyzing and summarizing large amounts of data in Excel, and how to use a line chart to create a trend line that can be used for forecasting future trends and patterns in your data. By mastering these components, you’ll be able to use Excel more effectively and efficiently, and make better decisions based on the insights gained from your data.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): The GIS module provides students with an opportunity to learn a computer-based tool that uses spatial data to analyze and solve real-world problems. The module’s primary goal is to introduce students to the fundamental principles and techniques of GIS, with the aim of developing an understanding of geographic space and how maps represent it. By the end of the module, students will be able to read maps, discuss information gleaned from them, and create maps using graphical and tabular data in ArcGIS Pro. The module will focus on teaching students how to collect data and build maps using ArcGIS Pro. Overall, this module will equip students with valuable skills in spatial data analysis and map-making that can be applied across various fields and disciplines.
Download the install the ArcGIS Pro on your Windows Desktop/laptop (Step-by-step)

ArcGIS Story Maps: This module is focused on teaching students how to use ArcGIS Story Maps, a powerful tool that can enhance any curriculum. Story Maps are web-based applications that allow educators to present information in an interactive and engaging way by combining maps, multimedia, and text to create a dynamic narrative. This tool can be used across a wide range of subjects, such as geography, history, and environmental studies, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore complex topics in a visual way and develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. By creating their own Story Maps, students can showcase their understanding of the subject matter and communicate their ideas in a creative and engaging way.

GIS Project (For Interns):
Students will independent project based on their area of interest. The project should be limited to New York City area. Instructor will help student in acquiring and processing data that will be imported in GIS framework.  Here is the source for GIS data for NYC area.

GIS Assignment and Presentation Upload