Finding, Organizing, and Creating Spatial Data

To produce a compelling and attractive map, it is necessary to have quality data. However, finding quality data and using it to prepare maps can be quite challenging. This workshop will begin with a review of different types of spatial data, how to access it, and strategies for understanding and organizing it. We will then focus on creating our own data by georeferencing scanned paper maps. Georeferencing involves assigning geographic coordinates to images (e.g., maps, aerial photos) that lack a defined coordinate system. Georeferencing helps us locate where an image is located in the world so we can effectively use it in GIS software. Ideally, participants should have basic knowledge of GIS software or have attended the Introduction to GIS session. This workshop requires Photoshop and ArcMap. If you are affiliated with the University of Kentucky and do not have the software on your computer, you will need to consult UK Information Technology Services to find campus computers with the software installed. The presentation slides are available by clicking the Download button on the right. The scanned map for the workshop activity, as well as the video and audio files of this workshop, are listed as additional files below and are available for download