THE 2004
INTERMOUNTAIN GIS CONFERENCE


Workshop Details

 
Practical Census Applications
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This hands on workshop will give attendees the opportunity to explore the myriad of demographic and economic information available from the U.S. Census Bureau. Learn from an expert with 20+ years of experience how to gather information on population, housing, or socioeconomic data from the Census Bureau's online database, American Fact Finder. We will cover the history, current status, and future of TIGER data (the 1:100,000 scale line work collected and maintained by the Census) from the man who helped to develop the dataset. We'll format Census databases for use in ArcMap. We'll look at some interesting and unusual real world applications of the data to evaluate and analyze fire risk to communities, visualize potentially sensitive areas and appropriate areas for growth, consider population growth in terms of increased travel patterns, and look at the impacts of growth on habitat.
Instructor(s):
Jim Castegnari - U.S. Census Bureau
Jerry O'Donnell - U.S. Census Bureau
Ken Wall - GeoData Services Inc.
Kris Larson - Montana Census and Economic Information Center

 
The Montana Transportation Framework Project
Building a Statewide Seamless Multi-jurisdictional
Road Network
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This workshop will introduce the components and structure of statewide transportation GIS database that leverages current investments in transportation data to more effectively support applications ranging from E911 to wildland fire.
Instructor(s):
Mark Tripp - Montana Information Technology Services Division
Mike Sweet - The University of Montana

 
Montana Address Data Model
CANCELLED - Content moved to concurrent sessions
Time: Location:
Abstract:
Instructor(s):

 
The Zen of ArcView
Basic Techniques for ArcGIS 8.3
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
The longest journey begins with a single step, but if you start off on the wrong foot with ArcGIS, the trip can be a painful one. This workshop covers techniques everyone needs to know to work effectively in ArcGIS; such as dealing with projections, symbolizing data correctly, creating metadata and setting up clean, reusable Layouts. The workshop concentrates on methods to streamline the workflow within ArcGIS and help you produce attractive maps and GIS products. Attendees will receive a copy of the workshop notes, as well as further enlightenment into the Zen of ArcGIS.

Lecture with live demos
Instructor(s):
Ed Madej - Tetra Tech EM, Inc.

 
The Zen of ArcView
Advanced Tips and Techniques for ArcGIS 8.3
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This workshop goes beyond the basics to examine advanced techniques for performing geographic analysis and producing eye popping maps using Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst for ArcGIS. Topics covered include creating styles, using custom color ramps, utilizing the three types of advanced hillshades including painted relief maps, managing transparency, using clipping masks, and extruding and draping in 3D. Attendees will receive a copy of the workshop notes, and will take their GIS projects to a higher level of Zen!

Lecture with live demos
Instructor(s):
Ed Madej - Tetra Tech EM, Inc.

 
Introduction to Arc Objects (1)
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This one-day workshop provides the basic skills and knowledge programmers need to customize ArcGIS. Attendees build on their existing object-oriented programming knowledge and extend that knowledge to programming with ArcObjects using Microsoft VBA.

Prerequisites:
VBA or VB skills.
Instructor(s):
Chen Li - ESRI

 
Implementing ArcIMS
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
The capabilities of ArcIMS continue to expand as it is more closely integrated into the ArcGIS GIS architecture. This workshop is focused on helping participants understand the ArcIMS system architecture so that they may make informed decisions about if and how to integrate ArcIMS into their suite of GIS services and capabilities
Instructor(s):
Fred Gifford - Maxim Technologies Inc.
Dave Highness - Maxim Technologies Inc.
Bruce Godfrey - University of Idaho

 
Introduction to GPS - Hands On
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This introductory hands-on workshop provides participants with a complete overview of Field Mapping using GPS. This includes instruction for GPS pre-mission planning, data dictionary design, field data collection, data processing, and data export for GIS integration. The new hand-held sub-meter Trimble GeoXT mapping system will be used for the field mapping exercises. Trimble Pathfinder Office software will be used in the classroom. All equipment and software for the workshop will be provided.
Instructor(s):
Guner Gardenhire - Electronic Data Solutions
Dawn Dionne - Electronic Data Solutions

 
Introduction to GIS: Basic Concepts
Time:
Monday, April 19, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This workshop is designed for managers or beginning GIS users who want an introduction to the basic concepts and fundamentals of GIS. The workshop provides an overview of fundamental GIS concepts including; GIS applications, spatial data principles and models, analysis concepts, GIS products and output, and project design and management. This workshop is a good introduction to topics and ideas that will be presented during the conference. Participants will receive a notebook with workshop material as well as a CD with various free GIS software, data, and reference documents.
Instructor(s):
Allan Cox - Montana Natural Heritage Program
Stuart Challender - Bridger GeoPlan Inc.

 
Management and Use of ESRI's Spatial Database
Engine (SDE) in a 'Real-World' Implementation
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This workshop will provide an introduction to the technology, and demonstrate the following topics:
  • hardware / software considerations
  • how to install and configure SDE
  • data loading and management including vector and raster
  • data and performance tips and tricks
Each section will be accompanied by a 'live-demo' of the various aspects on SDE implementation. The workshop is designed for those new to the technology, or those planning an SDE implementation in the future.
Instructor(s):
Duane Anderson - Montana State Library

 
National Hydrography Data
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a comprehensive set of digital spatial data that contains information about surface water features such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, springs and wells. Within NHD, surface water features are combined to form 'reaches' which are then connected into a drainage network. This routed drainage network allows for the analysis and display of water related data in an upstream or downstream order.

In this hands-on workshop we will look at the data structure of the NHD, the reach drainage network system, the NHD ArcView navigation and reach indexing tools and the new NHD geodatabase format. We will also explore the benefits of storing water related data in event tables that can be linked to the NHD.

For more information about the NHD go to http://nris.state.mt.us/nsdi/nhd/
Instructor(s):
Catherine Love - Montana State Library

 
GIS in Rural Communities
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Much of the Intermountain West is rural in nature. For a variety of reasons, GIS has traditionally been implemented in more urbanized locations. However, as telecommunication technologies liberate workers in the new economy from traditional urban centers and the threat of terrorism driving populations from them, populations in the rural West are projected to rise (in some cases dramatically). For these and many other reasons the need for effective GIS is as important as ever in rural America. Author Joel Kotkin writes that "The more technology frees us from the tyranny of place and past affiliation, the greater the need for individual places to make themselves more attractive." The fact is that rural places need GIS just as much as urban ones, and as a result, the use of GIS in rural communities is gaining some needed attention.

Successfully putting GIS to work in rural communities does present some unique challenges. This workshop will cover several of these challenges by addressing topics such as: rural GIS participant partners, where to go for assistance, assessing GIS needs, getting started on the right foot, setting up your GIS, potential application areas, and planning for the growth of your GIS
Instructor(s):
Bryant Ralston - ESRI
Jim Larson - Stillwater County

 
Rural Addressing
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Of the 58 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), 16 currently provide E9-1-1 landline services. The 9-1-1 Program Office is working with all PSAPs in their various stages of E9-1-1 planning and deployments. The goal is to provide statewide E9-1-1 landline services by 2005.

To gain the full benefits of enhanced 9-1-1 service, each telephone number must be linked to a physical address, so that any 9-1-1 caller can be located by emergency service providers. In addition to providing the location for emergency responders, the physical address of the telephone will also determine how the 9-1-1 call is routed. Enhanced 9-1-1 uses a caller's location, not telephone exchange, to direct a call to the appropriate call answering center. This contrasts with current basic 9-1-1 service, which sometimes cannot route the call to an answering center capable of dispatching the emergency assistance to the caller's location. Creating physical addresses requires naming all roads, including private roads, with unique names and assigning numbers consistently to all properties.

This workshop will provide an overview of Enhanced 9-1-1, discuss the development of the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG), provide case studies of rural addressing by County jurisdictions and review software applications.
Instructor(s):
Becky Berger - Montana Information Technology Services Division
Mark Tripp - Montana Information Technology Services Division

 
Distributed GIS - Demystifying Geospatial Web Services and Networked Systems
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Alex Philp from GCS Research and Bryant Ralston from ESRI will present am introductory workshop designed to explore the fundamentals of geopublishing, distributed GIS, and geospatial Web services. Participants will explore practical and technical fundamentals to building and delivering GIS across the Internet.
Instructor(s):
Alex Philp - GCS Research
Bryant Ralston - ESRI

 
How To Use a GPS with USGS Topographic Maps
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Many GIS projects rely on effective use of GPS and topographic maps. This workshop is for those who wish to learn the fundamentals of using a GPS receiver and compass with USGS topographic maps. This workshop will explain the importance of selecting an appropriate map scale, review the basics of compass use, and demonstrate how to use GPS menus and buttons to configure the receiver. Attendees will receive instruction on the selection of north reference, coordinate system, and map datum. Designed as a "hands-on" workshop, attendees should bring a compass with their GPS receiver and owner's manual. Instructors Steve Reiter and Joseph Kerski will have 12 GPS receivers and 24 compasses for those who do not bring their own equipment to the workshop. This four-hour workshop combines classroom training with outdoor field navigation. Materials distributed include a topographic map of the local area, interpolators for both the latitude-longitude and UTM coordinate systems, a GPS "Frequently-Asked Questions" listing, and much more. Attendees will be able to determine the coordinates of a map feature, manually and automatically collect waypoints, pinpoint the location of a set of coordinates on a map, and use GPS and compass to guide them to a waypoint.
Instructor(s):
Steve Reiter - U.S. Geological Survey
Joseph Kerski - U.S. Geological Survey

 
FEMA's HAZUS-MH
Earthquake Loss Estimation Software
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Earthquake loss estimates are forecasts of damage and human and economic impacts that may result from future earthquakes. These are estimates based on current scientific and engineering knowledge.

The FEMA HAZUS earthquake loss estimation methodology is a GIS-based software program that uses mathematical formulas and information about building stock, local geology and the location and size of potential earthquakes, economic data, and other information to estimate losses from a potential earthquake. HAZUS runs in the ArcGIS 8.3 platform to map and display ground shaking, the pattern of building damage, and demographic information about a community. Once the location and size of a hypothetical earthquake is identified, HAZUS will estimate the violence of the following:
  • ground shaking
  • the number of buildings damaged
  • the number of casualties
  • the amount of damage to transportation systems
  • disruption to the electrical and water utilities
  • the number of people displaced from their homes
  • estimated cost of repairing projected damage and other effects
The HAZUS-MH software is free. Attendees will receive a copy of the software, as well as the base inventory and hazard data for Montana. For additional information contact Val Jaffe, Big Sky HAZUS Coordinator at val@teagardenstech.com.
Instructor(s):
Doug Bausch - FEMA

 
FEMA's HAZUS-MH
Flood Loss Estimation Software
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
The GIS-based HAZUS-MH flood loss estimation methodology consists of two basic analytical processes: flood hazard analysis and flood loss estimation analysis. In the hazard analysis module, characteristics such as frequency, discharge, and ground elevation are used to estimate flood depth, flood elevation, and velocity. In the loss estimation module, physical damage and economic loss is calculated based on the results of the hazard analysis. The results are displayed using a series of reports and maps.

Users may perform three levels of analysis using HAZUS Flood. The following describe the information and expertise needed for each level:
  • Level 1: All of the information needed to produce a basic estimate of local flood losses will be included as default data, based on national databases and nationally applicable methods.
  • Level 2: More accurate estimates will be needed including detailed information on local conditions. Modification of default databases will be required, along with the inclusion of local data and analyses.
  • Level 3: Detailed and site-specific input data will be used to create state-of-the-art damage estimates and situation assessment profiles. Level 3 is intended for the expert user.
The HAZUS Flood Module will be distributed to those agencies and organizations likely to have data that can be used in HAZUS. It will be primarily distributed to floodplain management officials, emergency planners, hazard mitigation officers, and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coordinators as a tool to assist in planning, mitigation, and emergency response and recovery activities.

The HAZUS-MH software is free. Attendees will receive a copy of the software, as well as the base inventory and hazard data for Montana. For additional information contact Val Jaffe, Big Sky HAZUS Coordinator at val@teagardenstech.com.
Instructor(s):
Doug Bausch - FEMA

 
Using the Soil Data Viewer (SDV)
The Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) and
The National Soil Information System (NASIS)
Standard Interpretations
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Instructor(s):
Catherine Maynard - USDA NRCS

 
Using the Soil Data Viewer (SDV)
The Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) and
The National Soil Information System (NASIS)
Project Applications
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Instructor(s):
Catherine Maynard - USDA NRCS

 
Pompey's Pillar Field Trip
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Join Bryant Ralston from ESRI and Alex Philp from GCS Research in a hands-on, Lewis and Clark field workshop dedicated to state-of-the-art Mobile GIS applications. The workshop will be conducted at the Pompey's Pillar National Monument located along the Yellowstone River east of Billings. Retracing the historical route of the Lewis and Clark expedition to Pompey's Pillar in 1806, workshop participants will engage in a detailed introduction to ESRI's ArcPAD 6.0+ software in combination with Trimble's GeoCE's GPS receiver. Participants will work with localized and customized geospatial data of the Pompey's Pillar area, use the GPS receiver for navigation, and collect new data to add to the ArcPAD project. Fundamentals of data organization, project management, GPS data accuracy, application use and more will be covered. Comparisons to historical navigation, cartography, and surveying techniques deployed by Lewis and Clark will be juxtaposed with modern mobile GIS solutions. Workshop data sets will encompass a mixture of historical data from the expedition era and modern geospatial information.

Please come prepared for fieldwork and bring appropriate clothing for possible inclimate weather. The workshop is intended as an introduction to ArcPAD and the GeoCE device.
Instructor(s):
Alex Philp - GCS Research
Bryant Ralston - ESRI

 
Introduction to Arc Objects (2)
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
This one-day workshop provides the basic skills and knowledge programmers need to customize ArcGIS. Attendees build on their existing object-oriented programming knowledge and extend that knowledge to programming with ArcObjects using Microsoft VBA.

Prerequisites:
VBA or VB skills.
Instructor(s):
Chen Li - ESRI

 
Geodatabases: What They Do and How They Work
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
By the end of the day, you will know what a geodatabase does and how it can be used to maintain integrity for spatial and tabular data. You will learn how to build rules into the database instead of writing custom editing applications. Topics include topology, networks, survey datasets, feature-linked annotation, subtypes, domains, relationships, multi-user editing, and versioning.
Instructor(s):
Jack Horton - ESRI

 
Making Sense of Federal and
State Information Sets in ArcGIS
Time:
Friday, April 23, 2004
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Confused by how to locate, format, and analyze the wealth of federal and state data sets for ArcGIS? Join USGS Geographer Joseph Kerski and Montana Census and Economic GIS Analyst Kris Larson as we walk through these methods and data sets, including work with population, soils, climate, elevation, hydrography, transportation, land use, and other raster and vector data in this useful, hands-on workshop!
Instructor(s):
Joseph Kerski - U.S. Geological Survey
Kris Larson - Montana Census and Economic Information Center

 
Enterprise Web Delivery
Time:
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location:
TBD
Abstract:
Instructor(s):
Volker Elste - Intergraph

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