Data Visualization and ArcGIS

Course Objectives

By the end of the course students should be able to:

  1. Explain the different toolbars and features of ArcGIS

  2. Identify potential spatial data quality issues for their data

  3. Prepare data for spatial applications

  4. Learn common spatial methodologies

  5. Learn the ArcGIS interface and other spatial tools

  6. Create vibrant maps to represent healthcare data using ArcGIS

Course Requirements

No prior knowledge of data visualization or data visualization software is expected. Familiarity with administrative healthcare data and basic statistical and data analysis procedures is assumed. Prior experience with ArcGIS is helpful but not essential.

Installation of ArcGIS is required prior to Session 1*

Topics
Maps, health data, visualization and cartography
Preparing your data for visualization
Introduction to ArcGIS interface and ArcGIS software
Adding and ordering data
Joins and relates
Visualizing spatial relationships and multiple data layers
PowerPoint Posted: January 30th
Creating your first map: Insets, charts, and production layouts
PowerPoint Posted: February 1st
Map operations (summary statistics, spatial joins, clip, intersects)
Symbolization and map elements
Map creation
Labelling
Building a geocoder
Interactive maps

Helpful reading overview material for GIS in Public Health:

Fradelos, Evangelos C., Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Dimitra Mitsi, Konstantinos Tsaras, Christos F. Kleisiaris, and Lambrini Kourkouta. “Health Based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Their Applications.” Acta Informatica Medica 22, no. 6 (December 2014): 402–5. https://doi.org/10.5455/aim.2014.22.402-405.

Musa, George J., Po-Huang Chiang, Tyler Sylk, Rachel Bavley, William Keating, Bereketab Lakew, Hui-Chen Tsou, and Christina W. Hoven. “Use of GIS Mapping as a Public Health Tool—From Cholera to Cancer.” Health Services Insights 6 (November 19, 2013): 111–16. https://doi.org/10.4137/HSI.S10471.