What This Document Is
This is a lab exercise designed to guide users through working with geodetic control data – precise measurements of location – specifically within the context of southern Louisiana. It’s part of an Applied GIS Workshop focused on post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in New Orleans. The material centers around utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, likely ArcGIS, to analyze and interpret this critical spatial data. It’s a hands-on exploration of how real-world coordinate data is accessed, imported, and potentially utilized within a GIS environment.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students and professionals involved in GIS analysis, spatial data management, surveying, or disaster recovery planning. Anyone needing to understand how to integrate highly accurate location data into their GIS projects will find this helpful. Specifically, those working with elevation models, infrastructure planning, or assessing land change will benefit from understanding the principles outlined here. It’s particularly relevant for projects focused on coastal regions or areas prone to subsidence, where accurate vertical control is essential.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This resource focuses on a specific geographic area (Louisiana, particularly Orleans Parish) and a particular GIS software version (ArcGIS 9.0). While the concepts are broadly applicable, the exact steps and interface details may differ with other software or regions. It assumes a basic familiarity with GIS principles and software operation; it doesn’t provide a comprehensive introduction to GIS itself. Furthermore, it concentrates on data *acquisition* and initial *integration* – it doesn’t delve into advanced analysis techniques or data quality assessment beyond initial checks.
What This Document Provides
* Guidance on locating and downloading geodetic control data from national and state-level data repositories.
* Instructions on incorporating external data sources, such as ArcIMS image services, as foundational layers within a GIS project.
* An overview of data formats commonly used for geodetic control, including shapefiles.
* A practical workflow for adding and displaying geodetic control data within a GIS mapping environment.
* References to additional online resources for GIS data and services.
