Task List for Technical Programs

Editor Numbers are linked to a list of assigned editors and unit writers.
A simplified List of Units is linked here.

1. Accessing Spatial Data Sources
- 1.2 Locate data (Editor 1)
  
  Finding and preparing data for use in a GIS is often the preliminary task performed by the GIS technician. Data can be located in a variety of ways; most data types are formatted in specific ways which are peculiar to that data type. In addition, most data types can be located in a relatively small set of libraries, archives and government offices. Focusing on the specific type and geographic domain of data can narrow the search to those specific places which house a particular type of data. Understanding the characteristics of local, regional, national, and global data archives can improve the efficiency of data searches. Similarly Internet data searches can be improved by knowing where data can be found.
  1.3 Assessing data (Editor 2)
  
  Understanding the quality of the data which has been located or created is an important step in spatial data handling. Issues such as scale, data quality, temporal issues, etc. are important in evaluating alternative data sets and selecting the most appropriate materials.
  1.4 Converting data (Editor 2)
  
  Converting data requires a knowledge of one's own working environment and the requirements of the local computing system. It also requires a general understanding of the broad range of spatial data formats available, and the use of compatible transfer formats.
2. Creating Digital Spatial Data

Creating Digital Spatial Data is often required when appropriate data do not exist. This involves automating analog data through digitizing or scanning or using digital GPS, COGO, or CAD data to create explicit spatial data.
3. Managing Spatial Data

Spatial data is usually stored, manipulated, and used over long periods of time by multiple individuals. Protecting the integrity of a spatial database is an important and difficult task given the ease with which spatial data can be altered, often in irreversible ways.

3.1 Edit spatial data (Editor 7)

3.1.1 Edit point data (UNIT 26)

Adding points
Moving points
Editing point attributes
Reorganizing point data (sorting, renumbering)
Protecting data and documenting alterations
Adding annotation

3.1.2 Edit linear data (UNIT 27)

Adding arcs and nodes
Extending arcs
Removing or repairing spatial errors
Editing nodes
Building topology
Using dissolve operators
Editing arc node attributes
Protecting data and documenting alterations
Adding annotation

3.1.3 Edit polygon data (UNIT 28)

Creating polygons
Removing sliver polygons
Using dissolve operators
Adding and removing nodes and vertices
Removing dangling arcs and nodes
Editing polygon attributes
Adding, moving and renumbering polygon labels
Building and protecting topology
Protecting data and documenting alterations
Adding annotation

3.1.4 Edit raster data (UNIT 29)

3.2 Validate databases (UNIT 30) (Editor 8)

3.2.1 Formal evaluation of data accuracy

Why is this done
What are the tasks

3.3 Manage database files (UNIT 31) (Editor 8)

3.3.1 Adding and deleting attributes

3.3.2 Organizing and retrieving database files

3.3.3 Using sort operators

3.4 Manage digital libraries (Editor 8) (UNIT 32)

3.4.1 Tiling data layers
3.4.2 Building a library
3.4.3 Retrieving data from a library
4. Analyzing Spatial Data (Editor 9)

4.1 Use buffering operators (UNIT 33)

4.1.1 buffering points
4.1.2 buffering polygons
4.1.3 buffering arcs
4.1.4 creating and using uniform buffers
4.1.5 creating and using variable buffers

4.2 Using overlay operators

4.2.1 Perform pre/post overlay tasks (UNIT 34)

Evaluating slivers and eliminating spurious polygons

4.2.2 Perform overlay operations (UNIT 34)

Using Boolean operators
Performing overlay operations

4.2.3 Perform point in polygon operations (UNIT 35)
4.2.4 Perform line in polygon operations (UNIT 35)

4.3 Use distance and connectivity operators (UNIT 36)

4.3.1 Measuring distances in raster data
4.3.2 Measuring distances in vector data
4.3.3.Using shortest path operators
4.3.4 Understanding distance measures

4.4 Characterizing spatial neighborhoods or regions

4.4.1 Data compression (UNIT 37)

Using field mathematical operators to derive raster regions
Deriving vector regions

4.4.2 Data expansion (UNIT 38)

Using multiple fields/layers to derive new fields/layers
Combining attributes to calculate new attributes
Creating and using constant variables

4.5 Perform statistical analyses (UNIT 39)

4.5.1 Aspatial attribute statistics
4.5.2 Spatial attribute statistics

4.6 Use reclassification operators (UNIT 40)

4.6.1 Clustering
4.6.2 Generalizing using an attribute (dissolve operator)
4.6.3 Density slicing
4.6.4 Using spatial filters

4.7 Use boolean search techniques (UNIT 41)

4.7.1 Query writing
4.7.2 Using relate operators
4.7.3 Using reselect operators

4.8 Use map algebra (UNIT 42)

4.8.1 map algebra operators
4.8.2 preparing data for map algebra (recoding)

4.9 Use derivative surface operators (UNIT 43)

4.9.1 Types of surface operators
4.9.2 Using surface functions
4.9.3 Using terrain models

4.10 Use hydrologic models (UNIT 44)

4.10.1 Flow and accumulation functions
4.10.2 Delineating watersheds and basins
4.10.3 Stream ordering

4.11 Use location/allocation operators (UNIT 45)

4.11.1 What is location allocation
4.12.2 Understanding location/allocation models

4.12 Perform address matching (UNIT 46)

4.12.1 Using address matching to generate greater thematic and spatial resolution
5. Reporting on Spatial Data (Editor 10)

5.1 Visualizing and Representing Spatial Data

5.1.1 Prepare materials for on-screen visualization (UNIT 47)

Reselecting data for visualization
Selecting effective symbols for CRT plotting
Setting display environments (canvas colors, symbol sets etc.)
5.1.2 Design products for printing (UNIT 48)

Selecting an appropriate map type for your data.
Using cartographic primitives (lines, symbols, colors).
Understanding the use of text on maps
Documenting printed products (metadata).
Using computer graphic systems for finish design (Corel, Adobe, etc.)

5.2 Plotting and Printing Spatial Data

5.2.1 Operate plotter/printer hardware (UNIT 49)

Understanding pen plotters, ink jets, laser, etc.
Configuring and operating a plotter
Configuring and operating a printer

5.2.2 Operate plotter/printer software (UNIT 50)

Formatting plot files
Scaling maps for plotter formats
Preparing postscript files

5.3 Prepare digital presentations (UNIT 51)

5.3.1 Writing demonstration macros
5.3.2 Caption and text writing

6. Implementing and Managing GIS (Editor 11)

6.1 Manage a project (UNIT 52)

6.1.1 Equipping and maintaining a GIS lab
6.1.2 Determining client specifications
6.1.3 Time and manpower budgets
6.1.4 Bid preparation
6.1.5 Defining deliverables
6.1.6 Quality control
6.1.7 Scheduling
6.1.8 Packaging a GIS project

6.2 Communicate about and distribute GIS products (UNIT 53)

6.2.1 Advertising
6.2.2 Presenting demonstrations
6.2.3 Providing training and support

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Task List for Technical Programs

1. Accessing Spatial Data Sources

1.1 Acquiring existing digital data (Editor 1)

1.1.1 Acquire data (UNIT 1)

1.2 Locate data (Editor 1)

1.2.1 Locate demographic data (UNIT 2)

1.2.2 Locate transportation networks (UNIT 3)

1.2.3 Locate land records (UNIT 4)

1.2.4 Locate natural resources data (UNIT 5)

1.2.5 Locate terrain data (UNIT 6)

1.3 Assessing data (Editor 2)

1.3.1 Use and interpret metadata (UNIT 7)

1.3.2 Check for errors (UNIT 8)

1.4 Converting data (Editor 2)

1.4.1 Convert digital spatial data between formats, systems, and software (UNIT 9)

1.4.2 Project data (UNIT 10)

1.4.3 Register and conflate data (UNIT 11)

2. Creating Digital Spatial Data

2.1 Digitizing (Editor 3)

2.1.1 Plan a digitizing project (UNIT 12)

2.1.2 Digitize maps (UNIT 13)

2.1.3 Digitize on-screen (UNIT 14)

2.1.4 Label data (UNIT 15)

2.2 Scanning (Editor 4)

2.2.1 Plan a scanning project (UNIT 16)

2.2.2 Scan maps (UNIT 17)

2.2.3 Scan airphotos (UNIT 18)

2.3 Creating tabular data (Editor 5)

2.3.1 Plan a tabular database (UNIT 19)

2.3.2 Use text editors (UNIT 20)

2.3.3 Use spreadsheets (UNIT 21)

2.3.4 Merge tabular data with spatial data (UNIT 22)

2.4 Creating maps with CAD (Editor 6) (UNIT 23)

2.5 Using GPS data (Editor 6)

2.5.1 Collect GPS data (UNIT 24)

2.5.2 Use GPS coordinates to register spatial data (UNIT 24)

2.5.3 Create a spatial database using GPS data (UNIT 24)

2.6 CoGo (Editor 6) (UNIT 25)

3. Managing Spatial Data

3.1 Edit spatial data (Editor 7)

3.1.1 Edit point data (UNIT 26)

3.1.2 Edit linear data (UNIT 27)

3.1.3 Edit polygon data (UNIT 28)

3.1.4 Edit raster data (UNIT 29)

3.2 Validate databases (UNIT 30) (Editor 8)

3.2.1 Formal evaluation of data accuracy

3.3 Manage database files (UNIT 31) (Editor 8) 3.3.1 Adding and deleting attributes 3.3.2 Organizing and retrieving database files 3.3.3 Using sort operators 3.4 Manage digital libraries (Editor 8) (UNIT 32) 3.4.1 Tiling data layers 3.4.2 Building a library 3.4.3 Retrieving data from a library

4. Analyzing Spatial Data (Editor 9)

4.2.1 Perform pre/post overlay tasks (UNIT 34)

4.2.2 Perform overlay operations (UNIT 34)

4.2.3 Perform point in polygon operations (UNIT 35) 4.2.4 Perform line in polygon operations (UNIT 35)

4.3 Use distance and connectivity operators (UNIT 36)

4.3.1 Measuring distances in raster data 4.3.2 Measuring distances in vector data 4.3.3.Using shortest path operators 4.3.4 Understanding distance measures

4.4 Characterizing spatial neighborhoods or regions

4.4.1 Data compression (UNIT 37)

4.4.2 Data expansion (UNIT 38)

4.5 Perform statistical analyses (UNIT 39)

4.5.1 Aspatial attribute statistics 4.5.2 Spatial attribute statistics

4.6 Use reclassification operators (UNIT 40)

4.6.1 Clustering 4.6.2 Generalizing using an attribute (dissolve operator) 4.6.3 Density slicing 4.6.4 Using spatial filters

4.7 Use boolean search techniques (UNIT 41)

4.7.1 Query writing 4.7.2 Using relate operators 4.7.3 Using reselect operators

4.8 Use map algebra (UNIT 42)

4.8.1 map algebra operators 4.8.2 preparing data for map algebra (recoding)

4.9 Use derivative surface operators (UNIT 43)

4.9.1 Types of surface operators 4.9.2 Using surface functions 4.9.3 Using terrain models

4.10 Use hydrologic models (UNIT 44)

4.10.1 Flow and accumulation functions 4.10.2 Delineating watersheds and basins 4.10.3 Stream ordering

4.11 Use location/allocation operators (UNIT 45)

4.11.1 What is location allocation 4.12.2 Understanding location/allocation models

4.12 Perform address matching (UNIT 46)

4.12.1 Using address matching to generate greater thematic and spatial resolution

5. Reporting on Spatial Data (Editor 10)

5.1 Visualizing and Representing Spatial Data 5.1.1 Prepare materials for on-screen visualization (UNIT 47)

5.1.2 Design products for printing (UNIT 48)

5.2 Plotting and Printing Spatial Data

5.2.1 Operate plotter/printer hardware (UNIT 49)

5.2.2 Operate plotter/printer software (UNIT 50)

5.3 Prepare digital presentations (UNIT 51)

5.3.1 Writing demonstration macros 5.3.2 Caption and text writing

3.3 Manage database files (UNIT 31) (Editor 8)

3.3.1 Adding and deleting attributes

3.3.2 Organizing and retrieving database files

3.3.3 Using sort operators

3.4 Manage digital libraries (Editor 8) (UNIT 32)

3.4.1 Tiling data layers
3.4.2 Building a library
3.4.3 Retrieving data from a library

4.2.3 Perform point in polygon operations (UNIT 35)
4.2.4 Perform line in polygon operations (UNIT 35)

4.3.1 Measuring distances in raster data
4.3.2 Measuring distances in vector data
4.3.3.Using shortest path operators
4.3.4 Understanding distance measures

4.5.1 Aspatial attribute statistics
4.5.2 Spatial attribute statistics

4.6.1 Clustering
4.6.2 Generalizing using an attribute (dissolve operator)
4.6.3 Density slicing
4.6.4 Using spatial filters

4.7.1 Query writing
4.7.2 Using relate operators
4.7.3 Using reselect operators

4.8.1 map algebra operators
4.8.2 preparing data for map algebra (recoding)

4.9.1 Types of surface operators
4.9.2 Using surface functions
4.9.3 Using terrain models

4.10.1 Flow and accumulation functions
4.10.2 Delineating watersheds and basins
4.10.3 Stream ordering

4.11.1 What is location allocation
4.12.2 Understanding location/allocation models

5.1 Visualizing and Representing Spatial Data

5.1.1 Prepare materials for on-screen visualization (UNIT 47)

5.3.1 Writing demonstration macros
5.3.2 Caption and text writing

6.1.1 Equipping and maintaining a GIS lab
6.1.2 Determining client specifications
6.1.3 Time and manpower budgets
6.1.4 Bid preparation
6.1.5 Defining deliverables
6.1.6 Quality control
6.1.7 Scheduling
6.1.8 Packaging a GIS project

6.2.1 Advertising
6.2.2 Presenting demonstrations
6.2.3 Providing training and support