With the attribute data associated with a layer within your map  it is possible to ask many questions and have them answered. This can be achieved through the functionality available within desktop GIS. These questions could include relationships between features, also known as objects, within the map layers.  

With a paper map you can only view the information that is present on the map at the scale provided. You could take a closer look if you use a magnifying glass if you wanted to look at a specific detail. But apart from that if you wanted additional information you would have to look at more detailed maps of the area of interest.

Prior to the introduction of computer technology the world was explored with the help of hand crafted maps and globes. Within a fairly short period of time, less than forty years, computers have enabled us to better understand our world through the medium of geographical information systems. These systems were initially the province of government departments and very large organisations who could afford mainframe computer systems. Over time, computing power has increased whilst computers have become smaller and more financially viable for even the smallest organisation.   

Many local authorities have been using proprietary software such as MapInfo and ArcGIS for many years now. Their level of investment means that the suppliers of this software are keen to retain this valuable market. Perhaps as much as 50% of the UK market is made up of various local and national government agencies who need the power of these desktop software products in their workplace. The fact that both MapInfo and ArcGIS are proven and reliable desktop GIS solutions means that they have a valuable customer base which needs support, training, additional software modules as well as various upgrades over time.

JPS Services will be holding one and two day training courses in Central London during 2014.

February 2014

Day One Wednesday 19th

Day Two Thursday 20th

April 2014

Day One Wednesday 23rd

Day Two Thursday 24th

You can book one or two day training courses by completing the enquiry form. If you book two consecutive days the course cost is £450 for two days per person. If you decide to book individual days the course cost is £250 per day per person.

The courses assume you are familiar with the Windows interface. Having used a spreadsheet or database would also be of advantage but is not essential for this introductory course.

Aims of this course

Who is the course designed for?

This course is designed for anyone who wishes to make better use of MapInfo Professional whatever their working environment. Whether you are completely new, self taught or have some experience with MapInfo Professional this course will give you clear guidance to the key questions that you need to answer to benefit from using the software.

What can you learn from this course?

Through many examples, advice, tips, methods and exercises you will learn how to avoid some of the common pitfalls and make best use of MapInfo Professional in a language which is clear and available to everyone.

Pre-requisites

The pre-requisites necessary to make best use of MapInfo Professional are as follows:-

• A good understanding of the Windows interface and Internet Explorer ( file handling, directory creation).
  
• Ability to work with spreadsheet tables such as in Excel, for example.
  

Understanding databases such as Access for example would be advantageous. The familiarity with any software using layers and vector design such as AutoCAD or the use any form of GIS would also be helpful.

Understanding how MapInfo stores information about you maps is important from the point of correctly renaming and deleting files. For most file types such as spreadsheet and word processing documents deleting or renaming files can be easily achieved through the windows explorer interface. However, if you wish to rename or delete MapInfo .tab files you should always do so through the MapInfo file interface. The reason for always using this method is to avoid file errors which could occur if you inadvertently used the windows explorer option.

When you close a Map or Browser window in MapInfo you are not necessarily closing the file. This can sometimes be confusing for those starting out with MapInfo as a GIS solution. When you click on the red X button, on the corner of the window in a word processing document or a spreadsheet, you can normally expect that the file is actually closed.

The main thing to remember, with regard to any desktop GIS system, is that if you get the basic set up correct in the first place, you will save a lot of hassle later on. By this, I mean you need to sit down and evaluate what you want to achieve from use of the GIS before attempting to create your project.

As the three major systems, ArcGIS, MapInfo and QGIS, place certain constraints on how you input, display and print data it is important to understand what is feasible and what is not. Remember that you are usually creating a series of layers on top of the base map which contains the foundational information  of the project. 

ps services are offering  introductory Quantum GIS training courses in Oxford in September, October and in London in October and November 2013. These open source GIS training courses will cover all the main features and functionality of QGIS which is a powerful and fully functioning GIS desktop software solution.

One day courses are taking place in Oxford in September and October. Two day courses, which are taking place in London in October and November, will have more time to cover the software in greater depth than the one day Oxford courses.

Both courses also offer 30 day email support to ensure that those attending can build on the training days and effectively use the software to meet their objectives.