CLASS SCHEDULE
For more information, please
contact Jere Folgert at (406) 580-1314 or Montana State University
Billings at (406) 657-2203
Video-Based Training for ArcGIS (r) Desktop
Global Positions, LLC. has provided
professional training and customized courses in Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) including the ArcView GIS Software by ESRI. Currently, we
are not teaching classes at this time.
Our Senior GIS Professional has a
Masters Degree in GIS, is a Member of the General Council at the
University of Edinburgh, Great Britain and has provided GIS training to
personnel at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Prentice Hall
Publishing, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USDA NRCS, Adventure Travel
Company, United Parcel Service, University Professors, private industry,
many state and county governments and the National Weather Service.
COMMENTS FROM A FEW STUDENTS:
- "Excellent Teacher and well
done..."
Mari Jaynes,
Montana State University
Thomas Duff,
Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana
- "This class was excellent and
very well organized. Jere did a wonderful job instructing the
course"
Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS) Spokane, WA
- "I thoroughly enjoyed this
course and felt I learned a lot..."
Robert Belcourt,
Chippewa Cree Tribe
- "I really enjoyed the Class.
Jere did a great job!"
Bill
Mathews, National Weather Service, MT
- "Now only did Mr. Folgert
provide solid training on ArcVIew, he gave us a lot of background
information on GIS and the Internet"
Jane Kristine, Mercy
General Hospital, ME
- "The Instructor provided a
very good explanation of the material. His background knowledge
made the class worth while!"
Marie Wilson,
Adventures Plus
WHY IS EDUCATION IMPORTANT?
Purpose
- Education is a prudent and an essential investment. New pervasive
technologies such as GIS, demand highly trained personnel. As geographic
information technology moves from innovation to maturity, our educational
concerns will also increase. Many organizations are faced
with the need for renewal in an age of constant change and innovation.
Overall, there is a need for existing workers to acquire practical
knowledge and skill in the subject of geographic information systems
(GIS). Learning to use a GIS effectively the users must not only know how
to use the software and hardware which the system is comprised by how
geographic information is going to help them solve problems in their
related field.
Objectives
- Global Positions, LLC.'s training objective is to
provide directly or indirectly, the appropriate attitude, knowledge,
behavior patterns and skills for each unique user of GIS. The types of
learning required range from specifically related to the technology to
application of technology to application of technology to user's tasks.
The purpose of educating users is to provide an understanding of the
subject matter and the philosophy of the field. An ingredient crucial to
the training success is to justify the efforts of learning, by explaining
to the organization's managers and trainees, the philosophy behind using a
GIS for their work, and why its use is beneficial.
Implementation of Training
- There are a number of differences in the way GIS are
implemented an used, which can effect how GIS can be taught in any
specific location. A number of training options are available including
introduction seminars, conference workshops, professional workshops,
distance learning and self-directed programs. We often study the job,
prepare selection procedures, devise training methods, design training
handbooks, administer training and finally, review the effectiveness of
training.
What is GIS?
Simply put, a GIS combines layers of information
about a place to give you a better understanding of that place. What
layers of information you combine depends on your purpose—finding the best
location for a new store, analyzing environmental damage, viewing similar
crimes in a city to detect a pattern, and so on.

Whether your use of GIS is casual
or professional, some form of education or technical training is
highly recommended. GIS applies a scientific process to the tasks for which
it is used. Good training will better equip you to understand that process
and apply it properly. There are four main methods of
learning GIS:
Self-Study Approach
With a self study approach, you learn on your own using workbooks and
CD–ROMs. This type of learning works best for individuals who are highly
motivated, who can do the work and master the content with little outside
support.
Instructor-Led Technical
Training
With this approach, "overview", or specialized training is offered by
individuals who know GIS very well.. Instructor-led classes allow you to
focus completely on the task at hand, free of daily distractions, and allow
for better instructor–student interaction.
Formal GIS Degree from a
University or a Certification Programs
This type of learning is recommended for those who want a thorough
understanding of the principles of GIS verses learning a particular software
package such as ArcGIS. Many colleges and universities throughout the
world offer GIS programs.
Online (web-based) Learning
This approach is tied to a self-study approach, in that it works best for
motivated, independent learners who want or need flexibility in their
training schedule or location and for those who cannot afford the time away
from work to attend traditional classes. Web-based training lets you control
the pace at which you learn and is very affordable.

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