Training
TopoWorks offers a variety of GIS training including custom training, classes and workshops. Our instructor is highly qualified and has received outstanding course evaluations (view student feedback below).
To schedule a class or workshop in your area or to request a quote for training at your site, contact us at training@topoworks.com or (317)674-3396.
To schedule a class or workshop in your area or to request a quote for training at your site, contact us at training@topoworks.com or (317)674-3396.
Custom Training
Custom training is designed to meet specific organization and user needs. We offer individual tutoring as well as tailored courses. Tailored courses can be completely customized classes with new courseware that incorporates specific scenarios, exercises, and data or they can be shorter workshops focusing on the topics of most interest.
Workshop: Creating Models with the ModelBuilder in ArcGIS
The ModelBuilder environment provides a graphical interface for building geoprocessing models which allow you to perform analysis and automate common tasks. ModelBuilder helps you more fully utilize your GIS by providing a rich environment that integrates GIS and process models. This half-day workshop will help you learn how to create and execute models with geoprocessing tools and data, how to use the ModelBuilder environment to document and distribute your models so they can be used by others, and how to use scripts with your models. This workshop emphasizes hands-on practice through software exercises to accomplish GIS workflows.
Topics covered:
Topics covered:
- Creating a simple model: geoprocessing framework; creating a model; states of model elements; parameters; executing models, intermediate data
- Working with models: environment settings; embedding models; using variables; managing parameters; documentation; saving and sharing
- Using scripts with models: introduction to scripting; creating scripts from models; writing a script; executing scripts; adding parameters to a script; incorporating a script into a model
Workshop: Geoprocessing with Python in ArcGIS
This half-day workshop will help you learn how to use Python in ArcGIS. Participants will learn some fundamentals of Python, ways to use Python in ArcGIS, creating scripts that utilize the features in the ArcPy site-package and how to add scripts as geoprocessing tools in ArcGIS. This workshop emphasizes hands-on practice through software exercises utilizing Python and ArcGIS.
Topics covered:
Topics covered:
- ArcGIS Python window; Python scripts; ArcPy site-package; Python syntax; Python in the field calculator
- Testing for existence; cursors; listing data; common script errors
- Capturing arguments, adding a script as a tool, error handling and messaging; help for scripting
To schedule this workshop at your site, contact us at training@topoworks.com or (317)674-3396.
About the Instructor: Melissa Brenneman
Melissa is a professional Trainer and GIS Analyst with more than 25 years of progressive and responsible experience.
She graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and received her Master of Science degree in Biology from the same University in 1995.
Following graduation in 1995, Melissa worked for Esri, Inc. in Redlands, CA. Melissa held positions as instructor, course development manager, educational specialist, and Esri Virtual Campus Content Manager.
In 2001, Melissa left Esri to pursue GIS experience in a field that would allow her to utilize her education in Biology. She was employed by the Redlands Institute of the University of Redlands as a Senior GIS Analyst. While there, she worked on a variety of projects. She was the Cartographic Manager for the Salton Sea Atlas, a full color coffee table style atlas communicating issues and maps to the Salton Sea community. Her experience as an ESRI instructor and course manager qualified her to develop and present a GIS Technology Management Seminar to top executives of five utility distribution and transmission companies in the United Arab Emirates. She also played a large role in projects within the local East Valley community. She assisted the Redlands Police Department with their East Valley COMPASS (Community Mapping, Planning & Analysis for Safety Strategies) Program. She also assisted First Five San Bernardino (also known as the Children and Families Commission) with strategic planning efforts to guide the allocation of their funds. In addition, she played a large role as Senior GIS Analyst and Team Leader for the Desert Tortoise Project.
In 2003, Melissa founded TopoWorks, where she has continued to work on a variety of GIS projects and teach a variety of GIS training courses. Melissa is the principal designer of all projects at TopoWorks.
She graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and received her Master of Science degree in Biology from the same University in 1995.
Following graduation in 1995, Melissa worked for Esri, Inc. in Redlands, CA. Melissa held positions as instructor, course development manager, educational specialist, and Esri Virtual Campus Content Manager.
In 2001, Melissa left Esri to pursue GIS experience in a field that would allow her to utilize her education in Biology. She was employed by the Redlands Institute of the University of Redlands as a Senior GIS Analyst. While there, she worked on a variety of projects. She was the Cartographic Manager for the Salton Sea Atlas, a full color coffee table style atlas communicating issues and maps to the Salton Sea community. Her experience as an ESRI instructor and course manager qualified her to develop and present a GIS Technology Management Seminar to top executives of five utility distribution and transmission companies in the United Arab Emirates. She also played a large role in projects within the local East Valley community. She assisted the Redlands Police Department with their East Valley COMPASS (Community Mapping, Planning & Analysis for Safety Strategies) Program. She also assisted First Five San Bernardino (also known as the Children and Families Commission) with strategic planning efforts to guide the allocation of their funds. In addition, she played a large role as Senior GIS Analyst and Team Leader for the Desert Tortoise Project.
In 2003, Melissa founded TopoWorks, where she has continued to work on a variety of GIS projects and teach a variety of GIS training courses. Melissa is the principal designer of all projects at TopoWorks.
Student Feedback
Following are comments from previous students.
The instructor was very articulate and knowledgable. She was also very helpful and interested in my needs in the course. (Scott S - Biologist)
The instructor, Melissa Brenneman, taught the course very well. I liked how she explained the course and also added her personal experience to explain why a feature does this or that. Very good course material as well. (Daniel B - Network Administrator)
Melissa did a great job and I anticipate taking more courses in the future. This course will greatly enhance my ability to use and create maps for work. (Matt M - Research Technician)
Instruction was very informative and thorough. The class overall was very enjoyable, and I learned many good things. Melissa is a model instructor. Very informative! (Thomas W - Geographer)
Melissa is a exceptional instructor and has the experience and the knowledge of a well educated GIS professional. (Brent H - Natural Resources Specialist)
Melissa was an excellent instructor. She was great at explaining information and always willing to answer questions. (Andrea D)
The instructor was wonderful. She was extremely knowledgable, patient, fair and informative. I would take another class from her in the future or recommend her to others. (Jennifer B - Park Planner)
Excellent instructor - very knowledgable and helpful to students of all levels. (Holly R)
Melissa was a very good instructor - clear, personable and easy to understand. She did a good job presenting a TON of information. (Susan B)
Melissa is an excellent instructor. My staff learned a great deal. (Sonja K)
Melissa is a great instructor. I had the ArcGIS I course with Melissa a few years ago and she did a great job then too. Taking this course now got me up to date on the new ESRI software packages with ArcGIS and I plan on taking the ArcGIS II course soon. (Matthew M - Biological Research Technician)
Melissa was great. Very informative and clearly spoken. Answered all questions completely. (Kris K)
She was great! Friendly even with a cold coming on. Ready to deliver further answersto more in depth questions, if time permits. (Lisa S)
The instructor was very articulate and knowledgable. She was also very helpful and interested in my needs in the course. (Scott S - Biologist)
The instructor, Melissa Brenneman, taught the course very well. I liked how she explained the course and also added her personal experience to explain why a feature does this or that. Very good course material as well. (Daniel B - Network Administrator)
Melissa did a great job and I anticipate taking more courses in the future. This course will greatly enhance my ability to use and create maps for work. (Matt M - Research Technician)
Instruction was very informative and thorough. The class overall was very enjoyable, and I learned many good things. Melissa is a model instructor. Very informative! (Thomas W - Geographer)
Melissa is a exceptional instructor and has the experience and the knowledge of a well educated GIS professional. (Brent H - Natural Resources Specialist)
Melissa was an excellent instructor. She was great at explaining information and always willing to answer questions. (Andrea D)
The instructor was wonderful. She was extremely knowledgable, patient, fair and informative. I would take another class from her in the future or recommend her to others. (Jennifer B - Park Planner)
Excellent instructor - very knowledgable and helpful to students of all levels. (Holly R)
Melissa was a very good instructor - clear, personable and easy to understand. She did a good job presenting a TON of information. (Susan B)
Melissa is an excellent instructor. My staff learned a great deal. (Sonja K)
Melissa is a great instructor. I had the ArcGIS I course with Melissa a few years ago and she did a great job then too. Taking this course now got me up to date on the new ESRI software packages with ArcGIS and I plan on taking the ArcGIS II course soon. (Matthew M - Biological Research Technician)
Melissa was great. Very informative and clearly spoken. Answered all questions completely. (Kris K)
She was great! Friendly even with a cold coming on. Ready to deliver further answersto more in depth questions, if time permits. (Lisa S)