Get started with temporal data in ArcGIS - a case study of zebra mussel sightings

By Aileen Buckley, PhD, Esri Research Cartographer

Are you trying to get up to speed with temporal data in ArcGIS? In this set of lessons, you’ll learn how to manage, analyze, and map temporal data in ArcGIS for Desktop. You’ll use techniques such as time-enabled mapping, spatial analysis using a Model Builder model with an iterator, and spatial analysis using geoprocessing tools with a Case field. To learn these techniques, you’ll perform a case study about Dreissena polymorpha, commonly known as the zebra mussel. In just over two hours, you’ll be ready to analyze and map your own temporal data.

Here is a list of the lessons:

Figure 1. Lessons to learn about getting started with temporal data in ArcGIS.

Here are the links to:

• The documentation, with step-by step instructions for working with the sample data.
• The sample data, which includes a map document, file geodatabase, toolbox, and style.

The sample data also includes a backup folder with the results of the completed lessons so you can check your work or recover the correct results.

Get started now! As they say—time is of the essence!

About the author

Aileen Buckley

Dr. Aileen Buckley has been making maps since she was an undergraduate student. She has a Bachelors in Geography and Spanish from Valparaiso University, a Masters in Geography from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in Geography from Oregon State University. She is a senior product engineer on the Living Atlas team, and her work focuses on determining and sharing best practices for mapping and analysis with modern GIS. She publishes and presents world-wide on many aspects of mapping and GIS. She is a co-author of Map Use: Reading, Analysis, Interpretation, and she is a co-editor for the Atlas of Oregon. Aileen is a former president of CaGIS (the U.S. cartographic association) and is actively involved with the International Cartographic Association in which she is the lead delegate for the United States.

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