GIS Lab Assignments
Build practical GIS skills while examining the spatial dimensions of economic activity.
These four lab assignments provide hands-on experience with real datasets and professional-grade GIS software. No previous GIS experience is required – labs include step-by-step instructions and build progressively in complexity.
Lab Series Overview
Skills You'll Develop
- Working with spatial data and maps
- Using ArcGIS Pro software
- Analyzing economic geographic patterns
- Creating professional-quality maps
- Interpreting spatial data
- Presenting geographic analysis
Software & Tools
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ArcGIS Pro: Industry-standard GIS software
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment data
- Census Bureau: Economic and demographic data
- ESRI Business Analyst: Market analysis tools
- Online mapping platforms: Web-based GIS
Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro
All students will receive access to ArcGIS Pro through a trial license for personal computers. You can also use on-campus computer labs with the software installed, or access lab computers remotely through TCU IT.
- Download: Instructions provided in Lab 1
- Campus Labs: Multiple locations with ArcGIS Pro installed
- Remote Access: Available through TCU IT department
- Support: Technical help available from instructor and IT
Lab 1: Geographic Labor-Market Patterns
Introduction to Labor Geography & GIS
50 pointsDue: Week 4
Lab Overview
Use data and maps from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to understand spatial patterns in different occupations across the United States. Learn basic GIS concepts while analyzing how different types of jobs are distributed geographically.
Learning Objectives
- Understand basic concepts in labor geography
- Work with BLS employment data
- Create and interpret thematic maps
- Analyze spatial patterns of employment
- Compare occupational distributions across regions
Lab Tasks
Part 1: Data Exploration
- Navigate BLS databases
- Select 3-4 occupations to analyze
- Download employment data by state Organize data in spreadsheets
Part 2: Mapping
- Use online mapping tools
- Create choropleth maps
- Compare occupational patterns
- Customize map symbology
Part 3: Analysis
- Identify spatial patterns
- Explain regional differences
- Connect to economic geography concepts
- Write short analysis (500-750 words)
Lab 2: Industrial Specialization at Metropolitan Scale
Introduction to ArcGIS Pro & Location Quotients
50 pointsDue: Week 7
Lab Overview
Examine the concentration of particular industries in Chicago, IL using ArcGIS Pro. Learn to calculate location quotients to identify industrial specialization and create professional maps showing economic clusters in a major metropolitan area.
Learning Objectives
- Learn ArcGIS Pro interface and basic tools
- Understand location quotients and specialization
- Analyze industrial clustering patterns
- Create multi-layer maps in ArcGIS Pro
- Export and present professional map products
Key Concepts
Location Quotient (LQ)
A measure of industrial specialization comparing local concentration to national averages. LQ > 1.0 indicates specialization in that industry.
Formula: LQ = (Local Industry Employment / Total Local Employment) / (National Industry Employment / Total National Employment)
Industrial Clustering
Geographic concentration of interconnected companies and institutions in a particular field. Clusters can provide competitive advantages through knowledge spillovers, specialized labor pools, and supplier networks.
Lab Tasks
- Download and install ArcGIS Pro (if not already done)
- Import Census Bureau industry data for Chicago
- Calculate location quotients for different industries
- Create thematic maps showing specialization patterns
- Analyze spatial distribution of specialized industries
- Write interpretation of findings (750-1000 words)
- Export and submit professional map layouts
Download Lab Materials
Complete lab instructions, data files, and tutorial:
Lab materials available on TCU Online
Lab 3: Locational Analysis - DFW Businesses
Comparing Business Location Strategies
50 pointsDue: Week 11
Lab Overview
Map breweries, wineries, and chain restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth region using ArcGIS Pro. Explore how different types of businesses use different locational strategies and analyze the factors influencing their spatial patterns.
Learning Objectives
- Collect and geocode business location data
- Create multi-layer maps with different business types
- Perform spatial analysis (density, clustering, proximity)
- Compare locational patterns across business types
- Apply location theory concepts to real-world examples
Lab Tasks
Data Collection
- Research DFW breweries and wineries
- Identify chain restaurant locations
- Create database with addresses
- Geocode addresses in ArcGIS Pro
- Map all business locations
- Calculate density patterns
- Identify clusters and outliers
- Analyze proximity to highways, demographics
Interpretation
- Compare locational strategies
- Explain observed patterns
- Apply location theory
- Write analysis (1000-1250 words)
Questions to Address
- How do brewery/winery locations differ from chain restaurants?
- What factors appear to influence each business type's location decisions?
- Are there spatial clusters? If so, why might they exist?
- How do demographic and transportation factors relate to locations?
- What locational advantages/disadvantages exist for different areas?
Download Lab Materials
Complete lab instructions and starter data:
Lab materials available on TCU Online
Lab 4: ESRI Business Analyst Pro Basics
Professional Market Analysis Tools
50 pointsDue: Week 13
Lab Overview
Complete the ESRI online training module for Business Analyst Pro. Learn professional tools used by businesses, real estate professionals, and economic developers for market analysis, site selection, and demographic research.
Learning Objectives
- Master Business Analyst Pro interface and tools
- Conduct demographic and market analysis
- Perform site selection analysis
- Create trade area and customer analysis
- Generate professional business reports
- Apply tools to research project
Training Modules
Core Modules (Required)
- Introduction to Business Analyst
- Demographic and market data
- Site selection and analysis
- Trade area creation
- Customer profiling
- Report generation
Applied Exercise
Use Business Analyst Pro to:
- Analyze a business location in DFW
- Define trade area
- Examine demographics
- Assess market potential
- Create site analysis report
Lab Deliverables
- ESRI Training Completion: Screenshots showing module completion
- Applied Analysis: Business Analyst report for selected location
- Written Summary: 500-750 words explaining findings and how tools could be used in research project
- Reflection: Discussion of how Business Analyst connects to course concepts
Why Business Analyst?
Business Analyst Pro is widely used in:
- Retail: Site selection, market analysis, customer profiling
- Real Estate: Property analysis, market research, feasibility studies
- Economic Development: Business attraction, workforce analysis
- Marketing: Target market identification, campaign planning
- Urban Planning: Demographic analysis, community needs assessment
Learning this tool provides valuable professional skills applicable to many careers.
Access Training
ESRI training access and lab instructions:
Training link and materials available on TCU Online
General Lab Guidelines
Technical Requirements
- Follow all instructions carefully
- Use specified data sources and methods
- Create professional-quality maps
- Include all required elements
- Export final products in correct formats
- Organize files clearly
Analysis & Writing
- Go beyond description to interpretation
- Connect findings to course concepts
- Use appropriate geographic terminology
- Support claims with evidence from maps/data
- Write clearly and concisely
- Proofread for errors
Submission Format
- Submit all files via TCU Online
- Include maps as PDF or PNG
- Submit written work as DOCX or PDF
- Label files clearly (LastName_Lab#)
- Include all required components
- Check file uploads before deadline
Getting Help with Labs
Instructor Support
- Office hours: Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 PM
- Email questions anytime
- In-class lab work sessions
- Schedule individual appointments as needed
ESRI Resources
- ESRI Training
- ArcGIS Pro Documentation
- ESRI Community Forums
- Video tutorials on ESRI website
TCU IT Support
- Software installation help
- Remote access to lab computers
- Technical troubleshooting
- Campus lab locations and hours
Lab Work Tips
- Start Early: Don't wait until the due date – GIS work takes time
- Save Often: Save your work frequently to avoid losing progress
- Follow Instructions: Read all instructions before starting
- Ask Questions: Don't struggle alone – reach out for help
- Work with Peers: Discuss concepts (but submit individual work)
- Backup Files: Keep copies of your work in multiple locations
Connection to Research Project
Building Skills for Your Research
The GIS skills developed in these labs directly support your collaborative research project:
-
Lab 1: Working with employment and economic data
- Lab 2: Analyzing concentration and specialization patterns
- Lab 3: Collecting and mapping business locations
- Lab 4: Professional analysis tools for market research
By Lab 4, you'll have the GIS skills needed to conduct spatial analysis for your group's research project. Use these tools to strengthen your research and create compelling visualizations.