Training and Job Aids

Quick Links

GIS Training (distance learning, classroom)
Database Training (distance learning, classroom)
Soils Training (distance learning, classroom)
Other Training (distance learning, classroom)
Soil Survey Database Job Aids
Other Job Aids

PDF files require Acrobat Reader; PPT files require Microsoft Powerpoint; WMV files require Windows Media Player; and SWF files require Macromedia Flash.

GIS Training (distance learning, classroom)

• Access to ESRI Virtual Campus training (An agreement that includes an unlimited Service Center Agency (SCA) Virtual Campus Standard Subscription for ESRI-authored courses. This gives FSA, NRCS, RD, and SWCD access to online ESRI software training.)
  • ESRI Homepage
  • ESRI Catalog
  • ESRI Catalog - Virtual Campus
     
• GIS training by path / area
   
  1. Soils Application Learning Path
     • Executive Summary (PDF; 1 MB)
     • Web Soil Survey (click on “Web Soil Survey – How to Use It”)
     • Soil Data Mart (click on “Soil Data Mart – Purpose and Procedures”)
     • Soil Data Viewer (click on “Browse the Soil Data Viewer Online User Guide”)
     • Geospatial Data Gateway (click on “The Gateway” in the paragraph on the right)
     • Soil Data Access (SQL experience required) (Use the “I want help with …” area for assistance)
        
  2. Soil Survey Geospatial Database Fundamentals Learning Path (requirement: pick one of the three options that provide an introduction to ArcGIS)
     • Understanding Map Projections and Coordinate Systems
     • Introduction to ArcGIS 1 for USDA SCA (PDF; 37 KB)
     • Introduction to ArcGIS I
     • Learning ArcGIS Desktop
     • Digital Soil Survey Mapping and Updating
        
  3. Soil Remote Sensing Learning Path (under development)
      
  4. Soil Geospatial Analysis Learning Path (requirement: pick one of the three options that provide ArcGIS Spatial Analyst training)
     • Working with ArcGIS Spatial Analyst 9 (USDA SCA) (PDF; 69 KB)
     • Learning ArcGIS 9 Spatial Analyst
     • Working with ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
     • Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) (planned for future)
        
  5. Field Techniques Area
     • A. GPS – Introduction to Trimble GPS Analyst Extension for ArcGIS Software
     • B. Mobile Computing – Working with ArcPad 7
     • B. Mobile Computing – Customizing ArcPad
        
  6. Database Administration Area
     • A. Creating and Maintaining Metadata Using ArcGIS Desktop
     • A. Metadata – USDA SCA Geospatial Metadata Tools
     • B. Creating, Editing, and Managing Geodatabases for ArcGIS 9
     • B. Creating and Editing Geodatabase Features with ArcGIS 9 (for ArcEditor and ArcInfo)
     • B. Creating and Editing Geodatabase Topology with ArcGIS 9 (for ArcEditor and ArcInfo)
     • B. Working with Geodatabase Subtypes and Domains (for ArcEditor and ArcInfo)
     • B. Working with Geodatabase Precision and Spatial Domain
     • B. Working with Geodatabase Topology
     • C. Introduction to the Multiuser Geodatabase
     • C. Data Management in the Multiuser Geodatabase
     • C. Managing Editing Workflows in a Multiuser Geodatabase
     • C. Storing Raster Data in an ArcSDE Geodatabase (for ArcEditor and ArcInfo)
     • C. Introduction to ArcSDE
     • C. Understanding ArcSDE Table Relationships
     • C. Understanding the ArcSDE Spatial Index
     • D. ArcGIS Enterprise Systems: Performance and Scalability
        
  7. Custom Programming Area
     • A. Geoprocessing Using ModelBuilder
     • C. ArcGIS Server Enterprise Configuration and Tuning for SQL Server
     • D. Introduction to Visual Basic 6
     • D. Learning Visual Basic for Applications for New ArcGIS Developers
     • D. ArcGIS Server Enterprise Configuration and Tuning for SQL Server
     • D. Understanding Branching and Looping in VBA
     • D. Working with Forms in VBA
     • D. Working with Variables and Functions in VBA
     • D. Getting Started with ArcObjects in ArcGIS
     • D. Introduction to Programming ArcObjects with VBA
     • D. Extending ArcGIS Desktop Applications
     • D. Introduction to ArcGIS for Developers
     • D. Migrating to VB .NET
     • Other. Customizing ArcGIS 9
     • Other. Customizing ArcMap: Easy Ways to Extend the Interface
     • Other. Building Applications with ArcGIS Server Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
        
  8. Specializations Area
     • A. Advanced Analysis with ArcGIS
     • B. Getting Started with Scripting in ArcGIS 9
     • B. Introduction to Geoprocessing Scripts Using Python
     • B. Writing Advanced Geoprocessing Scripts Using Python
     • E. Arc Hydro: GIS for Water Resources
     • E. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses Using ArcGIS
     • F. Introduction to ArcGIS 9 Geostatistical Analyst
     • F. Understanding Spatial Statistics in ArcGIS 9
     • F. Integrating SAS Software with ArcGIS
     • J. Cartography with PLTS Map Production System-Atlas
     • J. Introduction to Job Tracking for ArcGIS (JTX)
     • J. Introduction to Map Production System-Atlas
     • K. Cartography with ArcGIS
     • K. ArcGIS Annotation: Tips and Tricks
     • K. Cartographic Design Using ArcGIS 9
     • K. Learning ArcGIS 9 3D Analyst
     • K. Labeling in ArcMap: Tips and Tricks
     • K. Creating and Editing Labels and Annotation
     • L. Introduction to ArcGIS II
        

Database Training (distance learning, classroom)

• NASIS – Basic (PDF; 11 KB)
  • Tutorial – Overview (PPT; 1.8 MB)
  • Tutorial – Menus (PPT; 374 KB)
  • Tutorial – Using Online Help (PPT; 1.2 MB)
  • Tutorial – Understanding Objects, Tables, and Elements (PPT; 441 KB)
  • Tutorial – Building a Selected Set (PPT; 597 KB)
  • Tutorial – Editing Concepts (PPT; 654 KB)
  • Tutorial – Examining the NASIS Query Editor (PPT; 1.3 MB)
  • Tutorial – Managing Map Unit Data (PPT; 1.9 MB)
  • Menu Overview (SWF; 24.1 MB)
  • Edit Setup (SWF; 941 KB)
  • Validations and Calculations (SWF; 1.3 MB)
  • Queries and Understanding Target Tables (SWF; 3.2 MB)
  • Global Assign (SWF; 663 KB)
  • Global Paste (SWF; 735 KB)
  • Global Delete (SWF; 1.5 MB)
  • Map Unit Correlation Techniques (SWF; 723 KB)
     
• NASIS – Intermediate (PDF; 12 KB)
   
• NASIS – Basic Report Writing (PDF; 12 KB)
   
• NASIS – Site/Pedon Data (PDF; 12 KB)
  • Pedon Data Entry Guide (PDF; 478 KB)
     
• NASIS – Advanced Query and Report Writing (PDF; 12 KB)
   
• NASIS – Soil Interpretations (PDF; 12 KB)
  • Soil Interpretations Guide (PDF; 3.2 MB)
     

Soils Training (distance learning, classroom)

• Advanced Hydric Soils for Soil Scientists
   
• Basic Soil Survey – Field and Lab
   
• Correlation and Management of MLRA Soil Surveys
   
• Soil Correlation
   
• Soil Technology – Measurement and Data Evaluation
   
• Soil Technology – Programs and Applications
   
• Soils Technology – Soil Data Viewer and ArcGIS in providing Technical Soil Services (PDF; 17 KB)
   
• Soil Geomorphology Institute (tentative schedule)
  • FY08 at New Mexico State University and Penn State University
  • FY09 at Texas A&M and Alabama A&M
  • FY10 at University of California-Davis and North Dakota State University
     
• Soil Science Institute
   

Other Training (distance learning, classroom)

• Introduction to NRCS
   
• Orientation for New Employees
   
• Conservation Planning
   
• Managing for Excellence
   
• Supervising for Excellence
   
• Effective Instruction – Level 1
   
• Cultural Resources Training Series
   
• Basic Statistics
   
• Elements of Statistics
   
• Introductory Statistics I
   
• Introductory Statistics II
   

Soil Survey Database Job Aids

• Accessing GIS Web Map Services (PDF; 865 KB)
   
•  Digital Editing Tools and SDV (recorded live meeting from Texas) (WMV; 28.3 MB)
   
• Web Soil Survey (click on “Web Soil Survey – How to Use It”)
  • WSS 2.0 QuickPic Guide (PDF; 1.6 MB)
  • Installation and Overview of the Soil Data Mart Report Manager (SWF; 1.2 MB)
  • Using Soil Data Mart Report Manager (SWF; 29 MB)
     
• Soil Data Mart (click on “Soil Data Mart – Purpose and Procedures”)
  • SDM QuickPic Guide (PDF; 482 KB)
     
• Soil Data Viewer (click on “Browse the Soil Data Viewer Online User Guide”)
  • SDV 5.0 QuickPic Guide (PDF; 1.9 MB)
  • SDVSave Tool (08-21-2008, ArcGIS 9.2) (ZIP; 143 KB)
  • SDVSave Installation Instructions (PDF; 221 KB)
     
• Geospatial Data Gateway (click on “The Gateway” in the paragraph on the right)
  • GSDG QuickPic Guide (PDF; 727 KB)
     
• Soil Data Access (SQL experience required) (Use the “I want help with …” area for assistance)
  • Soil Data Access Features (SWF; 13.6 MB)
  • Soil Data Access Utility (PPT; 2.2 MB)
     
• Using Microsoft Access

• Geodatabase
  • Setup for Initial Soil Surveys (PDF; 958 KB)
  • Setup for Update Soil Surveys (PDF; 1.8 MB)
  • Setup Scripts (07-15-2008, ArcGIS 9.2) (ZIP; 165 KB)
     
• Soil Resource Inventory Toolbox (SRITB)
  • Edit Tools (PDF; 594 KB)
  • Quality Control Toolbar (PDF; 520 KB)
  • Soil Resource Inventory Toolbox (SRITB) Updates (PDF; 4.4 MB)
     
• Analysis PC
  • Setup (PDF; 422 KB)
  • Add or Modify a Query (PDF; 313 KB)
     
• Pedon PC
  • On-the-Job
    • Setup (PDF; 2.1 MB)
    • Customizing Choice Lists (PDF; 680 KB)
    • Advanced Customizing Choice Lists (PDF; 1.4 MB)
    • Setup with GPS (PDF; 839 KB)
    • Autopopulation Toolbar (PDF; 828 KB)
    • Using Pedon PC (PDF; 1.6 MB)
    • Customizing Forms (PDF; 2.5 MB)
    • Upload to NASIS (PDF; 171 KB)
       
  • Pedon PC 3.0 User Guide – National Version
    • Customizing a Form (PDF; 85 KB)
       
  • Pedon PC – Montana/Alaska Version (includes capabilities for analysis of data, links to ArcMap, and other features)
     
  •  Pedon PC Training (April 3, 2007, live meeting) (WMV; 20.7 MB)
    • Errata to the Training (PDF; 24 KB)
       
  • Pedon CE
     

Other Job Aids

• Installing Monitoring Wells in Soils (PDF; 1.9 MB)
   
• GPS
  • Trimble: Introduction to GPS Analyst Extension for ArcGIS Software
     
• Mobile Computing
  • Working with ArcPad 7
  • Customizing ArcPad
     
• Photography (from John Kelley, MO14, Raleigh, NC)
  • Soil Survey Photography (PDF; 6.8 MB)
  • Digital Soil Survey Images (PDF; 34 KB)
  • Digital Photography (PDF; 207 KB)
  • Using the Olympus C4000 (PDF; 28 KB)
     
• Live Meeting and Net Meeting
  • Net Meeting Setup (PDF; 134 KB)
     
• Presenting Expert Testimony
  • A DVD of a training course by Jane Cornwell (OGC, Kansas City).  Includes cases where the agency is not a party; subpoenas, pretrial preparation, and qualifying witnesses; giving testimony for depositions and trials; a top-10 list of courtroom bloopers; refinements for a witness; and a question and answer session.  Request a copy from the NSSC Training Coordinator.