Course Purpose & Structure:

Currently available are an 8 module intensive training course and the Certified Depiction User – Exam Module.  The goal of the training course is to help Depiction users, from novice to experienced, become proficient and confident in their use of the broad array of features and capabilities of Depiction mapping, simulation and collaboration software.  Successful completion of the Certified Depiction User - Exam Module results in the designation: “Certified Depiction User”.

The 8 module training course is self-paced. Students will have access for one year to a web-resident package of instruction materials and assignments focused on teaching all the features and functions of the core Depiction application. Assignments will be evaluated by a Depiction University instructor and constructive feedback will be given to make sure students understand the material before moving on.  Instruction material and assignments for each module may include some or all of the following:

• Assigned reading from the Depiction User’s Manual or other references
• Tutorial videos, webinar recordings and instruction videos to watch
• Practical Worksheets
• Participation in Depiction University Forum discussions

It is understood that students may have different levels of familiarity with the software and that the time it takes to complete assignments will vary from student to student.  Each module is designed to cover the same amount of material a typical 16 week college course would in about a two week period.  On average each module will instruct you to: watch 1 to 2 hours of videos and recorded webinars which act as lecture, read from the Depiction User’s Manual and other published resources roughly imitating a chapter or two in a text book, complete a practical assignment (lab/homework), and a few modules have a requirement to make posts in the forum regarding a specific discussion topic.  We also encourage students to ask and answer questions of each other, just as you would in school, and the forum is a medium for just that, exclusive to current students.

The Certified Depiction User - Exam Module can be completed at any-time, but beware it is not easy.  The practical will test your ability to use most if not all the features and functions of the core Depiction application and the written exam is an assessment of your knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge with others.  Make sure you fully understand all features and functions of the core Depiction application before attempting.  Once you request access you have 30 days to complete both the practical and written exam.  After both the Depiction file (.dpn) and your exam responses (text document) have been received your work will be evaluated and a successful completion of the Exam Module will earn you the status of ‘Certified Depiction User’.

Click here to register for Depiction University

Course Syllabus: Depiction University

Module 1: Depiction Overview

• Learning Resources
• Introduction to the core Depiction application
• Getting Familiar with Depiction Mapping Software

Module 2: Element-ary School

• Elements
• Adding Elements - the basics
• Manipulating Elements - the basics

Module 3: Managing the Elements

• Managing Elements
• Behaviors and Interactions

Module 4: All about Data

• Finding Data
• Shapefiles and Other "Location Aware" Data Formats
• Spreadsheets and Images
• Exporting and Special Considerations

Module 5: Customization

• Creating and Sharing Custom Elements
• Creating and Sharing Custom Interaction Rules

Module 6: Collaboration & Geo-Communications 

• Live Reports
• Web Services

Module 7: Applications and Use Cases

• Presenting with Depiction
• Creating 'Stand-Alone' depictions
• Depiction as a Common Operating Picture platform

Module 8: Extended and Emerging Capabilities

• Extended Capabilities
• Tips and Tricks
• Course Review

Certified Depiction User - Exam Module

• A Practical Worksheet - demonstrates overall user ability
• A Written Exam - demonstrates user's understanding and ability to communicate knowledge
• Success earns student 'Certified Depiction User' status