UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning Sept. 28, the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information at Penn State University Libraries will offer four virtual workshops on topics related to maps and geographic information systems (GIS).
Topics will include an overview of geospatial and map resources to support creation of interactive maps and applications, the use of AI features in geospatial applications, the discovery of historic geographic and aerial imagery resources, and approaches for geographic field collection with GPS and ArcGIS Field Maps. Participants will learn more about resources, data, and applications from the library guides, including the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) guide, ArcGIS Online guide, Aerial Photographs (Historic) guide, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) guide. No prior knowledge of maps and geospatial information is required.
Workshops are free and open to Penn State undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff and faculty.
Workshop Schedule:
Amplifying Projects with Geospatial Visualization and Storytelling
Monday, Sept 28, 3-4 p.m. Register for Sept. 28 Zoom link.
An introduction to GIS resources at Penn State, including ArcGIS Online and related applications, such as ArcGIS Story Maps. Additional resources will be shared on open source software applications. Examples will include ways to introduce geospatial visualizations and maps into projects with geographic components and digital storytelling for research and class assignments. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS Specialist.
Pennsylvania Historic Aerial Imagery
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 3-4 p.m. Register for Sept. 29 Zoom link.
A session to spark curiosity about Pennsylvania aerial imagery through a tour of University Libraries’ historic aerial imagery resources and other Pennsylvania sources. The session will include examples from Pennsylvania locations and engage with users interested in historic landscape characteristics. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist.
GenAI and Geospatial Applications
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3-4 p.m. Register for Sept. 30 Zoom link.
An introduction to GenAI and geospatial applications to users through ArcGIS AI Assistants. This session will highlight AI Assistants in ArcGIS Story Maps, ArcGIS Business Analyst, and more. Additional examples of how GenAI is being incorporated into geospatial and mapping applications, along with considerations for understanding their use will be explored. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist.
Geospatial Field Collection Resources: ArcGIS Field Maps and GPS
Thursday, Oct. 1, 3-4 p.m. Register for Oct. 1 Zoom link.
Learn resources for field collection including GPS units available for loan from the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. ArcGIS Field Maps will be demonstrated to enable the collection of geographic information from a mobile or table device, or in conjunction with an external GPS unit. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS Specialist.
Contact the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information at ul-maps@lists.psu.edu for more information about fall GIS workshops or if you are interested in additional topics.