UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning Sept. 23, the Research Informatics and Publishing department and the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information at Penn State University Libraries will offer seven workshops on topics related to maps and geographic information systems (GIS).
Sessions will focus on selections of maps and geospatial content. Topics include Pennsylvania historic imagery, open data and historic content from the BTAA Geoportal, using GPS and ArcGIS Field Maps, and ArcGIS Online content and applications.
The multiple ArcGIS Online sessions will provide a brief overview of access to ArcGIS Online and related Esri applications, such as ArcGIS StoryMaps, ArcGIS Instant Apps and Survey123. These sessions are relevant to both new and experienced users.
All sessions will be presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist in the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. Workshops are free and open to Penn State undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff and faculty. No previous knowledge of maps or GIS is required.
Participants may attend either online or in person, as indicated.
If you need more information, contact ul-maps@lists.psu.edu.
Workshop Schedule
GPS and ArcGIS Field Maps
- Sept. 23, 2–3 p.m. (In-person) (1 Pattee Library)
- Sept. 25, 1–2 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
This session will provide an overview of the available GPS units for loan from the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. The use of ArcGIS Field maps will also be discussed in relation to use with an external GPS unit.
ArcGIS Online Content and Application Overview
Three sessions will be presented online via Zoom.
- Sept. 24, 3–4 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
- Oct. 1, 3–4 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
- Dec. 2, noon–1 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
This session will provide an overview of ArcGIS Online, including available applications, content discovery strategies and content organization options. Users will learn about available geospatial data, online applications and sharing options. Collaboration options will be discussed as well.
Historic Pennsylvania Aerial Imagery
- Oct. 7, 3–4 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
This session will introduce historic aerial imagery resources from the University Libraries collection and other Pennsylvania sources. Examples of historic aerial imagery uses and projects will be highlighted, along with digital aerial collections.
Search and Discovery in the BTAA Geoportal: Geospatial Data, Imagery, and Maps
- Oct. 8, 3–4 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Geoportal provides users with a discovery and search option for identifying map and geospatial content in a range of formats. This session will highlight search strategies for locating geospatial data resources, describe resource types available and spotlight collections within the BTAA Geoportal, such as historical maps, open government data portals, aerial imagery, important farmland maps and more. Users across disciplines will learn about the discovery of geospatial information to support research and teaching activities.