University Libraries

Libraries to offer fall workshops on maps and GIS topics

Sessions will cover maps, GIS, aerial imagery and data visualization

Penn State University Libraries offers workshops on maps and GIS data and software topics through the department of Research Informatics and Publishing and the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. Credit: Christopher Blaska / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning Oct. 8, the Research Informatics and Publishing department and the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information at Penn State University Libraries will offer three workshops on maps, GIS, aerial imagery and data visualization.

This workshop series introduces Penn State users to applying geospatial information in their research and teaching projects. Participants will learn how to use geospatial information to enhance communication and gain insights into historic aerial imagery collections and geospatial research resources.

The 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.

Workshop Schedule

Historic aerial imagery and geospatial research resources Oct. 8, 2–3 p.m., online or in W13 Pattee Library

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. Additional maps and geospatial research resources will be shared to add context to Pennsylvania research areas. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist, and Brady Watkins, maps and geospatial assistant.

Telling your story through geospatial data — Oct. 9, 2–3 p.m., online or in W13 Pattee Library

Tell your story through geospatial data with the use of maps and geospatial resources. As geospatial data can relate to a broad range of topics, this session will touch upon relatable characteristics of geospatial data resources and identify ways for you to connect geospatial interests and approaches. This session will highlight commonly used applications, such as ArcGIS Online and other open geospatial resources. This session aims to engage participants to think critically about the geospatial data of projects and reflect on the biases of explaining geospatial data in a personal and responsible manner. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist.

Getting to know ArcGIS Notebooks Oct. 15, 2–4 p.m., online or in 211A Pattee Library

This session will introduce users to ArcGIS Notebooks in ArcGIS Pro. Based on Jupyter Notebooks, ArcGIS Notebooks help users integrate Python functionality into their workflows. A sample exercise from the Esri Academy will be covered. Computers will be available for use. Participants who would like to use their own computers should refer to instructions for installation of ArcGIS Pro. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist.

For more information or to inquire about accessibility accommodation, contact Research Informatics and Publishing at repub@psu.edu

Last Updated September 26, 2024