UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning Feb. 15, 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, GPS and data visualization.

This workshop series introduces Penn State users to applying geospatial information in their research and teaching projects. Learn how geospatial information can enhance communication on a topic through the discovery of geospatial data or creation of geospatial applications and gain exposure to online and mobile applications for the collection of geospatial information using ArcGIS Field Maps. An overview of global positioning system (GPS) units available from the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information will provide users with information on geospatial data collection.

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. Those planning to attend online must register at the link provided. Registration is indicated as needed for in-person attendance.

Workshop schedule

Telling your story through geospatial data — Feb. 15, 4-5 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 bias in a personal and responsible manner. This workshop is part of Love Data Week.  Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist. Register here for "Telling your story through geospatial data." 

Introduction to ArcGIS Field Maps — April 4, 3-4 p.m., online or in W13 Pattee Library

ArcGIS Field Maps is available to Penn State users through the Esri Education licensing and is a mobile app that can be used with ArcGIS Online content to collect information for a location, descriptive information, GPS information, and include images. This session provides an introduction to the creation of layers in ArcGIS Online for use in ArcGIS Field Maps and will be useful to participants interested in learning about related ArcGIS Online applications available to use for collection of geographic information, and for teaching and research purposes. Content created by ArcGIS Field Maps can be incorporated into ArcGIS Online applications for additional communication, visualization, and analysis purposes. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist. Register here for "Introduction to ArcGIS Field Maps." 

Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) Overview — April 4, 4-5 p.m., W13 Pattee Library

This session provides participants with an overview of GPS units available for lending through the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information at Penn State University Libraries. GPS units are available for participants to review, examine and learn about their uses and functionality. Users will be presented with borrowing information of GPS units and associated accessories, including Garmin GPSMap 64st, Garmin Oregon, Trimble GeoXH 6000, and a Bad Elf Flex unit. Demonstrations with the GPS units will occur outside as weather conditions allow. Presented by Tara Anthony, GIS specialist. Register here for "introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) Overview."

For more information about the workshops, including inquiries about accessibility accommodation, contact Research Informatics and Publishing at repub@psu.edu.