By Andi Anderson
Professionals who work with location-based information will have an opportunity to strengthen their geographic information systems (GIS) skills through an upcoming ArcGIS Pro training workshop in Ames, Iowa. The two-day educational program is designed to provide practical experience with mapping, spatial analysis, and data management tools that are widely used across industries.
Hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development, the training program will take place on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Economic Development Core Facility in the Iowa State University Research Park. The course is suitable for both new and experienced GIS users who want to improve their technical knowledge and gain hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro software.
ArcGIS Pro is a powerful GIS platform used for creating, editing, visualizing, analyzing, and managing geographic data. It allows users to study patterns, relationships, and trends by combining maps with spatial data. These capabilities support decision-making in fields such as community planning, economic development, agriculture, environmental management, transportation, and public services.
The workshop will focus on practical learning activities that help participants understand key GIS functions. Attendees will learn how to create maps using geospatial data, import and map information from tables, query databases, select features based on location, and edit and manage spatial datasets. Additional instruction will cover displaying and projecting geographic information to improve data accuracy and visualization.
According to Bailey Hanson, data analyst, ISU Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development, understanding spatial information is valuable for organizations and professionals making data-driven decisions.
“Working with spatial data can help people better understand where patterns are occurring and how different factors relate to one another,” said Bailey Hanson, data analyst ISU Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development. “This course gives participants time to practice the tools and build skills they can apply to their own projects.”
The program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing participants to work directly with GIS tools and apply techniques to real-world situations. This practical approach helps learners build confidence and develop skills that can be used immediately in their professional responsibilities.
The workshop is also expected to benefit organizations that rely on accurate geographic information for planning and analysis. By improving mapping and spatial analysis capabilities, participants can enhance project efficiency and support better decision-making processes.
Registration is available for individuals and groups, with special discounts offered for organizations registering multiple participants. Iowa State University employees and students may also qualify for additional registration savings.
As the use of location-based data continues to grow, GIS training programs such as this provide valuable opportunities for professionals to expand their technical expertise. Through hands-on instruction and practical exercises, participants can develop the knowledge needed to effectively manage spatial data and create meaningful insights from geographic information.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education