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Workshops

Upcoming Workshops at the Libraries

Our workshops are all done for the semester. Check back over the summer for our Fall 2025 lineup!

Past Workshops at the Libraries

This is a list of past workshops that are available for self-paced, asynchronous learning. Most of the recordings are available to watch on YouTube, and some have tutorials that you can complete on your own.

QGIS

Work with Citizen Science Data in GIS [YouTube]
Learn how to work with point data about invasive species in QGIS and apply a simple technique to address sampling bias inherent in citizen science data. Workshop by Natalia Ruiz.

Learn the Basics of GIS [Tutorial + YouTube]
Learn the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including coordinate systems, types of geospatial data, and where to look for data online. The tutorial focuses on the local city of Holyoke to find out how its demographics have changed over time.

Georeference a Historical Map [Tutorial + YouTube]
Learn how to georeference historical maps and photos using QGIS. The tutorial shows how to georeference a historical map of the town of Amherst, MA using modern town boundaries to find ground-control points. 

Make Maps with U.S. Census Data [Tutorial + YouTube]
Learn how to access Census data directly from the U.S. Census Bureau’s website. In the first half of the workshop, you’ll learn about the different types of Census data and how to explore the data spatially from your web browser using interactive web maps. In the second half, you’ll learn how to download data tables and geospatial files to your computer so you can make maps in GIS software. A tutorial gives you a chance to practice working with Census data on your own.

Design a Static Map [Tutorial + YouTube]
Learn how to create a visually appealing map that you can print out or export. After discussing best practices in cartography and analyzing a selection of curated maps, the workshop shows how to use the QGIS Print Layout to design a map that is accessible, reproducible, and easy to read. The tutorial uses sample data from Erving State Forest to design a custom trail map. 

Design an Open-Source Web Map [Tutorial + YouTube]
Learn how to create a free, interactive web map using the QGIS2Web plugin. After designing a map and generating the web map files, the workshop shows how to deposit the files in a GitHub repo and publish the web map to a live URL that you can share. A sample dataset showing sunset times across the U.S. can be used with the exercise tutorial.

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Online: The Basics [YouTube]
Reviews how to sign in, navigate through the site, launch a web map and view content, and access StoryMaps and Survey123. Workshop by Deni Ranguelova. 

ArcGIS Online: Making a Map with Hosted Data [YouTube]
Shows how to create a map, add data from ArcGIS Online, and style it to create a unique map that you can share or export. Workshop by Deni Ranguelova. 

ArcGIS Online: Working with Your Own Spatial Data [YouTube]
Demos how to import data into ArcGIS Online, including latitude/longitude coordinates stored in a CSV, shapefiles, and rasters. Workshop by Deni Ranguelova. 

 

 ArcGIS StoryMaps

Create a StoryMap [Tutorial]
Get started with storymapping with Esri’s ArcGIS StoryMaps. The workshop focuses on how to create an engaging StoryMap outline, log into the ArcGIS Online platform, create a new StoryMap project, add content, and publish and share your StoryMap.

ArcGIS Pro

Automating Workflows in ArcGIS Pro [YouTube]
I
ntroduces ModelBuilder in ArcGIS Pro, provides examples of when and why GIS automation is useful, and demonstrates step-by-step how to create models capable of simple or complex processing. Workshop by John Slaff.

 Google Earth Pro

Introduction to Google Earth Pro [YouTube]
Reviews navigation and orientation, layer, 3D imagery, historic imagery, virtual field trips, and downloading imagery. Workshop by John Slaff.

Advanced Google Earth Pro Functions [YouTube]
Reviews integrating raster and vector GIS data from varied sources into Google Earth Pro, downloading high-resolution maps, creating topographic cross sections, measuring and dimensional analysis, and sun/shade analysis. Workshop by John Slaff.

Last Updated on April 16, 2025