Workshops
Upcoming Workshops
Intro to QGIS
10:10am – 12:05pm
Zoom
New to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and not sure where to start? You’re in luck! This workshop covers the basics of GIS, including coordinate systems, types of geospatial data, and where to look for data online. A live demonstration of the free and open-source mapping software, QGIS, will give attendees a chance to see the platform in action and ask questions in real time. Data used in the demo will be made available so that participants can practice using QGIS on their own after the workshop. No software is necessary to attend, but participants are welcome to install QGIS on their own computer before the workshop and come ready to follow along with the demo.
Mapping U.S. Census Data: The Basics
10:00am – 11:15am
Zoom
U.S. Census data is an amazing resource for understanding how population, race, income (and more!) vary from place to place. This workshop will show you how to find data on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website and explore it in an interactive web map. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the different types of Census data and how to search for data relevant to your project.
Mapping U.S. Census Data: Bespoke Maps
10:00am – 11:15am
Zoom
This workshop will show you advanced ways to find demographic and economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, including detailed race, ethnicity, and ancestry data, or by specific geographies. After downloading a custom data query, we will use the free and open-source software QGIS to map the data. A tutorial will be made available so you can practice working with Census data on your own after the workshop. To get the most out of this workshop, you should have a basic understanding of GIS concepts and come ready with QGIS installed on your personal computer. If you have no prior experience but would like to attend, you may want to attend the “Intro to QGIS” workshop that is also being offered this semester.
Past Workshops
UMass Amherst Libraries Workshops (Self-Paced / Asynchronous)
This is a list of workshops that are regularly taught in the Libraries and are available anytime for self-paced, asynchronous learning.
Learn the Basics of QGIS – 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.
Design a StoryMap – 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.
Georeference a Historical Map – learn how to georeference historical maps and photos using the free and open-source mapping software, QGIS. The workshop is geared toward folks with a basic understanding of GIS concepts. If you have no prior experience, you may want to complete the Learn the Basics of QGIS tutorial first.
Make Maps with U.S. Census Data – 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 with the free and open-source mapping software, QGIS. A tutorial gives you a chance to practice working with Census data on your own.
Make a Static Map – learn how to create a visually appealing map that you can print out or export using the free and open-source mapping software, QGIS. 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.
Make an Open-Source Web Map – learn how to create a free, interactive web map using the open-source mapping software, QGIS, and 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.
UMass Amherst Libraries Workshops (Videos)
Recorded workshops previously taught by the Library GIS TA.
Introduction to Google Earth Pro – by John Slaff. Reviews navigation and orientation, layer, 3D imagery, historic imagery, virtual field trips, and downloading imagery.
Advanced Google Earth Pro Functions – by John Slaff. 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.
Automating Workflows in ArcGIS Pro – by John Slaff. Introduces 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.
SunoikisisDC: GIS for Digital Cultural Heritage
SunoikisisDC is an international consortium of Digital Classics programs that hosts virtual seminars on topics related to cultural heritage and classics. GIS is often discussed at least once per term. The course materials for past seminars are open-access and available on GitHub, and the seminar recordings are free to watch on YouTube. Check out some of our favorites:
Spring 2022: Session 8. GIS
The basics of GIS and geospatial data types, with a brief demo of how to use the open-source mapping software, QGIS. The exercise provides links to several example datasets that would be great for students interested in cultural heritage to learn how to create geospatial visualizations.
Spring 2021: Session 6. Geographic Information Systems
Introduction to the basics of GIS and in-depth discussion of visibility and cost surface analyses. The exercise (data provided) shows how to run viewshed analysis in QGIS. The final part of the seminar discusses a case study of applying cost surface analysis to understand the logic of the Roman road system.
Fall 2019: Session 8. GIS and Geovisualization
Overview of GIS, especially as it relates to cultural heritage. The exercise (data provided) shows how to run least-cost analysis in QGIS, applying the tool to reconstruct the route of a historical traveler in Greece.
Last Updated on September 12, 2023