Workshops
Upcoming Workshops
Design a Custom Map in QGIS
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
10:00am – 11:15 am
Zoom
Instructor: Becky Seifried, Geospatial Information Librarian
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create an eye-catching custom map using the open-source mapping software, QGIS. We will begin by discussing best practices in cartography and then analyzing a selection of curated maps – some well-designed and informative, and others not so much. This will set you up for map-design success as you learn how to create a custom, printable map using the QGIS Print Layout. A sample dataset and tutorial will be made available so that participants can practice on their 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 with GIS but would like to attend, make sure to complete the “Learn the Basics of QGIS” workshop available asynchronously here: https://umass-gis.github.io/workshops/content/basics-qgis/.
Automating Workflows in ArcGIS Pro
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
10:10am – 11:30am
Zoom
Instructor: John Slaff, Library GIS TA
In any GIS environment, custom models can be powerful tools, and they can dramatically reduce or eliminate repetitive tasks. This workshop 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. We will create, test, save, and share custom tools that automate vector and raster data processing. This workshop will also demonstrate batch-processing (e.g. reproject 150 .shp files with one click) that eliminates repetitive work.
This workshop is designed for GIS practitioners, students, and individuals with an introductory understanding of geographic information systems. In this hands-on workshop, we will use ArcGIS Pro, so please download, install, and test ArcGIS Pro on your machine prior to the event.
Past Workshops
UMass Amherst Libraries Workshops (Self-Paced / Aysynchronous)
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 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.
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.
ISSR Summer Methodology Workshops
Summer 2022: Introduction to QGIS
Summer 2021: Deep Dive into QGIS
This 12-hour workshop introduces attendees to the basics of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) using QGIS, a free and open-source software platform.
Last Updated on February 24, 2023