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U-Spatial Training

We are following the University guidelines on safety and social distancing protocols. U-Spatial in-person workshops have been suspended through the summer but we are offering several of our workshops online. 

U-Spatial offers a variety of instructor-led workshops focusing on different geospatial tools and technologies. Some of our workshops are offered at no cost to UMN students, faculty, and staff. Workshops are held on both the Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. 

If you are having trouble registering for a workshop, please contact the U-Spatial Help Desk. 

 

Workshops

Georeferencing & Digitizing 101: An introduction to Map Georeferencing and Digitizing

This hands-on workshop will demonstrate how and why you would georeference a scanned map. Participants will learn how to georeference a historical map using freely available tools, how to bring it into a mapping interface, how to add locations (with additional information), and how to create spatial data (building footprints, roads, etc) from features shown on the map. The same process can be applied to a satellite image, aerial photograph, or any scanned map. No prior GIS experience is required.

Web GIS 101: Introduction to Mapping with ArcGIS Online

If you are new to GIS, this is the workshop for you. This workshop introduces participants to web-based mapping and spatial analysis using Esri's ArcGIS Online. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on activities, participants will learn the fundamentals of designing and sharing online maps. Topics covered include preparing data for use, online data sources, map design, and spatial analysis.

Web GIS 202: ArcGIS Online Content Management

Take your ArcGIS Online knowledge, skills, and understanding to the next level. This workshop will introduce participants to advanced topics of managing online content in Esri’s ArcGIS Online platform; publish feature layers, learn how to work with field data types, apply field calculations, publish tile layers, and other useful things to know when managing items in ArcGIS Online.

Required: This workshop is not for beginner users of ArcGIS Online, it is required that participants come with a basic understanding of ArcGIS Online, the equivalent to U-Spatial’s workshop, Web GIS 101.

Desktop GIS 101: Analyzing Data and Creating Maps

This workshop introduces participants to using geographic information system (GIS) to analyze data and create maps. Through a combination of presentations and hands-on exercises, participants will learn basic GIS concepts and the fundamentals of spatial analysis. 

We teach GIS 101 with three different software options.  Review the three options below to determine which one will meet your needs.

  1. Esri ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) - ArcGIS Desktop is the most widely used desktop GIS software at the University. All students, faculty, and staff at the University of Minnesota are able to install this software on their personal computer for free. If you are going to be working with colleagues already using ArcGIS Desktop, this is a good choice for you.

  2. Esri ArcGIS Pro - This is the latest desktop GIS software. It uses a ribbon toolbar similar to Microsoft Office products. All students, faculty, and staff at the University of Minnesota are able to install this software on your personal computer for free. If you are new to GIS, this workshop is a good choice for you.

  3. QGIS - QGIS is an open source application that will be free for you to use after leaving the University. QGIS is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux based computers.

Spatial Data Collection: ArcGIS Collector and Survey123

This hands-on workshop will introduce you to two Esri apps which allow you to use your mobile device as a tool for collecting spatial data in the field and seamlessly add it to a map: Collector for ArcGIS and Survey123 for ArcGIS. The workshop will explain the intended use of each app and guide participants through a workflow allowing them to customize the apps, gather data in the field, and visualize collected data."

Participants are required to provide their own Apple or Android mobile device. No prior experience with ArcGIS Online is required.

SQL 101: Spatial Data Revealed

This three-hour, hands-on workshop introduces structured query language (SQL) to participants and extends into spatial data. Using PostgreSQL+PostGIS, participants will use SQL to answer spatial questions and visualize results in QGIS. Note: Participant should have previous exposure to vector data types (points, lines, polygons) and map projections.

Story Maps 101: Visual Storytelling with Maps

This workshop guides participants through the process of telling stories with maps using the Esri Story Map platform. A discussion about best practices in visual storytelling will precede a step-by-step tutorial on creating your own Esri Story Map. This workshop is co-sponsored by DASH.

An Introduction to Image Analysis on Google Earth Engine

This workshop introduces participants to the various image analysis capabilities that Google Earth Engine offers. Topics covered in this course include adding satellite imagery, calculating vegetation indices, clipping the imagery to a study area, and exporting the imagery for use in another program.

Note: This is an advanced workshop. You will need to sign up for a Google Earth Engine account using a .edu email account at least two days prior to the start of the course and have some knowledge of JavaScript.

 

Additional Training

Teach with Story Maps

Story Maps are a powerful platform that integrate spatial thinking with storytelling to present information in a compelling, interactive and easy to understand format. Visit the new online Teach With Story Maps curriculum portal to see how you can implement these teaching tools in your classes, storymaps.umn.edu.
 

Esri Academy (Online Training)

The University of Minnesota's site license with Esri provides access to a wealth of online training courses. To access training visit www.esri.com/training and click "Sign In" in the upper right corner. If this is your first time logging in to the UMN Esri Enterprise account, follow these login instructions.
 

Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Lab (RSGAL)

The Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Lab offer workshops periodically throughout the year.  Topics include Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA), LiDAR, and UAS/drone technology.  For more information on these offerings, contact Professor Joseph Knight in the Department of Forest Resources.
 

LinkedIn Learning

A library of training videos are available to UMN faculty, students, and staff at no cost at LinkedIn Learning.  There are a variety of topics offered that include GIS, statistics, design, and more.  It is worth taking a look!
 

QGIS Training Material

A directory of free training material for QGIS in multiple languages.

For a list of for-credit GIS classes, see research.umn.edu/units/uspatial/gis-courses-umn.