Academics

University Libraries to offer fall workshops on maps, GIS and data visualization

Penn State University Libraries offers virtual information sessions on geospatial data and software topics, as well as virtual office hours for students and one-on-one research consultations through the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information. Credit: Penn State University Libraries / Penn StateAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning Sept. 27, the Research Informatics and Publishing department and the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information at Penn State University Libraries will offer four workshops on maps, GIS and data visualization.

This workshop series connects Penn State users to map and GIS resources, geospatial data and GIS software applications. Participants will learn about geospatial resources available from the University Libraries along with many geospatial data sources from public sources for U.S. and international locations. Software examples will include using geospatial content with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro and Power BI. Additional demonstrations will be made with related ArcGIS Online applications, including ArcGIS StoryMaps.

The workshops are free and open to Penn State undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff and faculty. No previous knowledge of maps or GIS is required.

Participants may attend either online or in person at W13 Pattee Library, as indicated. Those planning to attend online must register at the link provided. No registration is needed for those attending in person.

If you need more information, contact repub@psu.edu.

Workshop Schedule

Introduction to GIS Data and Software — Sept. 27, 3 to 4 p.m. (online or in person)

This introductory session will provide an overview of GIS data, maps and software available to use in projects. Participants will learn about U.S. and international geospatial data sources for use in multiple types of GIS software applications. Information will be provided on access to ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS ArcMap, and ArcGIS Pro, along with online geospatial resources available from the University Libraries, including Social Explorer, SimplyAnalytics, and PolicyMap. 

Introduction to Maps in Power BI and ArcGIS — Sept. 30, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (online)

This session will focus on incorporating maps into your Power BI reports. You will discover mapping options included by default with Power BI as well as those available from Marketplace. Information will be provided on using the Penn State ArcGIS Online organizational account, analysis features within ArcGIS Maps visual for Power BI, and the use of additional data layers from ArcGIS Online. You will learn about maps in general as well as some tricks that might be helpful for building your maps in Power BI.  

Introduction to ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, and Applications — Oct. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. (online or in person)

This session will introduce participants to ArcGIS Online, including web maps, StoryMaps, and applications. Users authenticate to the Penn State ArcGIS Online account with their Penn State credentials to access geospatial data from authoritative sources as well as user-generated content, and to create their own content. These applications and data sources can be applied to multiple disciplines.   

Using ArcGIS Online Content with ArcGIS Pro — Oct. 11, 3 to 4 p.m. (online or in person)

This session will provide an introduction to ArcGIS Pro, including access, key functionality and example uses. This session will highlight the connection with ArcGIS Online and how to use content from ArcGIS Online and share content from ArcGIS Pro to ArcGIS Online for use in web maps and applications. This workshop provides users with resources for working with a GIS desktop application. 

Last Updated September 21, 2022