The GEO Project
Education
The GEO Project offers a variety of geospatial training workshops using commercial and open-source GIS software. Workshops are offered at various locations around the state and online. Workshop topics range from introductory topics for new users to advanced topics for more experienced users.Workshops are free to local and state government employees and federal employees. Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) university and community college employees and college students are not considered Mississippi government employees and must pay a $69 registration fee to enroll.
Register for Upcoming Workshops
Workshop Descriptions
Introduction to ArcGIS Pro: This course introduces basic concepts in geographic information systems (GIS) and demonstrates their implementation in ArcGIS Pro.Topics Covered Include:
- Navigating the ArcGIS Pro Interface
- Working with spatial data
- Introducing geodatabases
- Mapping spatial data
- Determining coordinated systems and projections
- Using attribute tables and making queries
- Creating spatial data
- Implementing data analysis
- Introducing ArcGIS Online
- Designing layouts
Migrating to ArcGIS Pro (Online): This course highlights key differences in common and frequently used functions between ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro.
Topics Covered Include:
- Migrating existing ArcGIS Desktop files to ArcGIS Pro
- Displaying, manipulating, and creating spatial data within the framework of ArcGIS Pro
- Publishing data to online platforms and engaging in further use of the data
- Conducting basic and intermediate geospatial analysis
- A working knowledge of basic GIS concepts and proficiency with ArcGIS Desktop
- A Windows-based computer
- Reliable internet access
- Licensed version of ArcGIS Pro 2.5 (or higher)
Introduction to Python with ArcGIS Pro: This course introduces fundamentals of Python GIS scripting with the emphasis on spatial data analysis. It demonstrates scripting operations using the ArcGIS Pro and PyCharm editor. Along with the Python fundamentals, it covers geospatial workflow automatization, Python debugging techniques, and designing customized scripts that utilize the ArcPy site package. No previous programming experience is necessary or expected. However, this course requires familiarity with ArcGIS Pro, and common geospatial data formats, including shapefiles and geodatabases.
Topics Covered Include:
- Using various scripting environments
- Automating repetitive geospatial workflows
- Defining custom functions
- Editing existing geoprocessing scripts
- Creating advanced, Python-based, field calculations and label expressions
- Designing customized stand-alone Python scripts
- Recognizing programming errors and learning how to debug Python scripts
- A working knowledge of basic GIS concepts
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro
Introduction to QGIS: This course introduces concepts in geographic information systems (GIS) and demonstrates their implementation within QGIS software. QGIS is an open-source GIS software package and is available to users at no cost.
Topics Covered Include:
- Defining GIS and getting familiar with how QGIS is used
- Determining map projections and coordinate systems
- Recognizing different GIS data types and learning how to create GIS datasets
- Using GIS layers to manage map symbology and labels
- Editing attributes and execute basic spatial data analyses
- Performing geoprocessing using vector datasets
- Designing maps for presenters
Intermediate QGIS: This course is intended for individuals who have taken Introduction to GIS using QGIS or have fundamental working knowledge of QGIS software. This course further explores concepts in geographic information systems (GIS) and advanced concepts and techniques and their implementation within QGIS software. QGIS is an open-source GIS software package and is available to users at no-cost.
Students registering for this workshop should have:
- Basic computer skills
- A Windows-based computer
- Reliable internet access