By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development will host a two-day ArcGIS Pro training workshop on August 20-21 in Ames. The program is designed to help participants develop practical geographic information systems (GIS) skills that can be used for planning, research, community development, and data analysis.
Maps are valuable tools because they help users identify patterns, trends, and relationships that may not be easily visible in spreadsheets or written reports. GIS technology allows organizations and individuals to better understand land use, infrastructure, demographics, natural resources, and other location-based information, leading to more informed decisions.
The workshop, titled Essentials of ArcGIS Pro: Two-Day Course, is suitable for both beginners and experienced GIS users. Participants will receive hands-on training using Esri’s ArcGIS Pro software, one of the most widely used GIS platforms for creating, analyzing, and managing maps and spatial data.
During the course, attendees will learn how to create maps from geospatial information, work with data stored in tables, query databases, select features based on location, and edit and display spatial data. The training will also include instruction on projecting data and using ArcGIS Pro tools to analyze geographic information effectively.
The workshop aims to provide practical experience rather than only theoretical knowledge. By working directly with GIS software, participants will gain skills that can be applied to their own projects and professional responsibilities.
Bailey Hanson, Data Analyst with ISU Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development, highlighted the value of the training. Hanson said, "ArcGIS Pro can help users turn location-based data into maps and analysis that support their work." Hanson further explained, “By working through the tools during the course, participants can build practical skills they can continue using with their own data and projects.”
The training is expected to benefit a wide range of individuals, including city staff, planners, researchers, students, and community development professionals. As the use of data-driven decision-making continues to grow, GIS skills are becoming increasingly important across many industries and organizations.
The registration fee for the workshop is $600 per person. Group discounts are available for participants from the same organization who register together. Organizations sending two participants can receive a 10% discount, while groups of three or more qualify for a 15% discount. Iowa State University employees and students are also eligible for a special discount through a promotional code provided by the program team.
The ArcGIS Pro workshop offers an excellent opportunity for participants to strengthen their technical skills, gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, and learn practical mapping techniques that can support future projects and professional development.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Iowa, Education