Advanced GIS: Productivity, Geoprocessing and Analysis

Online

Increase your understanding of available tools in ArcGIS for many types of spatial analyses, and understand how to choose the appropriate set of tools for different situations. Gain experience with a variety of geoprocessing tools in ArcGIS, discover better work routines and learn how to improve your workflow using ModelBuilder. Review important topics such as projections and editing, and explore many overlooked but useful tools that make life easier and save time and effort, including many advanced editing tools and map topology. You will also learn how to create map books using data-driven pages and ModelBuilder effectively for streamlining analyses and creating an easily modifiable interface for spatial analysis steps that are repeated many times.

Course Format and Pacing
This fully online course is delivered through Canvas, UC Davis CPE’s learning management system, and includes approximately 20 hours of instruction. Content is presented through a combination of pre-recorded lectures and mandatory live Zoom sessions with the instructor(s).

Industry-Leading Software
ArcGIS Pro is a premier geographic information system (GIS) platform used by professionals worldwide in environmental science, urban planning, natural resource management, and more. Students gain hands-on experience with powerful mapping and spatial analysis tools, developing skills that are highly valued in industries requiring data visualization, geospatial analysis, and location-based decision-making.

Software Requirements
ArcGIS Pro runs on Windows and requires installation using a student license provided prior to the course start, along with detailed licensing and installation instructions. Students must use a personal laptop with at least 8GB of RAM and a dual-core, 64-bit processor capable of running Windows 11. Mac users will need Windows 11 installed via Boot Camp, Parallels, VirtualBox, or another virtualization tool (see instructions). To avoid technical issues, students should install the software early and ensure their system meets the minimum requirements.

Academic Units

Section Number

252GIS102

Instruction Method

Online class

Association Credits

American Planning Assoc (AICP)

20.00 AICP hours

Section Notes

Access to your course in Canvas will be available 7 days before the course start date.

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $30 processing fee, if the request is received 7 calendar days before the course begins. Click here to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.

Refund Deadline: 10/27/2025. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date.

Prerequisites

Recommended: It is strongly recommended that students have prior training in ESRI (ArcGIS) or similar software. Completion of Introduction to Geographic Information Systems is sufficient for success in this course.

Technical Requirements

To ensure your success in this course, please review our technical requirements page at online learning.

Section Course Materials

ESRI’s ArcGIS

Optional

Software Access As part of this course, you will receive access to Esri’s ArcGIS, the world’s leading geographic information system (GIS) software. Your access will be enabled by your instructor before the course begins, allowing you to explore real-world GIS applications.

Discounts

Info Session Discount

Attendees of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Information Sessions may be eligible for $100 discount on a class by entering the Coupon Code provided at the Information Session. Contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Student Services office, at (800) 752-0881, if you have questions about this discount.

CAAA Member Discount

Current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) and other UC alumni associations receive 10% off the course fee of one course per quarter, not to exceed $100. If you don't have your discount code, contact CAAA at alumni@ucdavis.edu to request it.

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Schedule

Nov 3rd, 2025 to Nov 7th, 2025, 12:00am to 12:00am

Mon., Nov 3rd, 2025, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Wed., Nov 5th, 2025, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Thur., Nov 6th, 2025, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Instructors

Karen Beardsley

Karen Beardsley, Ph.D., Dr. Karen Beardsley has worked at UC Davis since 1994 as a researcher and geographic information system (GIS) specialist. She currently serves as the Director of Global Professional Programs with the Global Affairs Office at UC Davis, after working for over 20 years with the Information Center for the Environment in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Her interests include applications of GIS and other geospatial technologies to biodiversity protection and land use planning, as well as developing international connections and opportunities for UC Davis students, scholars and faculty around the world. In 2015-16, Dr. Beardsley worked as a Fulbright Professor at the Royal Thimphu College in Bhutan, where she taught college students about geographic information science and technology, and arranged and delivered short GIS courses for Bhutanese government staff. Ms. Beardsley has taught GIS with CPE since 1996, when she helped develop their first GIS course offering.