Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an exciting set of technology tools used in almost every field imaginable. Knowledge of GIS and experience with spatial analysis will enhance your resume and allow you to analyze and manage your data more effectively than ever before. Gain an overview of GIS in this hands-on workshop. Learn about terms and concepts, available systems, data sources and design and policy decisions that must be addressed prior to implementation of a GIS project. By combining lectures and hands-on experience working with ArcGIS, this course will provide you with a basic working knowledge of GIS and a concrete sense of the planning and design work involved in using GIS.

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.