GIS Resources

Below are resources for fellows who are new to, and want to explore GIS. Staff and fellows have compiled some free resources and self-guided activities for new users.

Please note that CivicSpark Staff are not GIS specialists, and we recommend connecting with your Site Supervisor for project support, or any contacts listed in the resources below.

Eager to try it out?

QGIS is the most popularly used free and open source GIS software application available. Start with the QGIS Training Manual offered on the QGIS site.

You can also try ArcGIS, and log in with your project site’s account or create a free trial account. 

Though ArcGIS is the industry standard, there are also many free, open-source GIS programs that offer greater capabilities than the free version of ArcGIS like Quantum GIS (QHIS) – considered the most user-friendly and robust – uDig, SAGA GIS, Whitebox, and GRASS (the most programming-heavy). As different programs are better suited for different applications and analyses, you may want to explore the preferred program for your particular field or discipline. 

You can also gain basic GIS skills here, and check out “Getting Started with Arc GIS Online.” And GIS Tutorials for Local Governments may be a helpful resource as well.

Once you’ve explored the free resources above, let us know about your experience! Meet with your Regional Coordinator about additional more in-depth opportunities.

Find a Class

Ideally, learning in a classroom is more valuable than online training, so if at all possible try and find an in-person class. Many local community colleges, universities or university extensions offer classes. If you cannot find a class in person, you can also look online. There are a number of online GIS classes offered by ESRI and other organizations (some of which are free). 

Depending on how self-directed you are, you will likely be able to learn a lot through textbook and free training courses. But if possible, taking an in-person class to learn the basics, as well as important functions and tricks, will likely help increase your efficiency and knowledge base when using GIS.

Find Online or Printed Resources

You can subscribe to ArcUser, ArcNews and ArcWatch for free. 

Esri has blogs that focus on the specific interests of developers, educators, managers and job seekers. Two blogs that have more general appeal are the Esri Insider, which discusses strategic initiatives and trending topics and the ArcGIS blog, which discusses the latest developments in ArcGIS software.

You can find training manuals and other introductory (and advanced) books that have helpful information for you as you are learning or expanding your GIS skills. You may even be able to find some of these resources at your local public library. 

Read online help files on Esri’s website, which may help give you a better understanding of the technology. 

Attend In-Person User Groups and Network with GIS Professionals and Classmates

As with any other aspect of your career, networking is critical. Find a regional and local user group to participate in so you can ask questions and talk to people about using GIS. If you do attend an in-person class, be sure to network with those in your classes by sharing tricks or tips or asking for input or advice. 

Get Real-World Experience

Gaining experience in the classroom is never enough. It is also important to get real-world experience that can enhance and build your GIS knowledge base. By gaining real world experience you will be able to prove that you not only know how to operate GIS software, but that you can also think on your own and solve real, challenging problems using real data. To do this, you may have to start out by volunteering with a local organization. 

Sources:

https://geoapplications.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/learning-gis-and-getting-your-first-gis-job-some-tips-and-tricks/  

http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/newtogis.html  

http://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/17227/free-gis-workshops-tutorials-and-applied-learning-material