Events and Workshops

• Using Historical Maps in GIS

Thursday, July 24, 2025

This workshop will explore the use of historical maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and compare past and present landscapes. Participants will learn how to overlay historical maps through the process of georeferencing in ArcGIS Pro. No prior experience required. 

• Introduction to ArcGIS StoryMaps

Monday, June 16, 2025

This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required.

• Introduction to ArcGIS Online

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Join us for a workshop designed for beginners interested in exploring ArcGIS Online for web mapping. This session will introduce core features of this online platform, including how to upload data, create a map, and share your work online. Please register to receive the Zoom link!

• Machine Learning & Image Classification in GIS

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use machine learning to classify land types (e.g., urban, forest, water, agricultural) from satellite images. We’ll cover data preparation, feature extraction, and applying classification algorithms. By the end, participants will be able to apply machine learning to classify land cover in ArcGIS Pro.

• Mapping Food Deserts: Using GIS for Community Health

In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Online (AGOL) to conduct proximity analysis, mapping food deserts and assessing access to food in underserved communities. They will learn how to identify areas lacking grocery stores and other food resources, supporting efforts to improve community health.

• Mapping Elevation Data: Using GIS for Landscape Analysis

Monday, March 17, 2025

In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Pro to classify raster elevation data, gaining insights into landscape features such as terrain, slope, and elevation zones. They will learn how to process and analyze raster datasets for detailed landscape analysis.

• IPUMS Data: Accessing Census and Geographic Data

Thursday, March 12, 2025

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to IPUMS (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series), that provides access to Census data as well as geographic information from the past and present. We will cover the types of data available, how to navigate through these datasets to find the information you need, and download them for use outside of IPUMS.

• Telling Stories with Maps: ArcGIS StoryMaps

Wednesday, March 6, 2025

This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required.

• Mapping Sea Level Rise: Using GIS for Climate Change

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Pro to manipulate raster data and map sea level rise scenarios, visualizing the potential impacts of climate change on coastal areas. They will learn how to analyze elevation, potential flooding, and environmental vulnerability in order to assess risks and plan for adaptation.

• Making Maps with Python: Automating GIS Tasks

Friday, February 28, 2025

Building on the foundation of the first workshop (Making Maps with Python: Introduction to ArcPy), this session dives deeper into using Python for automating more advanced GIS tasks. Participants will learn how to write Python scripts to automate repetitive workflows, including spatial analysis, batch processing, and data management, to enhance productivity and streamline complex tasks.

• Making Maps with Python: Introduction to ArcPy

Thursday, February 27, 2025

This introductory workshop is designed for participants new to Python and ArcPy. It focuses on the fundamentals of using ArcPy within ArcGIS for basic map creation and simple spatial tasks. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of how Python integrates with GIS and learn basic scripting techniques for automating simple tasks.

• Telling Stories with Maps: ArcGIS StoryMaps

Friday, February 21, 2025

This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required.

• Mapping Natural Disasters: Using GIS for Risk and Response

Monday, February 17, 2025

In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Online dashboards to map natural disasters like wildfires and floods, visualizing the impact on affected areas and populations. They will learn to create interactive maps for disaster risk assessment and response.

• How to Use Historical Maps in GIS

Tuesday, February 11, 2024

This workshop will explore the use of historical maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and compare past and present landscapes. Participants will learn how to overlay historical map data with modern geographic layers, assess changes over time, and effectively present their findings through interactive visualizations. Workshop Goals:

Learn to overlay historical maps with modern GIS data for comparison.

Gain experience using ArcGIS Online to create interactive visualizations.

• Mapping the Great Migration

Wednesday, February 5, 2024

In this workshop, participants will explore the historical significance of the Great Migration by creating maps that visualize the movement of Black Americans from the South to urban centers in the North and West. Using historical data, census records, and migration patterns, attendees will learn how to map key aspects of this transformative period in U.S. history.

• How to Make Study Area Maps for Research

Thursday, January 24, 2024

This introductory workshop guides participants in using ArcGIS Pro to create study area maps, focusing on highlighting specific regions or areas of interest. Attendees will learn the basics of map layout design and how to effectively emphasize key study areas for research purposes. Workshop Goals:

Learn how to highlight a region or area of interest on a map using ArcGIS Pro.
Gain skills in creating and customizing basic map layouts for research.

• Telling Stories with Maps: ArcGIS StoryMaps

Tuesday, January 14, 2024

This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required. Workshop Goals:

Understand the fundamentals of ArcGIS StoryMaps and its capabilities.
Learn how to integrate maps, images, text, and multimedia into interactive stories.

• ArcGIS StoryMaps

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Join us for a workshop on ArcGIS StoryMaps, where you'll learn how to create captivating, interactive narratives using maps and multimedia. Discover the tools and techniques to showcase your projects, research, or community stories in a visually appealing format. No prior experience required.  

• #30DayMapChallenge: 2 Colors

Friday, November 22, 2024

Join us in the GIS Lab for informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a map using only 2 colors.

• #30DayMapChallenge: World Map

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Join us in the GIS Lab for informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a world map.

• Coordinate Systems & Map Projection Essentials

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Gain a solid foundation in coordinate systems and map projections with this GIS essential workshop. Understand how these elements affect spatial data accuracy and learn to choose the right projection for your mapping projects.

• #30DayMapChallenge: Arctic

Monday, November 11, 2024

Join us in the GIS Lab for an informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a map featuring the Arctic. 

• #30DayMapChallenge: Humanitarian Data Exchange

Friday, November 8, 2024

Join us in the GIS Lab for an informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a map using Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX). 

• Mapping in R: Crafting Interactive Maps with Leaflet

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Explore the possibilities of interactive mapping with R's leaflet package. This workshop will guide you through creating dynamic maps that incorporate interactivity and visualization, enhancing the impact of spatial story telling.

• Mapping in R: Exploring Spatial Libraries

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Dive deeper into R's geospatial application. Learn how to manipulate, analyze, and visualize spatial data to uncover meaningful patterns and insights.

• Mapping in R: Introduction to R

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Get started with R and explore its capabilities for creating maps. This workshop introduces fundamental R programming concepts tailored for geographic information systems.

• Geospatial Visualizations: Designing for Impact

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Explore techniques for visualizing, presenting, and communicating geospatial data effectively. This workshop will cover best practices in map design, data representation, and creating compelling visual narratives.

• Introduction to GIS w/ QGIS

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Delve into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using QGIS, an open-source mapping software. This workshop will introduce basic concepts, software access, data input, and exploration.

• Geospatial Data Discovery: Leveraging Library Tools

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Discover how to find and access geospatial data using library resources. In this session we will learn effective search strategies, showcase data repositories, and highlight databases like Social Explorer, PolicyMap, and Simply Analytics.

• Introduction to GIS w/ ArcGIS Pro

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Learn the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro. This workshop will cover basic concepts, software access, data input, and exploration. No prior GIS experience needed!

• GIS Lab Open House

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Come meet your Geospatial Librarians at the GIS Lab. This open house is intended for you to check out what the Lab has to offer, learn how we can support your research and projects, and connect you to resources at the Library. There will be some mapping activities and light refreshments. No registration required, open to all!

• Intro to Remote Sensing (Spatio-temporal change with imagery)

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Remote Sensing imagery (satellite, airborne, drone, etc.) can be used for studying change over time on the earth’s surface.  Studies in climate change, urban and built environment, and environmental applications often use remote sensing and image analysis to show how the Earth has changed and its implications.  This workshop will discuss terminology and how to do a basic image analysis between multiple dates of imagery in ArcPro.  No previous experience with GIS required!

• Exploring ArcGIS Online (web mapping) 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

From webmaps, webapps, dashboards, to Storymaps.  See how this mapping platform can work for your research. No previous experience with GIS required!

• Getting started with QGIS 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

In this workshop, you will learn to use raster and vector data in this powerful (free to use) open-source GIS. Users will have a brief introduction to the QGIS interface and will learn basic GIS methods. No previous experience with GIS required!

• Basic Spatial Statistics  

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Are you ready to elevate your GIS skills to a new level by incorporating the power of spatial statistics? Learn the fundamentals of spatial statistics with an overview of spatial autocorrelation, point pattern analysis, and hot spot analysis. No previous experience with GIS required!

• Geocoding

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Geocoding is the process of transforming a description of a location—such as a pair of coordinates, an address, or the name of a place—to a location on the earth’s surface. You can geocode by entering one location description at a time or by providing many of them at once in a table. Learn how to geocode your own data in this workshop.  Make your data mapable! No previous experience with GIS required!

• PolicyMap

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Vanderbilt University now has access to PolicyMap, a browser-based mapping tool that provides access to a wealth of data concerning physical health, infant and maternal health, uninsured populations, various federal programs, and the location of health facilities such as hospitals and FQHCs. In addition, the tool includes a broad array of data related to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as demographics, income, healthy food access, the economy, housing, public transportation, and more.  In this workshop learn how to navigate the site, make a map, compare data, and download data. No previous experience with GIS required!

• Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro 

  Wednesday, January 24, 2024

  Are you eager to dive into the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and harness the capabilities of cutting-edge mapping technology? Look no further! ArcGIS Pro is a powerful and comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) software developed by Esri. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of ArcGIS Pro and guided through the basics of navigating the ArcGIS Pro interface, creating captivating maps, and visualizing data with ease.  Develop essential skills through guided, hands-on exercise.  No previous experience with GIS required!

• Accessing and Georeferencing Scanned Maps 

  Wednesday, November 29, 2023

  Scanned images of early maps and aerial photography often provide an ideal historical backdrop for contemporary geospatial data. Georeferencing is the process of taking a digital image, it could be an aerial photo, a scanned geologic map, or a picture of a topographic map, and adding geographic information to the image so that GIS or mapping software can ‘place’ the image in its appropriate real-world location. Attendees will learn how to find historic maps and perform georeferencing.

• Open Tools for GIS 

  Wednesday, November 1, 2023

  This workshop will introduce participants: to basic terms and concepts of open source, open data; open access; several open tools for GIS and mapping work; and resources for learning more about each tool. Tools covered include QGIS, Open Street Map, and R.

• Storymaps 

  Wednesday, October 18, 2023

  ESRI StoryMaps workshops are ideal for anyone interested in creating engaging and informative narratives that incorporate spatial context. StoryMaps allow users to combine maps, text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements to tell engaging stories with a spatial context. Participants will learn how to effectively use the StoryMaps platform to convey information, educate audiences, and share stories in an interactive and visually appealing manner.

• ArcGIS Online 

  Wednesday, October 4, 2023

  Attendees will learn how to search, find, and share geographic content in ESRI’s online mapping platform. The workshop will provide the fundamental skills necessary to create, design, and share web maps, as well as use some of the various geoprocessing tools currently offered via the online application.

• Finding and mapping demographic data 

  Wednesday, September 20, 2023

  Finding socio-economic and demographic data can sometimes be challenging.  Once you get the data, how do you map it?  In this workshop, the attendees will not only learn how to extract data from social explorer, but how to map that data in ESRI’s ArcPro.

• ArcPro 

  Wednesday, September 6, 2023

   ArcGIS Pro is a widely used GIS software that provides advanced tools for spatial analysis, data management, visualization, and more.  This ArcGIS Pro workshop will focus on teaching participants how to effectively use ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro software for various GIS tasks and applications.