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 Workshop Schedule

Monday, April 3    
Time Instructor    Length  Title MAGIP Member Non-Member
8am – 12pm Eric Pimpler, GeoSpatial Training Services  1.5 Days  Learning ArcGIS Pro 2: Editing, Analysis, and Automation  $379  $750
8am – 12pm Kara Utter, GeoSpatial Training Services  1 Day  Introduction to Experience Builder  $329  $650
8am – 12pm David Howes, David  Howes, LLC 1 Day  Introduction to Python Programming  $350  $670
8:30am – 12pm Bob Cochran and Michael Fashoway 1 Day  GIS for NG9-1-1 and Addressing  $80   $160
8am – 12pm Mel Philbrook/Kyle Engel, Frontier Precision 1/2 Day  Mobile and Aerial LiDAR Solutions and Point Cloud Extraction   Into a Geodatabase
 $80  $160
8am – 12pm Carrie Harapat, POWER Engineers  1 Day  Cityworks $150  $300 
12pm-1pm Lunch on your own    
1pm –  5pm Eric Pimpler, GeoSpatial Training Services    Learning ArcGIS Pro 2: Editing, Analysis, and Automation   (continued)    
1pm – 5pm Kara Utter, GeoSpatial Training Services    Introduction to Experience Builder (continued)

1pm – 5pm David Howes, David  Howes, LLC    Introduction to Python Programming (continued)

1pm - 4:30pm Bob Cochran and Michael Fashoway    GIS for NG9-1-1 and Addressing (continued)    
1pm – 5pm Mel Philbrook/Kyle Engel, Frontier Precision 1/2 Day

 Esri Fieldmaps with Trimble DA2 and Montana State   Reference Network Correction

 $80  $160
1pm – 5pm Carrie Harapat, POWER Engineers    CityWorks (continued) $150   $300 


Tuesday, April 4

   
8am – 12pm Eric Pimpler, GeoSpatial Training Services    Learning ArcGIS Pro 2: Editing, Analysis, and Automation   (continued)
   
8am – 12pm Kara Utter, GeoSpatial Training Services 1/2 Day  Building Sites with ArcGIS Hub  $279  $550
8am – 12pm David Howes, David  Howes, LLC 1 Day

 Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes   Development 

 PLEASE NOTE: Introduction to Python Programming (Monday   Workshop) is a prerequisite

 $350  $670
8am – 12pm John Hogland 1/2 Day

 Python Setup and Automation: Environments, Open Source,   and Automation (Beginning)

$80  $160
8am – 12pm Esri 1/2 Day  UAV/UAS Mapping Workflows with ArcGIS
$80 $160
12pm-1pm Lunch on your own    
1pm – 5pm Mike Eidum, Ethan Ritzen 1/2 Day  Introduction to ArcGIS Online
$80 $160
1pm – 5pm Christian Hinderman 1/2 Day  Exploring Montana Property Information with SQL Queries $80 $160
1pm – 5pm David Howes, David  Howes, LLC
 
 Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes   Development (continued)
   
1pm – 5pm John Hogland 1/2 Day

 Python Based Complex Spatial & Machine Learning Analyses:   Model Based Predication Using Raster Tools and Cloud Based   Resources (Advanced)

$80 $160
1pm – 5pm Esri 1/2 Day  Imagery Management and Analysis with ArcGIS
$80 $160

Workshop Descriptions

Return to workshop schedule


 Learning ArcGIS Pro 2: Editing, Analysis and Automation (1.5 Days)

Instructor: Eric Pimpler (Geospatial Training Services) 

Some Lecture with mostly Hands-On Exercises 

Requirements: 

Students will need a computer with ArcGIS Pro installed and licensed. 

Workshop Description: 

ArcGIS Pro is Esri’s newest desktop GIS application with powerful tools for visualizing, maintaining, and analyzing data. ArcGIS Pro makes use of the modern ribbon interface and 64-bit processing to increase the speed and efficiency of using GIS. It allows users to create amazing maps in both 2D and 3D quickly and easily. 

This 2-day intermediate course will teach student how they can use ArcGIS Pro to automate the creation of map books using map series functionality, edit spatial and attribute data, share content with others using map and layer files, packages, and ArcGIS Online, perform GIS analysis, automate processes using ModelBuilder and the new Task Framework, and learn the fundamentals of the Arcade programming language for custom symbology and labeling.

Course Modules

  • Module 1: Automating Map Production with Map Series 

  • Module 2: Editing Spatial and Attribute Data 

  • Module 3: Sharing Maps, Layouts, Projects, and Processes 

  • Module 4: Performing GIS Analysis using Geoprocessing Tools 

  • Module 5: Standardizing Workflows with Tasks 

  • Module 6: Automating Processes with ModelBuilder and Python 

  • Module 7: Introduction to Arcade 

Course exercises will give you the hands-on experience you need to get familiar to take your ArcGIS Pro expertise to the next level. 

About the Instructor: 

Eric is the founder and owner of GeoSpatial Training Services (geospatialtraining.com) and has over 25 year’s experience as an application developer, data scientist, and trainer using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Desktop. Eric is currently focused on data science applications with Python, R, and GIS. 

Eric is the author of several books including:

Eric has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Texas A&M University and a Master's of Applied Geography degree with a concentration in GIS from Texas State University. 

Return to workshop schedule




Introduction to Experience Builder (1 Day)

Instructor: Kara Utter (Geospatial Training Services)

Some Lecture with mostly Hands-On Exercises 

Requirements: 

Students will need a computer with a browser (Chrome is preferred) along with a valid AGOL login. 

Workshop Description: 

This full-day course focuses on Experience Builder, highlighting how it is different from Web AppBuilder and detailing its advanced capabilities. You will explore the extensive list of well-refined templates that can be used out-of-the-box or reshaped and customized to fit the needs of your project. The course will dive into style and content settings for dynamic widgets, how to build an Experience from a template or a blank canvas and how to add widget actions and triggers to create an even more dynamic application for your target audience. You will learn how to optimize your Experience for mobile screen viewing so that users can access your application from a single, intelligent URL. Finally, you will learn a few tips for managing your Experiences and templates. 

Course exercises will give you the hands-on experience you need to get familiar with the layout, customization capabilities and functionality that will have you quickly building your own Experiences beyond the classroom. 

About the Instructor: 

Kara is a GIS Consultant and owner of Dynamic Visions GIS. With over 10 years of experience in GIS, she has worked with local, state, and federal government entities, as well as the nonprofit and private sectors. She spent the last five years building and coordinating a County-level GIS program, with her previous experience being focused on Natural Resources, Environmental Science, and Land Management. 

Kara excels at systems thinking, adaptable approaches to systems solutions, and online application development. Her capacity to build a GIS program, improve efficiency, increase public access to information, provide methods of asset tracking, and quickly adapt to a changing environment has resulted in many successful project resolutions and Global recognition through ESRI’s Special Achievements in GIS (SAG) awards (2021). 

She is an active member of the community through participation on multiple boards and committees. These experiences range from leading sub-committees and planning conferences for URISA International, helping to plan conferences as an officer and Treasurer of Northern Rockies Chapter of URISA, and volunteering for nonprofits in my local community.

Introduction to Python Programming (Beginner) (1 Day)

Instructor: David Howes (David Howes, LLC)

Requirements:
PLEASE NOTE: The first workshop (Introduction to Python Programming) is a prerequisite requirement for the second workshop!

Workshop Description: 

Python is now regarded as one of the most popular programming languages of all, if not the most popular. This is especially true for GIS-related requirements, with Python being front and central when it comes to making the most of the ArcGIS technology suite. This workshop will provide an introduction to Python programming without reference to GIS topics, but with an emphasis on preparing attendees for further learning with respect to GIS scripting and development. For anyone interested in attending the associated workshop, "Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes Development," this introductory workshop is a prerequisite requirement, while the workshop may also be helpful for anyone wishing to use Python for any purpose.

Three topics will be covered in the workshop: (1) getting started with Python; (2) the use of JetBrains PyCharm Community Edition, a rich, powerful, and free Integrated Development Environment (IDE); and (3) Python fundamentals, including functions, classes and objects, and error handling.

Intended Audience

Anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of Python programming, especially in support of ArcGIS-related requirements.

Prerequisite Requirements

There are no prerequisite requirements. It will be assumed that attendees have little experience with Python and are essentially starting from scratch.

Associated Workshop

Completion of this workshop is required for anyone wishing to attend the associated "Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes Development" workshop. An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor is satisfied that your level of Python experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact the instructor to request a waiver.

Format and Technical Requirements
The workshop will consist of a balance between lecture material and demonstrations. Attendees must bring their own laptop. Instructions for setting up the required software will be provided prior to the workshop.

About the Instructor: 

David Howes is a geospatial information scientist and the sole owner at David Howes, LLC (dhowes.com) in Seattle, WA, specializing in the development of GIS tools, processes, and supporting infrastructure for a variety of clients from small operations to multinational corporations. With over 30 years of academic and private sector experience in both the United Kingdom and the United States in geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and fluvial geomorphology (including a Ph.D. in geomorphology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.Sc. in GIS from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland), David has a diverse background that is well suited to developing innovative solutions to spatial problems. He is a regular supporter of and provider of GIS professional development activities and training, typically as part of his GISPD.cominitiative.


GIS for NG9-1-1 and Addressing (1 Day)

Instructor: Bob Cochran and Michael Fashoway

Requirements:
The Montana State Library will provide a computer lab with sample data. Participants are welcome to bring their own data and computer with ArcGIS Pro.

Workshop Description: 

A full day lecture and hands on training for GIS addressing and becoming NG9-1-1 GIS compliant for local GIS professionals. The Montana State Library will be bringing its computer lab with sample data. You are welcome to bring your own data and computer with ArcGIS Pro . This training will focus on strong data management, constancy, MSL’s 9-1-1 GIS Data Validation and Aggregation Portal and other tools that are available to you.

Morning Session
Planning for success

  • Data Infrastructure and Schema
  • Data Dependencies
  • Sharing Data

NG9-1-1 The GIS Data

  • NENA Required, Recommended, Optional Layers and Fields
  • Basic Topological Requirements
  • Legacy Data Requirements MSAG and ALI
  • Domains

Data Maintenance

  • Hacking ESRI’s Address Management Solution
  • Locators and data dissemination tools
  • Fields Maps and Field Data Collection

Afternoon Session
Montana GIS Data Validation and Aggregation Portal - Getting Started

  • Getting started
  • Running your first validation
  • Fixing issues and managing validation results
  • Exceptions
  • Tips and tricks

Montana GIS Data Validation and Aggregation Portal - Advanced topics

  • Legacy Data Checks
  • SSAP and RCL to Boundary comparisons
  • Boundary to Boundary comparisons
  • Data Aggregation

About the Instructor: 

Michael Fashoway is a GIS Supervisor and the Land Information Lead at the Montana State Library where he leads the development and maintenance of Administrative Boundaries, Cadastral, Mapping Control, Structures/Addresses, and Transportation MSDI themes. He is also active in a state and national standards and advocacy organizations including: the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the FGDC Address Subcommittee, and the Montana 9-1-1 Advisory Council. 

Bob Cochran is in his second year as a 9-1-1 GIS Analysist at the Montana State Library where his duties are primarily supporting statewide 9-1-1 GIS needs. Bob specializes in GIS analysis, workflows, and general GIS support. Bob is eager to work individually with everyone to improve the state’s 9-1-1 GIS infrastructure.

Mobile and Aerial LiDAR Solutions and Point Cloud Extraction Into a Geodatabase (1/2 Day)

Instructors: Mel Philbrook and Kyle Engel (Frontier Precision)

Requirements:

Workshop Description: 

The world is changing, and the way governments and private agencies are required to capture data is also rapidly changing. Terrestrial, Mobile and Aerial Lidar capture is on the increase. In this session, we will show you how Trimble Business Center combined using a hidden tool of Feature Definition Manager can provide any organization with a flexible and affordable High Accuracy GIS extraction tool for these projects. We will also show how this technology can be utilized for any applications which require higher horizontal and vertical precisions. This session will teach you how simple it is to use the Trimble Business Center GIS/Scanning Modules and Feature Definition Manager.

Objective One: Applying

What is the Trimble Business Center GIS Module and Scanning Module?

Objective Two: Applying

How can the TBC Feature Definition Manager be utilized in GIS data capture?

Objective Three: Evaluating

Demonstrate the value of extracting Terrestrial, Mobile and Aerial Lidar data into GIS using Trimble Business Center

    About the Instructors: 

    Mel Philbrook has been with Frontier Precision since 2012 as a geospatial solutions provider. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology and business management. He has been involved in civil engineering implementation and managing geographic information systems, as well as providing consultation for geospatial solutions to a myriad of public and private companies. His 30+ years of field surveying, civil engineering and assisting GIS professionals in the public and private sector enables him to offer unique and valuable insight on the ever-changing geospatial market.

    Kyle Engel is the Geospatial Sales Representative for Frontier Precision. He provides, services, and supports the geospatial portfolio for the State of Montana. Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology and Environmental Science from Miami University. Kyle also obtained a Geographic Information Science Certificate while attending Miami University.



    Cityworks (1 Day)

    Instructors: Carrie Harapat (POWER Engineers)

    Requirements: None

    Workshop Description:

    This workshop is designed to introduce Cityworks users and administrators with their peers across Montana and surrounding states while learning more about the Cityworks platform.  We’ll learn how different organizations are using Cityworks and leveraging the AMS and PLL applications in their day to day operations.  Cityworks staff will share information on new features along with demonstrating the applied uses of the Cityworks and GIS applications.  We’ll walk you through how to install, configure, and navigate the Cityworks Mobile Apps on Android and Apple devices along with taking the devices on a short field exercise for applied use.

    We encourage you to bring your own Apple or Android device that can have the Cityworks Mobile app installed on it.

    Please bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions as we will be going outside for the field exercise portion.

    Outline:

    • User Presentations
    • Cityworks Presentations
    • Hands on session on using and configuring the Cityworks Mobile Apps (bring your own Android or Apple device that can have the Cityworks App installed on it)

    Intended Audience:

    People interested in using or already using Cityworks within government or utility organizations.  All level of users are welcome including both Cityworks users and administrators.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand how organizations are leveraging Cityworks for Asset Management and Land Management
    • Gain a better understanding of the Cityworks Application
    • Understand how to install and configure the Cityworks Mobile App
    • Understand how to use the Cityworks Mobile App for field collection of work orders and inspections


    About the Instructor: 

    Carrie Harapat is an experienced Cityworks guru, Crystal Report expert, and FME enthusiast working undercover as an Advanced Utility Solutions Consultant for POWER Engineers.  Carrie supports Cityworks users across a wide variety of industries and locations within the US and is based out of Bozeman, MT.  Carrie has been a Cityworks user and supporter for over 14 years but when she’s not sitting at her desk solving problems you can find her on the trail at the top of a mountain with her 2 dogs by her side - her bucket list of places she’d like to explore is never ending and constantly growing!


    Hands-On with Esri ArcGIS Field Maps to Capture GIS Data (1/2 Day)

    Instructors: Mel Philbrook and Kyle Engel (Frontier Precision)

    Requirements: 

    Workshop Description: 

    This Hand-On workshop for Esri ArcGIS Field Maps will show the basics of how-to setup ArcGIS Field Maps to support an External GNSS receiver. With the Montana State Real-Time Network (MTSRN) running and available to the public, we will also be demonstrating how to obtain an N-Trip Username/Password, and how to utilize MTSRN as a real-time correction source. A field exercise using the Esri ArcGIS Field Maps app will also be included.

    We encourage you to bring your own smart device with the Esri ArcGIS Field Maps app installed. We will have some Trimble GNSS receivers available for those who want to experience higher-accuracy data capture with their own devices.

    Please bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions as we will be going outside.

    Whether you are considering implementing ArcGIS Online/ ArcGIS Pro for your organization or are actively using this tool already, you will find this workshop valuable to your organization and application.

    Workshop outline:

    • Classroom review of ArcGIS Field Maps Collection Settings
    • Classroom review of setting up a Location Provider to support and External GNSS sensor.
    • Classroom review of setting up a Location Profile properly to support Montana States Real-Time Network
    • Hands-On Field Exercise suing the Esri ArcGIS Field Maps app for field data collection
    • Collect Point Feature
    • Collect Line Feature Vertex and Streaming
    • Collect Polygon Feature Vertex and Streaming

    Intended Audience:

    People interested in mobile GIS field data collection within government, academic, or private commercial organizations.  All levels of users welcome, but emphasis will be on beginner to intermediate level ArcGIS Online users.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand ArcGIS Field Maps Collection Settings
    • Understand how to setup a Location Provider
    • Understand how to setup a Location Profile correctly based on your Real-Time DGPS Source
    • Walk away with more confidence in your field collection techniques using ArcGIS Field Maps

    About the Instructors: 

    Mel Philbrook has been with Frontier Precision since 2012 as a geospatial solutions provider. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology and business management. He has been involved in civil engineering implementation and managing geographic information systems, as well as providing consultation for geospatial solutions to a myriad of public and private companies. His 30+ years of field surveying, civil engineering and assisting GIS professionals in the public and private sector enables him to offer unique and valuable insight on the ever-changing geospatial market.

    Kyle Engel is the Geospatial Sales Representative for Frontier Precision. He provides, services, and supports the geospatial portfolio for the State of Montana. Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology and Environmental Science from Miami University. Kyle also obtained a Geographic Information Science Certificate while attending Miami University.



    Building Sites with ArcGIS Hub (1/2 Day)

    Instructor: Kara Utter, Geospatial Training Services 

    Some Lecture with mostly Hands-On Exercises 

    Requirements: 

    Students need to have their own computer hardware and access to ArcGIS Hub Basic, which comes with any paid ArcGIS Online subscription of a Creator or higher. 

    Workshop Description: 

    ArcGIS Hub is a focused platform for building landing sites that engage the community and stakeholders on projects, initiatives, sharing, and collaboration. Whether you need a basic website to stream your data and information or you would like to provide a GIS portal for the community to be able to gather information and download data, ArcGIS Hub can get you there. 

    This half-day course focuses on building sites in ArcGIS Hub. You will learn to explore and navigate the ArcGIS Hub interface and available templates. The course will dive into style and content settings for items added to the page and how these items can be directly connected to content in your ArcGIS Online portal, such as maps, apps, data, and other media. 

    By the end of this course, you will understand how the architecture of ArcGIS Hub can help you engage communities and streamline collaborative efforts with various stakeholders. 

    About the Instructor: 

    Kara is a GIS Consultant and owner of Dynamic Visions GIS. With over 10 years of experience in GIS, she has worked with local, state, and federal government entities, as well as the nonprofit and private sectors. She spent the last five years building and coordinating a County-level GIS program, with her previous experience being focused on Natural Resources, Environmental Science, and Land Management. 

    Kara excels at systems thinking, adaptable approaches to systems solutions, and online application development. Her capacity to build a GIS program, improve efficiency, increase public access to information, provide methods of asset tracking, and quickly adapt to a changing environment has resulted in many successful project resolutions and Global recognition through ESRI’s Special Achievements in GIS (SAG) awards (2021). 

    She is an active member of the community through participation on multiple boards and committees. These experiences range from leading sub-committees and planning conferences for URISA International, helping to plan conferences as an officer and Treasurer of Northern Rockies Chapter of URISA, and volunteering for nonprofits in my local community.

    Return to workshop schedule



    Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes Development (Intermediate) (1 Day)

    Instructors: David Howes (David Howes, LLC)

    Requirements: 

    Workshop Description: 

    Description

    ArcGIS Pro is a powerful GIS desktop application in which great things can be accomplished using the out-of-the-box user interface options. Users can accomplish significantly more, however, and make the most of their ArcGIS investment, by using Python to perform GIS operations and streamline workflows. For this reason, Python experience is almost always a key consideration in GIS-related hiring decisions.

    This workshop focuses on extending the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro via standalone scripts and tools that can operate within ArcGIS Pro or externally. Three topics will be covered: (1) an overview of using Python with ArcGIS Pro; (2) developing and running Python scripts; and (3) creating and using geoprocessing tools. JetBrains PyCharm Community Edition, a rich, powerful, and free Integrated Development Environment (IDE), will be used for all coding activities.

    PLEASE NOTE: Introduction to Python Programming (Monday Workshop) is a prerequisite

    Intended Audience

    GIS professionals familiar with ArcGIS Pro and Python and wishing to develop GIS tools and processes.

    Prerequisite Requirement

    Anyone wishing to attend this workshop must also attend the associated workshop, "Introduction to Python Programming." An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor is satisfied that your level of Python experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact the instructor to request a waiver.

    Format and Technical Requirements
    The workshop will consist of a balance between lecture material and demonstrations. Attendees must bring their own laptop. Instructions for setting up the required software will be provided prior to the workshop.

    About the Instructor: 

    David Howes is a geospatial information scientist and the sole owner at David Howes, LLC (dhowes.com) in Seattle, WA, specializing in the development of GIS tools, processes, and supporting infrastructure for a variety of clients from small operations to multinational corporations. With over 30 years of academic and private sector experience in both the United Kingdom and the United States in geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and fluvial geomorphology (including a Ph.D. in geomorphology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.Sc. in GIS from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland), David has a diverse background that is well suited to developing innovative solutions to spatial problems. He is a regular supporter of and provider of GIS professional development activities and training, typically as part of his GISPD.cominitiative.



    Python Setup and Automation: Environments, Open Source, and Automation (Beginner) (1/2 Day)

    Instructors: Dr. John Hogland

    Requirements: 

    Bring your own laptop with Anaconda and Python 3.8+. Participants will also need internet access

    Workshop Description: 

    Much of what we do within a GIS can be scripted and automated. In this workshop we will explore how to setup up a coding environment, script solutions to spatial analyses, and develop ways to automate your day to day workflow using python. Our examples will outline basic object oriented programming concepts and explore ways to streamline geospatial analyses. Workshop requirements: Anaconda, python 3.8 + and your favorite interactive development environment (we will be using VS Code and Jupyter Notebooks). While a basic understanding of python and command line is required to work through the examples and exercises, we will discuss coding and automation topics in a nontechnical manner so that anyone interested can participate. 

    About the Instructor: 

    Dr. Hogland is a Research Forester working for the Rocky Mountain Research Station. His research interests revolve around quantitative methods within geographic information systems (GIS) and understanding the relationships between landscape patterns and forested ecosystems processes. Current project include: 1) Quantifying forest characteristics at fine spatial scales, 2) designing, developing, and building new procedures that integrate machine learning and statistical modeling with fast raster processing (Function Modeling) to streamline spatial modeling and reduce storage space associated with GIS analyses, and 3) developing sampling strategies focused on reducing the cost of sampling while maintaining the characteristics of a representative sample.



    UAV/UAS Mapping Workflows with ArcGIS (1/2 Day)

    Instructors: Esri

    Requirements: 

    Workshop Description: 

    Whether you are new to using an unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) or you have been flying for years this workshop is about how to plan, fly, analyze and manage a UAV\UAS , to make and share information products. The ArcGIS platform supports an end to end UAV workflow that can begin processing in both the cloud and in offline environments using desktop machines.  We will demonstrate and discuss how to plan and use the autonomous flight planning software in the esri platform to provide data for two dimensional and three dimensional GIS data. We will show the UAV created data from different types of flights and the different types of processing that is available. We will also explore and explain how to configure these processing steps. After the data has been processed and we have created the derived products we will show how the data can be shared and further used inside the ArcGIS platform and elsewhere.

    About the Instructor: 

    TJ Abbenhaus is a Solution Engineer in the Esri Olympia regional office and has previously worked for Kitsap county, the State of Montana, University of Montana, Missoula County and Yakima county using GIS. TJ supports local government customers in the pacific northwest region of all resident population sizes. TJ studied at the University of Montana where he obtained a Master of Arts in geography creating internet information products.



    Introduction to ArcGIS Online (1/2 Day)

    Instructors: Mike Eidum and Ethan Ritzen

    Requirements: 

    Bring your own laptop. The workshop provides temporary ArcGIS Online licenses.

    Workshop Description: 

    Lecture, followed up by hands-on instruction. This workshop is designed for people who want an introduction to the basic concepts of ArcGIS Online. The workshop provides an overview of what users can do in ArcGIS Online such as quickly turning data into valuable information by creating intelligent interactive web maps and sharing them privately or publicly. ArcGIS Online provides a platform that enables users to make spatial data available through an interactive web map, a web app, story map and a mobile app without the need for programming. This means it is accessible to users any time on any operating system. You will learn some of the uses of ArcGIS Online including: using an interactive map, creating an interactive map, adding your own data, configuring the map display and creating an app. By the end of this workshop you will be able to create your own interactive map and app and share it with others.

    About the Instructors:

    Mike Eidum is a Geospatial Analyst for the Montana Department of Transportation. His main duties include SDE database administration, managing GIS projects, and static map creation. Prior to this position, Mike was an intern at Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization where he worked in transportation GIS. Mike received his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana with a GIS Certificate and a focus in Community and Environmental Planning.

    Ethan Ritzen is a Geospatial Analyst for the Montana Department of Transportation. His main duties include custom and standard map creation, as well as management of various GIS datasets and projects. Prior to this position, Ethan was a Geospatial Analyst for an environmental consulting company in Wyoming. Ethan has an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State University, and a Graduate Certificate in GIS from the University of Denver.

    Exploring Montana Property Information with SQL Queries (1/2 Day)

    Instructors: Christian Hinderman

    Requirements:

    Workshop will be hands-on, bring your own device. SQL Server Express should be installed prior to the workshop. A handout on SQL Express installation will be provided before the workshop. 

    Workshop Description: 

    Overview: The Property Assessment Division of the Montana Department of Revenue is responsible for the valuation of all taxable property in the state. A good deal of the  data used in valuation is available through the State Library. In addition to the Cadastral site, database files are available for download. This workshop will give background information on the collection and availability of property data, and then dive into a property database file using Microsoft SQL Server Express – a free small-scale version of their database software. We will use SQL queries to explore the property tables and run a few typical reports. SQL query / Database management experience is helpful but not necessary

    About the Instructor: 

    Christian Hinderman is a GIS Business Analyst with the Montana Department of Revenue. He has worked in the Property Assessment Division for over fifteen years, starting on a team tasked with creating a GIS-based system of agricultural and forest property valuation. His work is focused on python geoprocessing workflows and spatial data management.



    Python Based Complex Spatial & Machine Learning Analyses: Model Based Predictions Using Raster Tools and Cloud Based Resources (Advanced) (1/2 Day)

    Instructors:  Dr. John Hogland

    Requirements: 

    Bring your own laptop with Anaconda and Python 3.8+. Participants will also need internet access

    Workshop Description: 

    Spatial modeling and machine learning are powerful tools in a data scientist’s toolbox. Coupled with data, these tools can be used to extract information and aid in decision making. In this workshop we will discuss a new python based delayed reading and parallel processing library called raster tools that integrates open source data manipulation, spatial modeling, and machine learning techniques to develop predictive models. Through multiple interactive examples and exercises we will develop a series of scripts and Jupyter Notebooks that describe various characteristics of data, visualize statistical and machine learning relationships, display spatial data within an interactive web-based mapping environment, and produce spatial explicit results that can be used to help inform decision making. Workshop requirements: Anaconda, python 3.8+, your favorite interactive development environment (we will be using VS Code and Jupter Notebooks), and a internet connection.

    About the Instructor: 

    Dr. Hogland is a Research Forester working for the Rocky Mountain Research Station. His research interests revolve around quantitative methods within geographic information systems (GIS) and understanding the relationships between landscape patterns and forested ecosystems processes. Current project include: 1) Quantifying forest characteristics at fine spatial scales, 2) designing, developing, and building new procedures that integrate machine learning and statistical modeling with fast raster processing (Function Modeling) to streamline spatial modeling and reduce storage space associated with GIS analyses, and 3) developing sampling strategies focused on reducing the cost of sampling while maintaining the characteristics of a representative sample.


    Imagery Management and Analysis with ArcGIS (1/2 Day)

    Instructors: Esri

    Requirements: 

    Workshop Description: 

    Please join Esri for a workshop using the latest in advanced tools for Imagery management, analysis and sharing. Using the ArcGIS platform of solutions including ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online, Living Atlas, and Enterprise. During the workshop using this solution for a complete imagery management solution analysis software as a service (SaaS). We will explore and discuss using ArcGIS Pro to create Mosaic datasets and publish collections of data using ArcGIS Online Image as well as making use of the various service and applications found on ArcGIS online.  Highlighting that Esri manages the cloud resources and software users need to host, analyze and stream imagery/raster collections in ArcGIS Online.  We will also discuss using ArcGIS enterprise Image server and the many resources found on ArcGIS online Living Atlas.

    About the Instructor: 

    TJ Abbenhaus is a Solution Engineer in the Esri Olympia regional office and has previously worked for Kitsap county, the State of Montana, University of Montana, Missoula County and Yakima county using GIS. TJ supports local government customers in the pacific northwest region of all resident population sizes. TJ studied at the University of Montana where he obtained a Master of Arts in geography creating internet information products.


    Planning for the Big Sky GeoCon Workshops is overseen by the MAGIP Technical Committee. 

    Questions or corrections? Please email the Technical Committee Chair.



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