New GIS series in the Catalyst

A new series of GIS events and workshops is being offered this semester in The Catalyst. Digital Scholarship and Initiatives and the ISU GIS Facility invite you to discover powerful GIS tools and resources through hands-on workshops, and connect with innovative research from ISU faculty, students, and staff at two drop-in seminar events. 

Hosted collaboratively by the ISU GIS Support and Research Facility and Parks Library, these events welcome everyone.

Workshops/Seminars (Registration required) 

ArcGIS Online Essentials: Intro to Map Viewer, 2-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, The Catalyst, Room 199 Parks Library 

In this introduction to ArcGIS Map Viewer, learn the basic concepts, data sources, and tools for mapping and spatial analysis. Participants will create a map using ArcGIS Online. Registration is required.                

Introducing the Iowa Geographic Map Server, 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, The Catalyst, Room 199 Parks Library 
The Iowa Geographic Map Server is managed by the ISU GIS Facility and provides free access to Iowa geographic map data through online map viewers and web map services. Whether within a GIS program, such as any of the ArcGIS products or QGIS, or just from a browser, the data provided can be added for viewing and analyzing. Come learn what data is available and how you can use it. Registration is required. 

ArcGIS Online Essentials: StoryMaps, 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 2-3:30pm, The Catalyst, Room 199 Parks Library  
Join our interactive workshop on ArcGIS StoryMaps. Learn to weave maps, data, and other media into a compelling narrative. This session will guide participants through the process of creating and sharing their StoryMaps. The session is perfect for instructors, researchers, and anyone with a story to tell. No prior GIS experience required, but attendance at the Sept. 16 Introduction to Map Viewer workshop is encouraged. Registration is required.

How Can ArcGIS Business Analyst Help Me?, 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, The Catalyst, Room 199 Parks Library
ArcGIS Business Analyst is a location-based market and community intelligence software that combines demographic, business, lifestyle, spending, and census data with map-based analytics for smart decision-making. Access global ArcGIS Business Analyst data via 15,000+ variable options from more than 130 countries, including demographics, business locations, consumer spending, and market potential, at multiple geographies, from national to block group levels, for the entire United States. Registration is required.

Events (No registration required) 

Earth Observation Day, October 14, 1-3 p.m., Oct. 14, The Catalyst, Room 199 Parks Library
Join us in recognizing the value of seeing Earth from a new perspective! Earth Observation Day is a celebration of the many ways we study our planet from above. Through satellites, aerial imagery, and other technologies, Earth observation helps us better understand weather, climate, natural resources, and the changing environment. This day highlights the importance of monitoring our world to support science, sustainability, and everyday decision-making. Registration is not required.

GIS Day November 19, 9:30 a.m.-noon, The Catalyst, Room 199 Parks Library 
University Library and ISU GIS Facility welcome students, staff and faculty to celebrate GIS Day 2025. The day features Professional speakers from diverse fields, will discuss GIS-related topics (geographic information systems) and geospatial sciences. Full schedule to be announced. Registration is not required.

For questions please contact Erin Ridnour at emanders@iastate.edu or Michael Cummings at mrc2@iastate.edu.