MidAmerica GIS Consortium

101:  Python - An Introduction  (CANCELLED)

Students will learn fundamental Python concepts to include basic syntax, control statements, and functions. The students will also learn how to use Python to run geoprocessing functions and workflows. Finally, the students will learn how to create a geoprocessing tool from a Python script.

This workshop brought to you by Tim Butchart with National Geospatial-Intelligence College.

102:  Introduction to the Essentials of QGIS (CANCELLED)

This 4-hour workshop will explore all the essentials of the new, easy-to-use features in QGIS 3.x software. QGIS is a free and open source mapping application for the editing, displaying, querying and analyzing map data as well as creating map layouts. Because QGIS is a free and open source application, it is a great option for users or local governments where other geographic information systems are not an option. This course is intended for both new (to GIS) and experienced users of other geographic information systems. 

This workshop brought to you by Chris Seeger and Amy Logan with Iowa State University.

103:  Bring the MVP!  (CANCELLED)

As program managers we need to become objective in our management styles. We need to understand the minimal viable product (MVP) and key performance indicators (KPIs) of our program and how to “steer the boat” so that we don’t wake up Monday mornings praying that we’re lucky and our program’s success speaks for itself. By the end of the course, attendees will be able to grasp the MVP concept and apply it to daily work. 

This workshop brought to you by Cari Laage with Casey’s General Stores.

104:  UAS Intro

In this workshop students will learn the basics of sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) including; startup of a drone program, governmental regulations, introduction to controllers and sUAS equipment including ships from DJI, Autel, and Skydio.  The afternoon session will be split into two groups:  UAS operating (#204); and UAS processing (#205).  Descriptions for both afternoon sessions are in the next section.

This workshop brought to you by Chad Sperry with Western Illinois University, Malcolm Williamson with University of Arkansas, and Jason Warzinik with Boone County, MO Fire.

105:  Extracting Value from LiDAR

This 4-hour workshop will review the basics of utilizing LiDAR with ArcGIS Pro through a series of workflows and tools for generating 3d features  The presenter (and creator of the demonstrated tools) will discuss recent enhancements and demonstrate potential information products such as this link to an example of 3D St. Louis.  In addition, the workshop will address colorizing lidar and publishing Scene Layer Packages.

1.        Get your lidar (USGS)

2.       Building LAS Datasets

3.       Colorize LAS using imagery

4.       Classify LAS for Buildings, Vegetation

5.       Create Scene Point Cloud Layer Packages and publish (by different layers for Bridge Decks, Ground, Buildings, Vegetation, Noise).

6.       Create Building footprints and create Scene 3d Layer Package.

7.       Create Trees and create Scene Point Layer Package.

8.       Publish Trees and Buildings

This workshop brought to you by Arthur Crawford of Esri. 

106:  Migrating to ArcGIS Pro

This 4-hour workshop will help you get ready for your conversion from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro. Using terminology that you are familiar with the instructor will introduce you to the new Pro interface. You will get an understanding of the new ribbon/tool interface, get familiar with the new ArcCatalog pane in Pro, and learn how to do the basic things we do every day in ArcMap (working with symbology, layer properties, queries, etc.). The course is not an introduction to GIS concepts. It is a migration course, for those who are already comfortable with ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap).

This workshop brought to you by Jennifer Harrison with TeachMeGIS.  (same as Short Course 202)

107:  The 2020 Census: Reflection, Current Programs, and Available Resources (CANCELLED)

In this session we will review the programs the U.S. Census Bureau conducted with local governments and regional planning organizations in preparation for the 2020 Decennial Census.  This will include the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA), the Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP), the Boundary Annexation Survey (BAS), and the New Construction Program (NCP).  We will address ongoing efforts - the Count Question Resolution (CQR) operation, the Streets, Addresses, Imagery and Data (SAID) effort, the Boundary Quality Assessment and Review Program (BQARP) and others. This workshop will tie-together our various pre-census and post-census programs into a detailed overview of the decennial collection process and resulting resources.

This workshop brought to you by James Castagneri and Lacey Loftin with Census Bureau.