2026 GIS IN ACTIONWORKSHOPS : MONDAY, APRIL 27 - TUESDAY, APRIL 28 CONFERENCE : WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 - tHURSDAY, APRIL 30 |
Workshops are Monday April 27th and April 28th. A $50 workshop fee is included in registration to cover GIS in Action’s costs.
WorkshopsInterested in holding a workshop? Workshop Submission Form |
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Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade Instructor: David Howes, David Howes, LLC.
Prerequisites: It will be assumed that attendees are generally familiar with using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, but have little experience with Arcade or are starting from scratch. Anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of ArcGIS Arcade. Student Computing Needs: Basic laptop. Attendees must bring their own laptop. Special Instructions: It will be assumed that attendees are generally familiar with using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, but have little experience with Arcade or are starting from scratch. Format and Technical Requirements: The workshop will consist of a balance between lecture material and demonstrations, forming the basis for a flexible and interactive training approach. There will be plenty of time for discussion and experimentation, which will result in a rich and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Attendees must have their own license (Creator level or above) for ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. Setup: Setup steps will be provided and must be completed prior to the workshop and attendees will be contacted to ensure that the required software is installed and that they can save workshop files onto their machine. Attendees are asked, therefore, to make sure they can be reached via the email address and phone number they used to register for the workshop. Description: The purpose of this workshop is to introduce GIS professionals to the Arcade expression language. According to Esri, "Arcade is a portable, lightweight, and secure expression language used to create custom content in ArcGIS applications." Expressions are written using JavaScript-like syntax to calculate values, such as data values that can be used in a field or a label, formatted text for use in a pop-up, or a set of data values that can serve as the data source for a dashboard. A range of standard scripting capabilities are available to the Arcade developer, allowing for the creation of single-line expressions through to complex multiline expressions involving, for example, custom functions and branching. The workshop will provide attendees with a thorough grounding in the core Arcade features, enable them to recognize how to use Arcade in different contexts, and ensure that they are well prepared to take immediate advantage of new capabilities of this constantly evolving language. About: 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.com initiative. Intermediate ArcGIS Arcade Instructor: David Howes, David Howes, LLC.
Prerequisites: Anyone wishing to attend this workshop must also attend or have attended the associated workshop, "Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade." An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor is satisfied that your level of Arcade experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at info@gispd.com to request a waiver. The "Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade" workshop will be offered in person at the GIS In Action conference and also online via Northwest GIS on February 17th-18th, 2026. Please see https://nwgis.org/event-6459184 for details and registration for the latter. Details are also provided at GISPD.com/training. Format and Technical Requirements: The workshop will consist of a balance between lecture material and demonstrations, forming the basis for a flexible and interactive training approach. There will be plenty of time for discussion and experimentation, which will result in a rich and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Attendees must bring their own laptop. Setup: Setup steps will be provided and must be completed prior to the workshop and attendees will be contacted to ensure that the required software is installed and that they can save workshop files onto their machine. Attendees are asked, therefore, to make sure they can be reached via the email address and phone number they used to register for the workshop. Description: A defining characteristic of ArcGIS Arcade is the ability to apply simple or powerful operations to a set of features using single-line or short multiline expressions. This is a result of the relatively straightforward syntax, the core scripting capabilities, and the nature of the large number of built-in functions, which were addressed in the prerequisite Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade workshop. Building on the introductory foundation, this workshop will cover a range of intermediate topics, including (1) further focus on built-in functions and language fundamentals, (2) the value of and creation of user-defined functions, (3) the use of geometry functions for geoprocessing and feature creation operations, (4) the use of feature set functions to access datasets, (5) debugging expression code, and (6) monitoring and enhancing expression performance. The associated explanations and demonstrations will be supported by examples drawn from a variety of ArcGIS use cases. About: 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.com initiative. Beginner Survey123 Connect ~ From Surveys to Reports in One Day Instructor: Michelle Williams
Description: Survey123 is widely used for field data collection, inspections, assessments, and reporting, yet many users never see how surveys are built. This workshop removes that barrier by introducing Survey123 Connect, the form-authoring environment used to build, manage, and deploy surveys. Participants will learn survey structure, Excel-based form logic, publishing workflows, permissions, repeats (related tables), and basic report design. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have built and published a functional Survey123 survey and gained the foundation to confidently modify, troubleshoot, and extend surveys in real-world GIS environments. Modules: 1. Pre-Workshop Homework Recap 2. Tour of Survey123 Connect 3. Publish Your First Survey (Class Template) 4. AGOL Permissions 5. Build a Custom Work Project 6. Publishing and AGOL Permissions 7. Repeats / Related Tables 8. Intro To Report Design Intended Audience: Beginner, Technical, Management, Young Professional/Student Prerequisite Requirements: Attendees should be generally familiar with ArcGIS Online and basic GIS concepts (layers, attributes, feature services) but have little to no experience with Survey123 Connect. This workshop is ideal for those new to Survey123 Connect or who have only worked with published surveys and want to understand how surveys are built and maintained. Optional pre-workshop homework: Email Michelle@Survey123Jedi.com to join a short email sequence to help you get started before class. Attendees must have access to an ArcGIS Online account with at least Creator privileges and the ability to create and publish hosted feature layers. Format and Technical Requirements: This workshop blends lecture, live demonstrations, and hands-on exercises in a highly practical, interactive format with time for discussion, experimentation, and troubleshooting. Attendees must have their own ArcGIS Online license and be able to install Survey123 Connect. Survey123 is a product of Esri and requires an active ArcGIS Online environment. Setup: Setup instructions will be provided in advance. Attendees will be contacted to confirm Survey123 Connect access, sign-in, publishing ability, and local file storage. Please monitor the email and phone number used during registration. About: Michelle Williams, “Survey123 Jedi,” is a geospatial consultant, trainer, and the owner of Williams Training & Consulting LLC. She specializes in designing and teaching real-world Survey123 workflows used by public agencies, environmental consultants, utilities, and emergency management teams. Michelle is known for translating complex Survey123 Connect concepts into clear, practical steps that help teams move from “I don’t know where to start” to “this is live and working.” She regularly delivers professional development workshops focused on field data collection, automation, and reporting using Survey123 and ArcGIS Online. Michelle Williams, michelle@survey123jedi.com, ww.linkedin.com/in/michellereneewilliams From FEMA Form → Survey123 → Feature Report Instructor: Michelle Williams Date: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 Cost: $425, Extra service $775 Attendance Limits: None Description: Survey123 is widely used for FEMA, state, and local inspections and assessments, yet many workflows fail when it comes time to generate required reports. This workshop focuses on designing Survey123 projects that are built from the report backward, ensuring collected data populates FEMA-style forms correctly and consistently. Using a FEMA culvert inspection case study, participants will learn how to translate a reporting form into a GIS schema, design Survey123 surveys with related and nested tables, apply logic that does not break reporting, and generate feature reports that hold up under review. Emphasis is placed on real-world constraints, schema discipline, and long-term workflow stability. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have built a report-ready Survey123 project and gained a repeatable framework they can apply to other FEMA and compliance-driven workflows. Bonus: If we choose to share what we each completed, we will each have a library of FEMA reports to start with. Modules: 1. FEMA Reporting Reality & Common Survey123 Pitfalls 2. Reverse-Engineering the FEMA Form 3. Report-First Schema Design (Main + Related + Nested Tables) 4. Building the Survey123 Project in Connect 5. Logic, Constraints, and Image Handling That Survive Reporting 6. Feature Report Design 7. Testing, QAQC 8. Deployment, Maintenance, and Reuse Patterns Optional Bonus FEMA Survey123/ Feature Report Template Package (Additional $775) For participants who want a done-for-you starting point, an optional FEMA Template Package is available. This package includes a production-ready Survey123 Connect project and Feature Report built using the same report-first structure demonstrated in the workshop. Rather than starting from a blank survey, participants can apply their specific FEMA form requirements, make targeted adjustments, and publish a stable, defensible Survey123 workflow with confidence. The template is designed to support Roads, Culverts, and Low Water Crossings Site Inspections (SIR) and provides a strong foundation that can be adapted to other FEMA, state, and local inspection workflows. This template package reflects extensive real-world design, schema testing, and reporting alignment. By reusing this proven structure, teams can significantly reduce build time, avoid common reporting pitfalls, and eliminate manual rework ~ potentially saving 200+ hours of development, data entry, and report cleanup. Intended Audience: Intermediate, Advanced, Technical, Management Prerequisite Requirements: Attendees should be familiar with ArcGIS Online and have prior exposure to Survey123 Connect. An intermediate to advanced skill level is recommended. Paid participants who are earlier in their Survey123 journey are welcome to sit alongside more experienced users, follow along during class, and will receive access to the class files and a prerecorded session to continue learning back at the office. Part 1: Email Michelle@Survey123Jedi.com to join the Survey123 Beginner “Padawan” Academy, a short email sequence to help you get started before class, if you'd like. Part 2: Locate the FEMA report you want to use for the workshop. Student Computing Needs: Attendees must bring their own laptop with ArcGIS Pro, Survey123 Connect, and Survey123 Desktop installed. Special Instructions: Attendees must have access to an ArcGIS Online account with at least Creator privileges and the ability to create and publish hosted feature layers. Format and Technical Requirements: This workshop is highly practical and hands-on, blending short lectures, live demonstrations, guided exercises, and real-world discussion. Participants will work through the Survey123 workflow, from schema design through feature report generation. About: Michelle Williams, “Survey123 Jedi,” is a geospatial consultant, trainer, and the owner of Williams Training & Consulting LLC. She specializes in designing and teaching real-world Survey123 workflows used by public agencies, environmental consultants, utilities, and emergency management teams. Michelle is known for translating complex Survey123 Connect concepts into clear, practical steps that help teams move from “I don’t know where to start” to “this is live and working.” She regularly delivers professional development workshops focused on field data collection, automation, and reporting using Survey123 and ArcGIS Online. Michelle Williams, michelle@survey123jedi.com, www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneewilliams AI for Your Day-to-Day GIS Work Instructor: Christopher Moravec Date: Monday, April 28th, 2026 - ½ Day Cost: $200 Attendance Limits: 40 Description: Please provide a short description of your workshop. (1500 character limit) This text will appear in the conference communications and the conference program. Stop searching for the perfect prompt list. Start communicating like a human. This hands-on workshop teaches GIS professionals how to use AI tools, from the ArcGIS built-in ones to the standard chat tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) for everyday work. You don’t need to become an AI expert or a software developer to leverage the power of these tools. We’ll learn by practice, not by lectures. We’ll begin with a memorable exercise that reveals why AI communication isn’t about learning magic words or phrases, but about being specific and providing context. We’ll: - Use AI as a brainstorming partner to find blind spots and clarify your thinking - Discover AI assistants already built into ArcGIS - Practice critical thinking exercises to help you question assumptions - Design automation solutions for repetitive tasks This workshop is for GIS professionals at any level who want to learn practical AI skills they can use immediately. No programming required. You’ll leave with the tools you need for better AI-assisted thinking and some hands-on experience with multiple AI tools. Intended Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Technical, Management, Young Professional/Student Prerequisite Requirements: Participants should have access to at least one AI chat tool (Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or similar) and access to the ArcGIS Online built-in assistants. If you don’t have access to one of these, please coordinate with the instructor ahead of time. We will have backup options for those who don’t have access to an AI chat tool. The instructor will provide supplies for an interactive opening exercise. Participants need only a laptop and internet access. Previously, the building's internet blocked AI tools; we will need access to them to complete this workshop. The workshop is tool-agnostic—participants can use whatever AI they have access to (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini). We'll demonstrate that the same communication principles work across all platforms. About: Christopher Moravec is an expert problem-solver and technology innovator who specializes in turning complex challenges into elegant solutions. As the CTO and founder of dymaptic, an Esri Gold Partner, he combines his passion for building software with his expertise in GIS and AI technologies. Known for his creative approach to engineering challenges—from developing enterprise mapping solutions to creating whimsical inventions like candy-dispensing robots—Christopher brings both technical precision and innovative thinking to every project he undertakes. His work includes building AI tools for clients and developing products like the Accessible Map Agent for ADA-compliant map descriptions. Christopher believes the key to using AI effectively isn't learning magic prompts—it's learning to communicate clearly. When not working with maps and AI, Christopher can be found doing live demos that occasionally go wrong (which he considers a feature, not a bug). Vibe Code Your Own GIS App with Claude Code Instructor: Christopher Moravec Date: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 Cost: $300 Attendance Limits: 20 Description: Build a working GIS application in one day. Even if you've never finished a coding project before. "Vibe coding" (Christopher doesn’t like that term) is the new approach to development: describe what you want; the AI writes the code; you iterate together. It's not about becoming a programmer, instead it's about becoming someone who can build things. This hands-on workshop uses Claude Code, an AI coding assistant, to create real GIS applications from scratch. You'll learn: - Christopher’s vibe coding workflow - How to set up and use Claude Code effectively for geospatial development - Debugging with AI: when things go wrong (they will), how to fix them - When vibe coding works great and when you need traditional development You'll build progressively throughout the day: starting with a simple map viewer, adding features and complexity, then tackling a capstone project of your own design. By the end, you'll have a working application you built yourself. This workshop requires some technical comfort. You should be familiar with command line basics and have at least dabbled in programming (Python, JavaScript, or similar). You don't need to be an expert, but complete beginners may find the pace challenging. Bring a laptop with admin rights and a real problem you want to solve. Leave with working code (probably). Intended Audience: Intermediate, Advanced, Technical Prerequisite Requirements: Required: - Familiarity with command line/terminal basics - Some programming experience (Python, JavaScript, or similar). You don't need to be an expert, but should understand variables, functions, and loops - Laptop with admin rights to install software - Claude account (free tier works, but Pro recommended for better experience) - If you need help getting a Claude account, please make arrangements with the instructor ahead of time, we do have limited ability to provide free accounts for the day. Helpful: - Experience with ArcGIS JavaScript API or web mapping in ArcGIS in general This is a technical workshop requiring hands-on coding. Participants must have admin rights on their laptops to install Claude Code during the session. We will all need internet access. In the past, the building has blocked AI tools; we’ll need to be sure that everyone can have access to the internet and to the AI tools. Instructor will provide: • Detailed setup instructions one week before the workshop • Starter code templates and sample ArcGIS data • Backup options for common setup issues This workshop pairs well with "AI for Your Day-to-Day GIS Work" but is fully standalone. Some participants may want to take both (Day 1: concepts and design, Day 2: building). About: Christopher Moravec is an expert problem-solver and technology innovator who specializes in turning complex challenges into elegant solutions. As the CTO and founder of dymaptic, an Esri Gold Partner, he combines his passion for building software with his expertise in GIS and AI technologies. Known for his creative approach to engineering challenges—from developing enterprise mapping solutions to creating whimsical inventions like candy-dispensing robots—Christopher brings both technical precision and innovative thinking to every project he undertakes. His work includes building AI tools for clients and developing products like the Accessible Map Agent for ADA-compliant map descriptions. Christopher believes the key to using AI effectively isn't learning magic prompts—it's learning to communicate clearly. When not working with maps and AI, Christopher can be found doing live demos that occasionally go wrong (which he considers a feature, not a bug). |