LibGuides: GIS & Geospatial Technologies: Tutorials

Getting Started with ArcGIS

ESRI Training
Expand your knowledge of geospatial concepts through instructor-led, web courses, MOOCs, training seminars and a number of learning platforms. As a UC San Diego affiliate, you have access to a number of training resources through UC San Diego's license agreement.
Learn ArcGIS
Learn ArcGIS provides hundreds hands-on tutorials and exercises to teach GIS. These activities showcase the unlimited ways GIS can be applied to the big problems of today. Create and explore cloud-based, interactive maps that turn spatial data into vibrant and meaningful information. Learn about deforestation, climate change, urban development, natural disasters, businesses, and so much more. New resources are constantly being added and are for users at various skill levels.

GIS and Python

Geo Python (Univ. Helsinki course 1)
The Geo-Python course teaches you the basic concepts of programming using the Python programming language in a format that is easy to learn and understand (no previous programming experience required). Each lesson is a tutorial with specific topic(s) where the aim is to gain skills and understanding how to solve common data-related tasks using Python programming (see schedule & learning goals). Course is organized by the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki.
Automating GIS Processes with Python (Univ. Helsinki course 2)
Automating GIS-processes -course from the University of Helsinki teaches you how to do different GIS-related tasks in Python programming language. Each lesson is a tutorial with specific topic(s) where the aim is to learn how to solve common GIS-related problems and tasks using Python tools. Lessons use publicly avilable data and assumes that you know the basics of Python programming. If Python is not familiar to you, we recommend to start with our earlier course that focuses on learning the basics of Python from geo-python.github.io.
Earth Data Science Courses & Workshops
Earth Data Science Courses & Workshops that are taught as a part of the professional Certificate and Masters program in Earth Data Analytics offered by Earth Lab at the University of Colorado - Boulder. These are free, self-paced courses online. You will also find tutorials using R, Git, and others.

Knowledge Bases

ESRI Support Center Home
This should be one of your first resources when stuck on an ArcGIS task or looking for a specialized tool for geoprocessing.

Random GIS Hacks / Tips

Distance in Kilometers from degrees-minutes-seconds
This nice site has a calculator where you can determine the distance in kilometers between two points with DMS information.
Methods for Downloading OpenStreetMap Data
There are several ways to access and download Open Street Map data, but many of these methods can be difficult to use due to their limited functionality or complexity. This article reviews multiple methods for downloading OSM data and evaluate them alongside the QuickOSM plugin for QGIS. [Cartographic Perspectives, NO 95, 2020; DOI: 10.14714/CP95.1633]

Working with Zip Codes

The Trouble with Zip Codes: Solutions for Data Analysis and Mapping
ZIP Codes are commonly used for summarizing address data, as it’s easy to do and most Americans are familiar with them. However, there are a number of challenges associated with using ZIP Codes as a unit of analysis that most people are unaware of (until they start using them). This post summarize these challenges and provides some solutions.
ZIP Code > Census Tracts from UCF Libraries
A libguide that provides resources about Zip Codes and reasons why census tracts should be used over zip codes for analysis.

QGIS Resources

QGIS Tutorials and Tips
A collection of tutorials from getting started with QGIS and basic GIS operations to advanced operations, python scripting and web mapping.
QGIS Documentation and Tutorials
Find the User Guide/Manual and tutorials for the specific QGIS version you have installed. Includes most recent as well as older versions.
Getting Started With QGIS: Open Source GIS (GIS Lounge)
An written piece about QGIS that has a number of links to different tutorial formats throughout the piece.
Installing QGIS and Adding Layers (Geospatial Historian)
In this lesson you will install QGIS software, download geospatial files like shapefiles and GeoTIFFs, and create a map out of a number of vector and raster layers.
Creating New Vector Layers from Scanned Historical Maps (Geospatial Historian)
In this lesson you will learn how to create vector layers based on scanned historical maps.
Georeferenceing using QGIS (Geospatial Historian)
In this lesson, you will learn how to georeference historical maps in QGIS so that they may be added to a GIS as a raster layer.

Books

Introduction to QGIS: open source geographic information system by Scott Madry, Ph.D.
BOOK - Get started with QGIS with this introduction covering everything needed to get you going. This tutorial, based on the 3.16 LTR version, introduces you to major concepts and techniques to get you started with viewing data, analysis, and creating maps and reports.
Learn QGIS: Your Step-By-step Guide to the Fundamental of QGIS 3. 4, 4th Edition
ONLINE BOOK: The book will take you on a journey from firing up QGIS for the first time to developing your own processing pathway. We'll look at the fundamentals of GIS: data creation, data display, creating maps and spatial analysis.

UCSD Specific Tutorials

Geocoding with ArcGIS Enterprise
Steps required to connect to ArcGIS Enterprise (AGE) and conduct a geocoding task. You can geocode data using the AGE web browser, or connect to the AGE server through the ArcGIS Pro software. You must have an account inside ArcGIS Enterprise to use this server address
NearMap Imagery Access
UC San Diego has access to Nearmap imagery through the San Diego Imagery Consortium. Access the imagery through ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or through an API key.
StoryMaps and Groups for Instructors
Information to assist instructors in managing some of the logistics when using StoryMaps for institucional purposes. These settings can also be applied to research groups or other groups who wish to collaboration.

StoryMaps

Esri StoryMaps combine interactive maps with text, photos, video and sound to create interactive experiences to communicate your story to others. A UCSD ArcGIS Online Organization account is required to create a StoryMap. StoryMaps published to the public can be viewed by anyone.

StoryMap Gallery
A collection of StoryMaps created by others. Gather ideas and see what's possible.
The Anatomy of a Story: Overview Guide
A detailed guide of the different components of a StoryMap. This is a good overview guide.
Nine Steps to Great Storytelling
Here's a handful of tried-and-true techniques that will make your so-so story start to really resonate with your audience. Some of these are universal storytelling principles; others are more particular to story maps.
What's New in StoryMaps
A blog about what’s new in ArcGIS StoryMaps. A great resource to see the latest features in action as well as other tips and tricks. Be sure to check out some of past What's New blogs for other great tips.

Hands-on Tutorials

Learn ArcGIS - StoryMaps
Learn ArcGIS provides hands-on tutorials and exercises to teach GIS. This collection of Learn ArcGIS lessons focuses on StoryMaps.
Get started with ArcGIS StoryMaps (30 min activity)
Get started with ArcGIS StoryMaps
Build a story map about a National Geographic scientific expedition undertaken by three researchers to a Guatemalan volcano.

Specific StoryMap Tips

Quick tips for mastering the ArcGIS StoryMaps builder
A list of short, simple tips will help you get the most out of the story builder, especially when it comes to smaller features you may have overlooked.
Adding Navigation Bar to StoryMap
StoryMap navigation provides the ability to add a table of contents or bookmark links that let readers jump to different parts of a story. Scroll to this section to learn more and watch a brief video.
Supercharge your stories with map actions
Map actions allow you to enrich your stories with optional map interactions. Map actions are configurable toggle buttons that you can add to any sidecar slide that contains a web map or web scene. When readers select a map action, the appearance of the map changes.
Embedding TimelineJS in a StoryMap (applies to other embed content)
Instructions on how to embed a TimelineJS component in a StoryMap using an Embed block. These steps can be used to embed almost any content into a StoryMap
A guide to working with images in ArcGIS StoryMaps
If you’ve been wondering how to get crisp, clear images throughout your story without having to sacrifice speedy load times, take a look. The tips and best practices that follow, along with some behind-the-scenes support from the builder, will make you an image-wielding wizard in no time.
Release notes - StoryMaps
ArcGIS StoryMaps is regularly updated with new features, enhancements, bug fixes, and performance improvements. These release notes list the updates for each ArcGIS StoryMaps release with the most recent update shown first.

Survey 123

Survey123 for ArcGIS is a complete, form-centric solution for creating, sharing and analyzing surveys. Use it to create smart forms with skip logic, defaults, and support for multiple languages. Collect data via web or mobile devices, even when disconnected from the Internet. Analyze results quickly, and upload data securely for further analysis.

Basic Steps for Creating Survey123 (Desktop and Browser)
Provides the basic steps for creating a Survey123 in either the desktop tool called Connect or the browser-based form. Toggle between the two using the options at the top.
Learn Lessons -- Survey123
A collection of lessons from Learn ArcGIS that are real-world lessons for learning Survey123. Includes getting started, designing one in multiple languages and more.
GeoNet Survey 123
The GeoNet Survey123 group is where you can find the latest information on Survey123 for ArcGIS, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
Youtube Survey123 video playlist tutorials
A collection of short videos for creating surveys and incorporating advanced functionality into your own survey. Updated frequently with new videos.

GIS & Geospatial Technologies: Tutorials