Each computer will need to have RStudio (free version) installed along with the tidyverse package. I will be sending the students instructions on how to get these installed and configured when we get closer to the conference. There is also an optional section of the course that we do at the end that shows how to build custom R script tools for ArcGIS Pro, so ArcGIS Pro is an optional install. Below is a description you can use:
Chapter 1: Introduction to R and RStudio
Chapter 2: The Basics of Data Exploration
Chapter 3: Loading Data into R
Chapter 4: Transforming Data
Chapter 5: Creating Tidy Data
Chapter 6: Basic Data Exploration Techniques
Chapter 7: Basic Data Visualization Techniques
Chapter 8: Visualizing Geographic Data with ggmap
Chapter 9: R Markdown
Chapter 10: Case Study – Wildfire Activity in the Western United States
Chapter 11: Case Study – Single Family Residential Home and Rental Values
Chapter 12: Integration with ArcGIS Pro
Today, data science is an indispensable tool for any organization, allowing for the analysis and optimization of decisions and strategy. R has become the preferred software for data science, thanks to its open source nature, simplicity, applicability to data analysis, and the abundance of libraries for any type of algorithm.
This book will allow the student to learn, in detail, the fundamentals of the R language and additionally master some of the most efficient libraries for data visualization in chart, graph, and map formats. The reader will learn the language and applications through examples and practice. No prior programming skills are required.
We begin with the installation and configuration of the R environment through RStudio. As you progress through the exercises in this hands-on class you’ll become thoroughly acquainted with R’s features and the popular tidyverse package. With this class, you will learn about the basic concepts of R programming, work efficiently with graphs, charts, and maps, and create publication-ready documents using real world data. The detailed step-by-step instructions will enable you to get a clean set of data, produce engaging visualizations, and create reports for the results.
What you will learn from this class:
§ Introduction to the R programming language and R Studio
§ Using the tidyverse package for data loading, transformation, and visualization
§ Get a tour of the most important data structures in R
§ Learn techniques for importing data, manipulating data, performing analysis, and producing useful data visualization
§ Data visualization techniques with ggplot2
§ Geographic visualization and maps with ggmap
§ Turning your analyses into high quality documents, reports, and presentations with R Markdown.
§ Hands on case studies designed to replicate real world projects and reinforce the knowledge you learn in the book
Beyond automation: building python modules to enhance data collection, spatial modeling, and help in decision making, John Hogland, USFS\Rocky Mountain Research Station
Workshop Format: bring your own computer
There are numerous coding libraries available that allow us to automate many tasks within our workflow. However, there are often times in which we cannot easily address questions or tasks by using existing libraries or modules. In those circumstances it can be useful to develop our own python modules that can be automated. In this workshop we will discuss development techniques used to create modules that support aspects of data creation, spatial modeling, and decision making. Through multiple interactive examples we will develop a series of routines and spatial modeling tools that will be used describe varying characteristics of spatial data and help to inform decision making. Workshop requirements: ArcGIS and python, your favorite interactive development environment (I will be using MS Visual Studio 2015), and SciPy.
Fundamentals of Census Geography and TIGER Topology, Jim Castagneri & Lacey Loftin, U.S. Census Bureau
Workshop Format: lecture style, bring your own computer if desired
The MAF/TIGER system is the foundation for the decennial census and for the American Community Survey (ACS) among others. Created through a cooperative program with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in the 1980’s, TIGER and census demographic data are now a critical part of the planning landscape. This workshop will explore the details of census geography and TIGER topology. We will answer questions such as; What happens to census blocks when a city submits a new annexation? And; Why did my CDP change shape in-between censuses? Bring your tough questions about TIGER and Census geography for an answer packed session designed to help you make the most out of TIGER data!
UAS Contemporary Applications by Jackson Beighle, Michael, Clancy, Jeremy Crowley, Jesse Bunker, Stephen Frazer
Workshop Format: lecture style
Part 1: UAS Data Acquisition & Deliverables
Speaker: Jackson Beighle of Frontier Precision
In Part 1, broaden your knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for rapidly collecting geospatial data. Learn about drones, sensors, UAS deliverables and acquiring ground control points.
Jackson has worked in the geospatial industry for the past 22 years helping customers find innovative and productive solutions for mapping and GIS. Initially with Electronic Data Solutions, and now with Frontier Precision, Jackson has worked as a Geospatial Sales Rep since 2006. He received his undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of Montana in 1994. In 1996, he completed his graduate studies at Oregon State University with an emphasis in GIS and remote sensing. Jackson has worked with a wide range of customers in the areas of public safety, natural resources, and utilities. His current focus is geospatial data collection including GNSS mapping, UAS and 3D mobile scanning.
Part 2: UAS data collection for Surveying and Ecological Mapping
Speaker: Michael Clancy of EcoPoint
In Part 2, see an applied example of flight parameters, sensor calibration and processing routines to derive quality products in a variety of terrain types. Gain knowledge about lessons learned on sharing data with reclamation professionals and surveyors.
Michael has dedicated his professional career to the geospatial field, focusing on applying geospatial technology to the ecological and restoration sciences. Michael graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and GIS in 2008. Michael has worked with government agencies, public land users, private corporations, and landowners, to enhance their use of geospatial technologies. Before founding EcoPoint in 2017, Michael worked with Conservation Seeding and Restoration, Inc. (CSR) as the Natural Resources Department Manager. After leaving CSR in 2013 Michael joined Electronic Data Solutions as a Business Development Specialist and Inside Sales Coordinator. Michael founded EcoPoint, an Esri and Juniper Systems partner, to focus on implementing and deploying geospatial technologies to solve complex ecological problems.
Speakers: Jeremy Crowley and Jesse Bunker of Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
In part 3 we will focus specifically on the equipment requirements and potential applications for thermal UAV projects. This part of the workshop will cover the basics of thermal UAV equipment, thermal images, applications, flight planning, calibration, software, and processing of large thermal datasets.
Jeremy Crowley heads the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology UAV program. Jeremy has worked in the natural sciences and GIS fields for almost 20 years. He has worked in private industry, and in federal, and state agencies to provide GIS solutions for cultural resources, biological sciences, and water resources. Jeremy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Archeology and Earth Sciences in 1998 from the University of New Mexico. In 2007, he graduated with a Master’s of Science in Hydrogeology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Since 2007, he has worked at the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology as a hydrogeologist focusing on groundwater-surface water interaction, GIS, Remote Sensing, UAV, Big Data, and Computer Programming.
Jesse Bunker graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration from the University of Montana in 2016. During his bachelor studies he wrote a senior thesis on the reproductive characteristics of whitebark pine in the subalpine-alpine ecotone. During and since graduation he has worked in a variety of ecosystems including Florida, South Dakota, and Montana. Currently Jesse is enrolled in the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program at Montana Tech. His focus is on spatial and temporal heterogeneity of hydrothermal features and is helping build a thermal GIS database. Jeremy and Jesse have created a custom dual thermal/optical UAV system and have been working on a geothermal groundwater discharge project along the Yellowstone River.
Part 4: Fixed-Wing UAS
Speaker: Stephen Frazer of Water and Environmental Technologies (WET)
Part 4 of the workshop will focus specifically on equipment, flight planning, data collection, and data processing for fixed-wing UAS. Fixed-wing UAS have the advantage of higher flight speeds and larger project area coverage compared to multi-rotor platforms. This portion of the workshop will explore advantages/disadvantages of fixed-wing platforms, tips and tricks for flight planning large and complex missions, ground control, and QA tips for data processing.
Stephen Frazer is a Project Engineer and the UAS Team Leader for Water and Environmental Technologies (WET) in Butte, MT. Stephen started working with fixed-wing UAS in 2015 and has flown hundreds of project flights covering over 15,000 acres. Stephen has extensive experience with Sensefly and Wingtra fixed-wing platforms and DJI multi-rotor platforms. Stephen has flown multiple payloads including RGB, NIR, and Thermal IR. Stephen’s UAS project experience includes applications such as topography, engineering design, stockpile volumes, mine planning, vegetation mapping, stream temperature mapping, landfill life expectancy, 3D modeling, inspections, and archeology. Stephen graduated from Montana Tech in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. Stephen is a registered professional engineer in the State of Montana.
Batch processing with the RMRS Raster Utility, John Hogland, USFS\Rocky Mountain Research Station
Workshop Format: bring your own computer
The RMRS Raster Utility (Hogland and Anderson 2017) is a spatial, statistical, and machine learning library that can be used to address various management and scientific questions in an extremely efficient manner. Some examples of how this library has been recently used include mapping forest species using remotely sensed imagery (Hogland et al. 2018), quantifying delivered costs (Hogland et al. 2018), producing land cover maps (St. Peter et al. 2018), prioritizing needs (Hogland et al. 2017), and comparing different sources of remotely sensed data (Ahl et al. 2019). Many access the routines and procedures of the RMRS Raster Utility library through a graphical interface within an ArcGIS addin called the RMRS Raster Utility toolbar (website). In addition to the toolbar, we have developed a command line syntax executable (batch executable) that can be used to automate a wide array of procedures. In this workshop we will explore some of the capabilities of this library and work through a series of spatially explicit examples designed to highlight the utility of batch processing. Workshop requirements: ArcGIS 10x.
Survey123, Curtis DeVault, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.
Workshop Format: bring your own computer
Survey123 is a simple to design and use form oriented data gathering and analysis solution. It also very customizable, allowing users to create forms that allow data to be gathered with tight control while remaining very simple for the user perspective. During this workshop we will go through the simple form creation tool, and the advanced option using XLSForms, then sharing your survey, and analyzing your survey data.
Intro to ArcGIS Online by Brian Anderson, MDT
Workshop Format: Laptops will be provided
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.
UAS Data Processing by Greg Crutsinger - All Day Course
Workshop Format: bring your own computer with minimum Pix4D trial version
In this hands-on workshop you will focus on understanding UAS data processing. This includes a review of cloud processing options in Atlas, Pix4D, Airing and Agribotix, best practices for upload, what the results look like, and how to optimize those results. The workshop will also provide a more in depth look at Pix4D; which license to buy for which needs, how to best upload data and workflows and parameters to get the best results.
Dr. Greg Crutsinger is a field ecologist turned scientific program director specializing in drone agriculture. While conducting research in the field as a PhD in Ecology and evolutionary biology (with publications in a dozen top scientific journals, including Science magazine), Dr. Gregory Crutsinger caught the drone bug, and began testing the use of UAVs in the field on projects. He became especially interested in how autonomous drone technology could enable collecting data that could impact agriculture, and how drones would allow sensors to be deployed in new and exciting ways to impact research and assessment in the field.
From there, Greg went onto the technology-side of the drone industry, helping launch programs and develop comprehensive industry solutions in-house as a program leader for academic, scientific and precision agriculture applications at powerhouse companies such as 3D Robotics, Parrot and Pix4D. He was even named a Vice.com Person of the Year in 2017 as “The Drone Engineer Helping Farms Work Smarter”.
Integrating Census Data into GIS, Jim Castagneri & Lacey Loftin, U.S. Census Bureau
Workshop Format: lecture style, bring your own computer if desired
Have you ever struggled to integrate data from the Census Bureau's website into your GIS? This session will cover everything you need to know. From understanding and selecting the proper census data, to formatting the data in ArcGIS. We'll cover the various types of Census geography, data sources and programs, data retrieval from American Factfinder, basics of the Census API, and data considerations in ArcGIS.
Disaster Response and Preparedness by Shane Clarke, Esri
Workshop Format: Half-day, lecture style
Workshop Description: This half day workshop will focus on Esri solutions to prepare for and respond to disasters. We will discuss how to use ArcGIS online in preparation for supporting a large and coordinated response to a natural disaster. ArcGIS online provides a platform that is scalable and agile for rapid response, however some early forethought and preparations are required to be prepared for these types of events. We will use this time to show various approaches and lessons learned from the devastating fires in California in 2017 and 2018.
Learning Objectives: Learn ArcGIS Online techniques to prepare for and respond to disasters, with tips for inter-agency coordination.
Instructor Bio: Shane Clarke is a Solution Engineer on the State and Local Government sales team for the Esri Olympia regional office. Shane has been working in GIS for more than 30 years, during which time he has focused on a variety of areas including GIS projects, technical support, product release, and product management for mobile GIS apps. His current focus is helping cities and counties in the Pacific Northwest to use GIS to both meet the many challenges being faced as well as to build thriving communities.
Using ArcGIS Pro to manage analyze and share Lidar and Imagery Data by TJ Abbenhaus, Esri
Workshop Format: Half-day, lecture style
Workshop Description: This half day workshop will show you how Esri can help you extract value from your imagery and lidar data. Lidar (light detection and ranging) is a relatively new remote sensing technology allowing us to collect very dense point samples of features in 3D. Lidar technology has evolved to become a common source of geographic data in GIS. ArcGIS Pro supports data visualization, advanced analysis and authoritative data maintenance in both 2D and 3D. ArcGIS Pro is tightly coupled with the ArcGIS platform supporting data sharing across ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise through Web GIS. Please join us for a workshop where we will discuss and explore using ArcGIS Pro to quickly view lidar data in 2D and 3D, manage huge volumes of lidar data holdings, update lidar class codes, and explore and create a web scene.
Instructor Bio: TJ Abbenhaus is a Solution Engineer on the sales team for the Esri Olympia regional office. TJ has specialized in Imagery and LiDAR solutions. Currently working for the State and Local government sales team and has extensive experience with workflow and outcomes desired for State and local GIS.
Planning for the Big Sky GeoCon is overseen by the MAGIP Professional Development Committee. For more information email the Professional Development Committee Chair.
Workshop Descriptions