Northwest GIS User Group upcoming events

April Mappy Hour (14 Apr 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for Mappy Hour at 5 to 6pm Pacific, hosted online. This is a great place for discussion and networking.

The meeting link will be emailed to active members.

Introduction to Python (4 May 2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Description

Python is now regarded as one of the most popular programming languages of all, if not the most popular. This is especially true for GIS-related requirements, with Python being front and center when it comes to making the most of the ArcGIS technology suite. This workshop will provide an introduction to Python programming without reference to GIS topics, but with an emphasis on preparing attendees for further learning with respect to GIS scripting and development. The workshop will also be helpful for anyone wishing to use Python for other purposes.

Three topics will be covered in the workshop: (1) Getting started with Python; (2) Use of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) (attendees may use either JetBrains PyCharm Community Edition or Microsoft Visual Studio Code (both free)); and (3) Python fundamentals, including functions and objects, and error handling.

Intended Audience

Anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of Python programming.

Prerequisite Requirement

There are no prerequisite requirements. It will be assumed that attendees have little experience with Python or are starting from scratch.

Associated Workshop

Completion of this workshop is required for anyone wishing to attend either of two associated workshops: "Introduction to ArcGIS Data Management Using Python" and "Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes Development". An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor, David Howes, is satisfied that your level of Python experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at info@gispd.com to request a waiver.

Please see GISPD.com/training for all current offerings of the "Introduction to Python " workshop.

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.

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

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.

Presenter Details

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.

Introduction to Javascript (6 May 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Description

As a core web technology, JavaScript has become one of the most popular programming languages and is, therefore, central to modern GIS application development. In association with SDKs (Software Development Kits), APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and code libraries and frameworks, JavaScript can be used to create applications of any level of complexity, from simple pages to extensive systems. The days of a single core programming language are long gone and JavaScript now sits at the center of a vast ecosystem of related technologies, such as node.js and TypeScript, which are used in, for example, ArcGIS Experience Builder development.

This workshop will focus on getting started with JavaScript, using Microsoft's free Visual Studio Code Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to support single-page application development. The content will be provided without reference to GIS topics, but with an emphasis on preparing attendees for further learning with respect to GIS web application development. The workshop will also be helpful for anyone wishing to use JavaScript for other purposes.

Intended Audience

Anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of JavaScript development.

Prerequisite Requirement

There are no prerequisite requirements. It will be assumed that attendees have little experience with Javascript or are starting from scratch.

Associated Workshop

Completion of this workshop is required for anyone wishing to attend the associated workshop: "Introduction to ArcGIS JavaScript Application Development". An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor, David Howes, is satisfied that your level of JavaScript experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at info@gispd.com to request a waiver.

Please see GISPD.com/training for all current offerings of the "Introduction to JavaScript" workshop.

Format and Technical Requirements

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

Setup

Presenter Details

Introduction to ArcGIS Pro Python Tools and Processes Development (8 May 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Description

ArcGIS Pro is a powerful GIS desktop application in which great things can be accomplished using the out-of-the-box user interface options. Users can accomplish significantly more, however, and make the most of their ArcGIS investment, by using Python to perform GIS operations and streamline workflows. For this reason, Python experience is almost always a key consideration in GIS-related hiring decisions.

This workshop focuses on extending the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro via standalone scripts and tools that can operate within ArcGIS Pro or externally. Three topics will be covered: (1) An overview of using Python with ArcGIS Pro; (2) Developing and running Python scripts; and (3) Creating and using geoprocessing tools. For coding activities, attendees may use either of two Integrated Development Environment (IDE) programs: JetBrains PyCharm Community Edition or Microsoft Visual Studio Code (both free).

Intended Audience

GIS professionals familiar with ArcGIS Pro and Python and wishing to develop GIS tools and processes.

Prerequisite Requirement

Anyone wishing to attend this workshop must also attend or have attended the associated workshop, "Introduction to Python." An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor is satisfied that your level of Python experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at info@gispd.com to request a waiver.

Please see GISPD.com/training for current offerings of the "Introduction to Python " workshop.

Format and Technical Requirements

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

Setup

Presenter Details

Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade (12 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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.

Intended Audience

Anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of ArcGIS Arcade.

Prerequisite Requirement

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.

Associated Workshop

Completion of this workshop is required for anyone wishing to attend the associated workshop: "Intermediate ArcGIS Arcade". An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor, David Howes, 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.

Please see GISPD.com/training for all current offerings of the "Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade" workshop.

Format and Technical Requirements

Attendees must have their own license (Creator level or above) for ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

Setup

Presenter Details

Introduction to ArcGIS JavaScript Application Development (14 May 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Description

The ArcGIS Maps SDK (Software Development Kit) for JavaScript offers a rich array of capabilities to support web-based mapping application development and geoprocessing and the latest version of the SDK supports Esri's current web technology solutions, including ArcGIS Experience Builder, Instant Apps, and ArcGIS Hub sites. Learning JavaScript and the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript allows GIS professionals to take advantage of the technology used in solutions such as these to develop their own custom applications, to develop Experience Builder widgets, and to enhance their spatial data delivery and geoprocessing offerings.

The purpose of this workshop is to help attendees get started with basic web page development using the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, with an emphasis on component development and using the core API (Application Programming Interface).

Intended Audience

GIS professionals wishing to develop applications using JavaScript and the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript.

Prerequisite Requirement

It will be assumed that attendees are familiar with ArcGIS technology and have basic JavaScript programming experience.

Anyone wishing to attend this workshop must also attend the associated workshop, "Introduction to JavaScript." An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor, David Howes, is satisfied that your level of JavaScript experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at info@gispd.com to request a waiver.

Please see GISPD.com/training for all current offerings of the "Introduction to JavaScript" workshop.

Associated Workshops

Completion of this workshop is required for anyone wishing to attend future workshops involving the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript on topics such as intermediate use of the SDK, Experience Builder widget development, and TypeScript (use of which is required for the latter). An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor is satisfied that your level of JavaScript experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If you're interested in these workshops, please contact David at info@gispd.com for details of when they may be available and request a waiver.

Format and Technical Requirements

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

Setup

Presenter Details

Introduction to ArcGIS Data Management Using Python (25 May 2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Description

ArcGIS Pro allows users to meet data management requirements, such as creating, reading, loading, updating, and deleting feature classes and tables, manually using geoprocessing tools, editing operations, and data manipulation functionality. While this may work well for small datasets, it can become unwieldy as the number of values and number of required operations increases. This is where Python comes in, especially when accompanied by an appreciation for the value of well-crafted and versatile code. Being able to streamline and automate workflows can save significant amounts of time and effort, can increase confidence in outcomes, and can provide a valuable record of how and when processes have been run.

The purpose of this workshop is to teach attendees how to use Python and the ArcPy site package to support data management workflows via the ArcGIS Pro Python Window and scripts that that can be run within ArcGIS Pro or externally. Topics to be covered include the use of data management geoprocessing tools, cursors, and core Python data structures. Consideration will also be given to the importance of clean, descriptive, and reusable code. For script development, attendees may use either of two Integrated Development Environment (IDE) programs: JetBrains PyCharm Community Edition or Microsoft Visual Studio Code (both free).

Intended Audience

GIS professionals familiar with ArcGIS Pro and Python and wishing to manage ArcGIS data in a flexible and efficient manner.

Prerequisite Requirement

Please see GISPD.com/training for current offerings of the "Introduction to Python" workshop.

Format and Technical Requirements

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

Setup

Presenter Details

Intermediate ArcGIS Arcade (27 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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.

Intended Audience

GIS professionals familiar with using Arcade in ArcGIS applications and wishing to extend their capabilities beyond the introductory level.

Prerequisite Requirement

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.

Please see GISPD.com/training for all current offerings of the "Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade" workshop.

Format and Technical Requirements

A Zoom meeting link will be provided by the instructor.

All attendees must use a microphone and webcam (unless this is not possible due to medical reasons).

Setup

Presenter Details

2026 NWGIS Conference (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Note: This registration is only for the conference (October 14-15). All workshops need to be registered and paid for separately.