Northwest GIS User Group upcoming events

Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 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

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.

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.

Intermediate ArcGIS Arcade (19 Aug 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 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.