This workshop covers approaches to searching for geospatial data. This workshop will not cover specific databases to search in for geospatial data, rather common methods appropriate for working with spatial information. This includes understanding spatial data formats, considerations for spatial data collection, and approaches to GIS mapping where data availability is limited. Celebrate Love Data Week by learning about sources of various GIS datasets.

Goals:

1. Understand the value of a few common GIS data approaches.
2. Get a feel for the flow and pace of working with GIS data.
3. Leave knowing which resources you can rely on for your project.

This is a free 1-hour in-person workshop, consisting of lecture, demonstrations, and discussion. Previous participants in this course have reported increased confidence in understanding where to search for GIS data and how to get help.

Instructor: Belle Lipton, MLIS, MS, GIS Librarian, Harvard Library, Harvard Map Collection

This is not a workshop on how to use GIS mapping software. To practice using GIS software, stop by the Love Data Rodeo, or use our follow-along materials.

This event is open to all Harvard students, postdocs, researchers, faculty, and staff. There are no prerequisites or assumptions of knowledge.