Training with GeOALS¶
Work with GeOALS experts to build the mapping and communication skills your team needs. Training can support a research project, help a clinic use geographic information, or help a community organization tell a clear story with maps.
Training topics¶
| Topic | What participants practice | Example output |
|---|---|---|
| GIS fundamentals and reading maps | Geographic units, layers, map design and interpreting patterns | A map interpretation exercise and a project question |
| ArcGIS StoryMaps | Audience and story planning; combining maps, text and media; source credits; accessibility; previewing and sharing | A draft story explaining care access, a community resource or a research finding |
| Web maps and dashboards | Selecting layers, designing filters and communicating results | A prototype map or dashboard using public or synthetic data |
| Environmental data linkage | Connecting place and time to environmental indicators; interpreting exposure proxies and uncertainty | A linkage plan and a variable dictionary |
| Data standards and ontologies | Describing location history, exposures and provenance consistently | A worked mapping between source fields and relevant standards |
| Location privacy and responsible sharing | Recognizing identifying geography, choosing appropriate aggregation and reviewing public products | A disclosure review exercise and a documented sharing plan |
Formats¶
- Introductory session: a focused overview with an ALS example and time for questions.
- Hands-on workshop: guided practice with public or synthetic data and feedback from an expert.
- Short course: several sessions with exercises between meetings.
- Project mentoring or office hours: help applying the skills to a team's specific work.
- Train-the-trainer session: preparation and teaching materials for staff who will teach others.
Example project idea¶
Build a StoryMap for an ALS research or community project. A partner team works with a GeOALS expert to turn a defined question into a draft story for its intended audience.
An illustrative scope is two 90-minute workshops plus a review session. The first workshop develops the audience, narrative outline and map plan. Participants prepare a draft between sessions. The second covers maps and media, clear explanations of results, accessibility and source attribution. The review session provides feedback on the draft and its sharing settings.
Deliverables can include a story outline, a draft StoryMap, reusable teaching materials and a maintenance plan. Agree on the final scope, instructor, participant needs, software access, schedule and fee when planning the work.
For environmental research, the story should explain the exposure indicator, geographic coverage and time period, and distinguish an association from a causal conclusion. The environmental exposure examples provide starting points and references.
Include training in a proposal¶
Training can be a standalone project or a work package in a grant, subaward or services agreement. Budget for preparation, instruction, exercise development, accessibility support and follow-up as appropriate. See proposal language, budget examples and the request checklist.
To start a discussion, send the topic, intended audience, group size, current skills, desired output, timing and budget range to Danielle Boyce. Use public or synthetic examples when sharing a proposed training exercise.
Esri resources for independent learning¶
Begin with Esri's ArcGIS StoryMaps overview, then use the StoryMaps training resources. These Esri resources can support preparation for a GeOALS workshop or further practice afterward.