Pre-Conference Workshops

 1. Python, Population, and Optimization: Automating Data Processing with Python and ArcGIS Pro Notebooks 

Presenters:
Jess Hoffelder, Spatial Data Analyst - County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Program
Samantha Olivieri, Federal Program GIS and Broadband Data Analyst - State of Wisconsin Public Service Commission 

Large datasets can be the bane of tight deadlines and complex deliverables. Explore how you can take your workflows- from daily tasks to annual projects- and use python to automate your analysis and processing. Utilizing ArcGIS Pro’s Notebooks (built upon the popular Jupyter Notebook framework), we’ll show how our respective organizations tackle large geospatial datasets with (relatively) small lines of code. Taking it a step further, we’ll show our colleagues how to optimize their arcpy with tips and tricks to speed up the process. This dual-agency workshop aims to demonstrate technical collaboration for the benefit of all.

Activity 1: Overview of how Access to Parks, a population health indicator from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps dataset that captures the percentage of the population in each county that lives within a half mile of a park, is calculated. The workflow utilizes Markdown in Notebooks to annotate the Python code which can help limit human error and improve reproducibility. It combines large datasets from the US Census and Esri’s ArcGIS Living Atlas.

Activity 2: Overview of analyzing federal and state-maintained datasets utilizing Python code to optimize processing time. Focus on which processes can bog down your script, and how to adjust accordingly. Going over the logic behind scripted python processes within ArcGIS Pro, associated hurdles, and how they can be made more efficient by leveraging batch processing, runtime checks, and other tools of the trade. We will build upon what was worked on in the first half of the workshop, and implement discussed strategies to increase efficiency. Requirements: ArcGIS Pro 2.9 or higher installed on participant machine. All skill levels welcome! 

2. Building Experience with Experience Builder

Presenter:
Jesse Papez, GIS Platform Administrator - WI DNR
Eric Passler, GIS Analyst - WI DNR

Back by “popular” demand…

Are you a GIS application builder who’s looking to build up your own experience with Experience Builder? Look no further, this workshop will give you some experience upon which you can build! This workshop is tailored for ArcGIS Online (AGOL) users who are either new to Experience Builder (ExB) or have recently started working with this GIS application configuration environment.

The workshop host has personally developed, overseen, and assisted other DNR staff in developing their own ExB apps. This firsthand experience paired with DNR’s collected tips and tricks accrued since the release of ExB will provide useful insights from a non-ESRI perspective.

The workshop aims to cover a range of introductory topics, including an introductory overview of ExB, a practical assessment of its capabilities and current limitations, and demos and hands-on exercises to help attendees overcome common initial challenges when starting from scratch or transitioning from AGOL Web AppBuilder development. Specific areas of focus include preparing AGOL content for a seamless transition to ExB applications, utilizing ESRI's ExB templates, configuring page element and functional widgets, and configuring mobile user experiences.

By the end of this workshop, participants will have gained practical experience and created some basic sample projects that can serve as building blocks for their future work.

Attendees are encouraged (not required) to have access to their AGOL accounts to actively engage in workshop activities. If that's not feasible, attendees can still benefit from live demonstrations and take notes for later use. If you attended last year the topics will be mostly similar, but the content will be updated a bit. 

3. Introductory Level ArcGIS Pro Parcel Fabric

Presenter:
Frank Conkling, Panda Consulting

The ArcGIS Pro Parcel Fabric is the next-generation solution for editing and maintaining Land Records and Parcels using Esri's ArcGIS Pro software. This half-day workshop will provide an introduction to the functionality, structure, implementation options, and workflows in the Parcel Fabric. With the workshop, a download link to a sample parcel fabric and project file will be provided for demonstration and a work-along experience for attendees. If the attendees wish to participate in the workshop, they must provide a laptop containing a fully licensed copy of ArcGIS Pro 3.x or above. Several parcel maintenance workflows will be demonstrated and explored to understand the workings of the Parcel Fabric.

4. Performing "Cadastral Like" Parcel Mapping

Presenters:
Doug Avoles, GIS Analyst II - St. Croix County
Laurence Johns, County Surveyor - Vernon County

From the beginning of the WI Land Information Program (WLIP), parcel data has been identified as the most important and widely used Foundational Element. In the early years of the WLIP, Cadastral parcel mapping was defined as parcel mapping that could be used to make land title determinations and it was required to be created from a survey based Public Land Survey System (PLSS) corner framework. At that time most counties were creating and maintaining Index parcel mapping, with a long-term goal of developing Cadastral mapping. When compared to a strict definition of true cadastral mapping, our WI efforts should probably be more aptly named “Cadastral like” parcel mapping.

In 2013, the WLIP put in place several strategic initiatives to complete key statewide datasets. Parcel mapping and Public Land Survey System (PLSS) corner remonumentation were given the highest priority. To be funded by the strategic initiative, PLSS remonumentation is required to be performed to a “Survey Grade” coordinate level. Since then, counties have been working toward the completion of PLSS remonumentation that will allow them to complete “Cadastral like” parcel mapping.

"Cadastral like" parcel mapping requires an attention to detail, a knack for correctly interpreting legal descriptions, and understanding principals of WI land surveying laws and administrative rules. This workshop will be a lecture-based workshop covering a range of topics involved with “Cadastral like” parcel mapping. Johns and Avoles will share their knowledge and many years of experience working with the PLSS, subdivision plats, Certified Survey Maps (CSMs), maps of survey, the WI geodetic control network, and the nuances of performing detailed “Cadastral Like” parcel mapping. Key concepts, rules & regulations, WI Statutes & Case Law pertaining to: road right-of-ways, dedications, riparian rights, senior property rights, mapping of old original plats, order of precedence will be covered.

Whether you are new to parcel mapping & working with surveys/plats/legal descriptions, or if you feel you still have some things to learn, then this workshop is for you. Workshop attendees will be provided with copies of the Workshop PowerPoint and many resources collected by the instructors over the years. 

5. Emerging GIS Technology

Presenter:
Tyler DeBruin, GIS Utility Analyst - Town of Grand Chute
David Buehler, GIS Solutions Specialist - WisDOT, and Principal - Terra Firma Analytics

GIS is an ever changing profession where it’s essential to keep up with advances in technology. Whether it is an ESRI specific program update or integrating external systems, technology can be your best friend or your worst nightmare if you’re not prepared. During this workshop you will learn a variety of different emerging technologies in the GIS profession. The first hour will focus primarily on ESRI’s Experience Builder. We will go through tips and tricks and how to best make the move from WebApp Builder to Experience Builder. The second hour will dive into the emergence of AI in GIS. We will go through a variety of different AI based technology from Survey123 Smart Assistants, deep learning technology, and a variety of other AI capabilities within GIS. The third hour will cover project specific examples of how emerging GIS technology can help in your everyday work. These will cover a variety of topics and software applications including linking external programs to GIS (such as ECM software). You should have at minimum an intermediate experience level in GIS to attend this workshop. It is also required to bring a laptop with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and Quick Capture ready to use. It is also strongly recommended to bring a mobile device with Field Maps & Survey123 downloaded onto the device (tablet or phone). 

Lunch

12:30 - 1:30pm

Lunch is included if attendee registers for both a morning and afternoon workshop. Wednesday lunch can also be purchased as an add-on during registration.

6. Leveraging GIS for Community Change

Presenter:
Frank Romo, CEO - RomoGIS Enterprises

Join us for an inspiring presentation on how to leverage GIS to actively engage communities to advance social impact. We will discuss the importance of access to GIS knowledge, skills training, and critical thinking practices for community leaders and GIS professionals. Through compelling case studies and success stories, learn how GIS tools can be leveraged to tackle complex community challenges. By bridging the gap between local knowledge and technology, GIS can become a catalyst for social change, fostering inclusivity and sustainability within communities. 

7. Parcel Fabric Office Hours

Presenter:
Frank Conkling, Panda Consulting

This half-day workshop will provide personalized assistance and guidance on using parcel fabric data and tools. Some common services include one-on-one consultations where participants get tailored advice and troubleshooting help for specific parcel fabric tasks, guidance on creating, editing, and maintaining parcel fabric data, hands-on training on using parcel fabric tools and functions within GIS software and sharing recommended workflows and techniques for efficient parcel fabric management. The workshop will also assist with resolving errors or issues related to parcel fabric data or processes. Overall, this workshop will provide a valuable opportunity for users to learn from experts and improve their skills in working with parcel fabric data. 

8. Implementing Asset Management

Presenter:
Jon Schwichtenberg, GIS Leader - GRAEF

This workshop will go through what an asset management system is, how to implement a system, how the system interacts with other systems, benefits of what asset management systems do for the organization and maintenance/process implementation. Participants will log into a system and do hands on entry and reporting. InfiniteGIS (a GRAEF product) will be used for the hands on interactive demo, and will be used to compare the pros and cons of several different systems that are available. GRAEF will touch on ESRI asset data models, tools including ArcGIS Online, the Minnesota Rural Water Spreadsheet, the Federal Spreadsheet for Lead and Copper Rule Reporting, and how to integrate an asset management system with other utility or municipality systems (e.g. SCADA, billing, planning, zoning, etc…).

9. Experience Builder Handbook

Presenter:
Wendy Leonard, GIS Analyst - Gewalt Hamliton Associates

Join us for a comprehensive workshop centered around Esri's Experience Builder, a powerful tool enabling users to create engaging and dynamic web applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Experience Builder empowers GIS professionals to design and develop versatile web apps with ease, thanks to its user-friendly interface and integration with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise. 

Join us for a comprehensive workshop centered around Esri's Experience Builder, a powerful tool enabling users to create engaging and dynamic web applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Experience Builder empowers GIS professionals to design and develop versatile web apps with ease, thanks to its user-friendly interface and integration with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise.

By the end of this workshop, participants will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to build compelling and interactive web applications using Esri's Experience Builder, ultimately elevating their GIS projects and empowering their organizations to leverage location intelligence in new and innovative ways.

10. Practical AI Use for GIS - Establishing Your Own Personal AI Tutor

Presenter:
Philip Marty, GIS System Administrator, CROPP Cooperative - Organic Valley

In this workshop, you will learn how to leverage AI for daily GIS tasks and problem solving. We will cover how to get started using AI, how it can help the average GIS professional with things like data engineering, expression writing, troubleshooting, and python coding. Organic Valley’s Pdf Dashboard used by their cooperative farmers to obtain daily dynamic agriculture management maps - will be used as a real world example to demonstrate the application of python snippets developed through the use of AI. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants from beginner to more advanced AI users who have questions such as - “hey I have this python snip that I would love to use but I don’t know how to get setup in python to do that” - to take away practical knowledge that allows them to apply AI python development to their specific needs. It is recommended that you come with a laptop but not required.