Course Dates and Times
This online course will be held Feb. 8–April 2, 2027.
- Live orientation session: Tuesday, Feb. 2 | 7–8 a.m. CST via Zoom.
- Live weekly discussion sessions: Thursdays | 7–9 a.m. CST via Zoom.
About the Course
This eight-week virtual course teaches students the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It will outline several different software applications.
Students will learn the skills necessary to utilize GIS software, including data importation, drawing, navigation and labeling. Assignments cover a variety of topics and software.
Registration
- Register to attend
- Cost: $300 (Free for Tribal Nation members and employees; separate registration is required.)
Please let us know how we can ensure that this workshop is inclusive to you. What accommodations or access needs can we help facilitate? Contact Deanna Loggins at [email protected] when you register to help us provide you with the best access.
Course Format
The course starts with an instructor-led live orientation. Then, each week of the course will include a prerecorded lecture and self-paced classroom lesson, available on Tuesdays, as well as a live, instructor-led discussion each Thursday from 7–9 a.m. CST. Students are encouraged to attend the discussion sessions to hear a recap of the week’s lesson, get help with their assignments, and ask questions.
In addition to the weekly lectures, the course includes GIS assignments that must be completed during the same week as the lesson. Students are expected to watch the weekly recorded session and complete the assignments prior to each live discussion session. All assignments will be turned in by the end of the week.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Describe how GIS software works
- Execute basic GIS drawing, navigation, and labeling commands
- Understand the types of data used in GIS and how it is used
- Understand the types of software used for GIS
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for technical staff who want to learn the basics of GIS, and for anyone who wants to understand how to use GIS for surveying, data analysis, or asset management.
Course Instructor
Girish Uprety has more than 10 years of experience in GIS, spanning private consulting and the public sector. His expertise lies at the intersection of GIS, CAD, and surveying, with a focus on integrating CAD and survey data into enterprise GIS systems. He currently serves as GIS Coordinator for the City of Andover.
In this role, he connects engineering, surveying, asset management, field data collection, and GIS to create unified spatial data environments that support engineering, planning, public works, and other local government functions.
Accessing the Course
This training is offered via the course management system Canvas. Upon completing your online registration, you will receive an email confirmation. To access the course, please visit Canvas and login with your University of Minnesota internet ID and password. Once you have been enrolled, your course will appear on your Canvas dashboard.
If for any reason you do not have access to the course after enrolling, please contact Deanna Loggins at [email protected] for assistance.
Technical Requirements
Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer work best for this course.
Access to any version of AutoCAD software and Civil 3D software is required for this class. Both network and individual versions of Civil 3D are acceptable. For those working on a network version, note that your default settings may be different than those used by the instructor, and assistance from your local or agency CADD/IT manager may be required.
Credit
- 1.0 Roads Scholar Program Civil Tech Level II Certificate credit.
- To the best of our knowledge, this course meets the continuing education requirements for 16.0 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and 1.6 CEUs. Learn more about continuing education for professionals from the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID.
Questions?
Please contact [email protected].
Sponsors
This course is presented by the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at the Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota. Minnesota LTAP is sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This course is subsidized through funding from LRRB and FHWA.