GIS Lab»Events and Workshops

Events and Workshops

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Upcoming Events and Workshops

  • Thursdays during the Fall Semester

    10-11am GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304

    GIS Lab Office Hours

    Need help with a GIS or mapping project? Drop by GIS Lab Office Hours for informal, one-on-one support and troubleshooting. Bring your questions, project ideas, data, or problems you’re working through. We can help with GIS software, spatial data, mapping, analysis, or figuring out where to get started.

    More Information

  • Wednesday, September 9, 2026

    3-4:30pm Zoom

    ArcGIS Online: Getting Started with Web Mapping

    Learn the basics of ArcGIS Online and how to create, manage, and share interactive maps. This hands-on workshop will introduce key tools and workflows for working with geographic data and creating web maps for research, teaching, and communication. Registration is required.

    Registration

  • Monday, September 14, 2026

    2-3pm Hybrid

    ArcGIS StoryMaps: Telling Stories with Maps

    Discover how to combine maps, images, text, and other media to create engaging, interactive stories with ArcGIS StoryMaps. Learn the fundamentals of building a StoryMap and explore ways to communicate research, projects, places, and ideas through narrative mapping. Registration is required.

    Registration

  • Tuesday, September 22, 2026

    2-3:30pm Zoom

    Python for GIS: Building Workflows for Analysis

    Learn how Python can streamline GIS workflows and support spatial analysis. This workshop will introduce approaches for automating common GIS tasks, building repeatable workflows, and developing Python-based tools for analyzing and working with geographic data. Some prior knowledge of Python or GIS would be useful. Registration is required.

    Registration

  • Thursday, October 8, 2026

    1:30-3pm GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304

    ArcGIS Pro: Introduction to GIS

    Get started with ArcGIS Pro, Esri’s desktop GIS software. Learn the fundamentals of working with spatial data, creating maps, managing layers, and using basic GIS tools to explore and analyze geographic information. Registration is required.

    Registration

  • Wednesday, October 14, 2026

    3-4:30pm GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304

    Map Design & Cartography: Making Better Maps

    Learn the principles of effective map design and cartography. This workshop will explore visual hierarchy, color, typography, symbols, labeling, scale, and layout. Participants will learn how thoughtful design choices can improve the clarity, accuracy, and visual impact of maps and help communicate geographic information more effectively. Registration is required. 

    Registration

  • Friday, November 6, 2026

    10am-1pm GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304

    Mapping in R

    Curious about making maps in R? This beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of spatial data and mapping in R, then put those skills into practice with a real-world dataset or APIs.

    The first part of the workshop will cover the basics of working with spatial data in R, including installation, key packages, common spatial data formats, and how to bring geographic data into R.

    We’ll then move into a hands-on mapping workflow using a real-world dataset or API. Together, we’ll clean and prepare data, join spatial and non-spatial datasets, conduct a basic spatial analysis, and create both a static map and an interactive map.

    By the end of the morning, participants will have a foundation for working with spatial data in R and a complete workflow they can adapt for their own research, projects, or analyses.

    Light snacks will be provided - bagels and coffee! Registration is required.

    Registration

  • Wednesday, November 18, 2026

    TBD

    GIS Day!

    Save the date! Every year on the third Wednesday of November there is a global celebration of all things GIS. More details will be shared soon.

  • Friday, December 4, 2026

    12-3pm GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304

    Georeferencing and Digitizing Historical Maps in QGIS

    In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to turn a historical map into usable GIS data using QGIS. We’ll start by importing and georeferencing a scanned historical map, then digitize features from the map to create new spatial data. Finally, participants will symbolize their data and create a polished map layout to share their results. No previous experience with historical maps or georeferencing is required. 

    Lunch will be provided. Registration is required by November 27th.

    Registration

View More Library Events

Past Events and Workshops

  • 2026-2027
    • What is GIS?

    August, 31, 2026

    Interested in maps, spatial data, or GIS but not sure where to start? Drop by this informal introductory session to learn what Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are, how they’re used, and how you can get started.

    We’ll provide an overview of GIS and spatial data, introduce some of the most common mapping and GIS platforms, and discuss how different tools can be used for research, teaching, data analysis, and visualization. Snacks will be provided! No registration required.

    • Mapping in R

    Tuesday, July 28, 2026

    • Getting Started with PolicyMap

    Monday, July 20, 2026

    • Introduction to ArcGIS StoryMaps

    Thursday, June 25, 2026

    • Introduction to ArcGIS Online

    Wednesday, June 10, 2026

  • 2025-2026
    • Geocoding 101: Turning Addresses into Places on a Map

    Friday, March 6, 2026

    Do you have addresses or coordinates that need to be transformed to points on a map? In this workshop, we will use both ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro to geocode data. We will cover best practices for formatting location data, address accuracy, and what to do if your location data is PII (personally identifiable information).

    • Introduction to ArcGIS Pro

    Thursday, February 12, 2026

    Learn the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro. This workshop will cover basic concepts, software access, data input, and exploration. No prior GIS experience needed!

    • Spatial Statistics

    Thursday, November 6, 2025

    Partnering with the Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research (VISR), this workshop introduces the fundamentals of spatial statistics for analyzing geographic patterns and relationships. Participants will learn key concepts such as spatial autocorrelation (e.g., Moran’s I), hotspot detection, and clustering techniques using ArcGIS Pro. Ideal for users with some experience with ArcGIS Pro.

    • Tableau for Mapping: an Introduction

    Friday, October 24, 2025

    Join us for an immersive 2-hour workshop designed to equip students with essential data visualization skills using Tableau Public, a leading industry tool.

    • Mapping People and Places

    Monday, October 13, 2025

    Learn how to analyze and visualize demographic data using GIS in this workshop featuring PolicyMap, SimplyAnalytics, and Social Explorer. No prior experience is required.

    • Introduction to QGIS

    Wednesday, October 1, 2025

    Learn the basics of QGIS, a free and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS). This hands-on session will cover navigating the interface, adding spatial data, and creating simple maps—perfect for beginners with no prior GIS experience.

    • Introduction to Spatial Analysis in ArcGIS Pro

    Thursday, September 26. 2025

    Explore fundamental techniques for analyzing spatial data to uncover patterns and relationships. Topics include buffer, overlay, and spatial join operations. A great next step after learning GIS basics.

    • GIS Essentials: Introduction to ArcGIS Pro

    Tuesday, September 9, 2025

    Learn the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro. Whether you want to create a map for a class project, in your research, or just for fun! You could map a musician's tour, locate all the trees on campus, learn more about the people that make up your local community, and so much more! This workshop will cover basic concepts, software access, data inputs, and map design. No prior experience needed.

    • Behind the Prints: StoryMap Workshop & Guided Tour of VUMA’s Paper Backs

    Partnering with Vanderbilt University's Museum of Art, this workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! This workshop will feature the digital exhibit from Paper Backs: Hidden Stories of European Prints from VUMA's Collection which is on show starting September 2nd. Following the workshop we offer a curator's tour of the physical exhibit.

    • Introduction to ArcGIS Pro

    Friday, August 15, 2025

    Learn the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro. This workshop will cover basic concepts, software access, data inputs, and map design. No prior experience needed!

    • Using Historical Maps in GIS

    Thursday, July 24, 2025

    This workshop will explore the use of historical maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and compare past and present landscapes. Participants will learn how to overlay historical maps through the process of georeferencing in ArcGIS Pro. No prior experience required. 

    • Introduction to ArcGIS StoryMaps

    Monday, June 16, 2025

    This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required.

    • Introduction to ArcGIS Online

    Wednesday, May 28, 2025

    Join us for a workshop designed for beginners interested in exploring ArcGIS Online for web mapping. This session will introduce core features of this online platform, including how to upload data, create a map, and share your work online. Please register to receive the Zoom link!

  • 2024-2025
    • Machine Learning & Image Classification in GIS

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    In this workshop, participants will learn how to use machine learning to classify land types (e.g., urban, forest, water, agricultural) from satellite images. We’ll cover data preparation, feature extraction, and applying classification algorithms. By the end, participants will be able to apply machine learning to classify land cover in ArcGIS Pro.

    • Mapping Food Deserts: Using GIS for Community Health

    In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Online (AGOL) to conduct proximity analysis, mapping food deserts and assessing access to food in underserved communities. They will learn how to identify areas lacking grocery stores and other food resources, supporting efforts to improve community health.

    • Mapping Elevation Data: Using GIS for Landscape Analysis

    Monday, March 17, 2025

    In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Pro to classify raster elevation data, gaining insights into landscape features such as terrain, slope, and elevation zones. They will learn how to process and analyze raster datasets for detailed landscape analysis.

    • IPUMS Data: Accessing Census and Geographic Data

    Thursday, March 12, 2025

    In this workshop, participants will be introduced to IPUMS (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series), that provides access to Census data as well as geographic information from the past and present. We will cover the types of data available, how to navigate through these datasets to find the information you need, and download them for use outside of IPUMS.

    • Telling Stories with Maps: ArcGIS StoryMaps

    Wednesday, March 6, 2025

    This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required.

    • Mapping Sea Level Rise: Using GIS for Climate Change

    Tuesday, March 4, 2025

    In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Pro to manipulate raster data and map sea level rise scenarios, visualizing the potential impacts of climate change on coastal areas. They will learn how to analyze elevation, potential flooding, and environmental vulnerability in order to assess risks and plan for adaptation.

    • Making Maps with Python: Automating GIS Tasks

    Friday, February 28, 2025

    Building on the foundation of the first workshop (Making Maps with Python: Introduction to ArcPy), this session dives deeper into using Python for automating more advanced GIS tasks. Participants will learn how to write Python scripts to automate repetitive workflows, including spatial analysis, batch processing, and data management, to enhance productivity and streamline complex tasks.

    • Making Maps with Python: Introduction to ArcPy

    Thursday, February 27, 2025

    This introductory workshop is designed for participants new to Python and ArcPy. It focuses on the fundamentals of using ArcPy within ArcGIS for basic map creation and simple spatial tasks. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of how Python integrates with GIS and learn basic scripting techniques for automating simple tasks.

    • Telling Stories with Maps: ArcGIS StoryMaps

    Friday, February 21, 2025

    This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required.

    • Mapping Natural Disasters: Using GIS for Risk and Response

    Monday, February 17, 2025

    In this workshop, participants will use ArcGIS Online dashboards to map natural disasters like wildfires and floods, visualizing the impact on affected areas and populations. They will learn to create interactive maps for disaster risk assessment and response.

    • How to Use Historical Maps in GIS

    Tuesday, February 11, 2024

    This workshop will explore the use of historical maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and compare past and present landscapes. Participants will learn how to overlay historical map data with modern geographic layers, assess changes over time, and effectively present their findings through interactive visualizations. Workshop Goals:

    Learn to overlay historical maps with modern GIS data for comparison.

    Gain experience using ArcGIS Online to create interactive visualizations.

    • Mapping the Great Migration

    Wednesday, February 5, 2024

    In this workshop, participants will explore the historical significance of the Great Migration by creating maps that visualize the movement of Black Americans from the South to urban centers in the North and West. Using historical data, census records, and migration patterns, attendees will learn how to map key aspects of this transformative period in U.S. history.

    • How to Make Study Area Maps for Research

    Thursday, January 24, 2024

    This introductory workshop guides participants in using ArcGIS Pro to create study area maps, focusing on highlighting specific regions or areas of interest. Attendees will learn the basics of map layout design and how to effectively emphasize key study areas for research purposes. Workshop Goals:

    Learn how to highlight a region or area of interest on a map using ArcGIS Pro.
    Gain skills in creating and customizing basic map layouts for research.

    • Telling Stories with Maps: ArcGIS StoryMaps

    Tuesday, January 14, 2024

    This workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS StoryMaps, a tool for combining maps with multimedia content to tell compelling stories. Attendees will learn how to create interactive, engaging, and informative StoryMaps which can be useful to showcase projects, research, and more! No prior experience required. Workshop Goals:

    Understand the fundamentals of ArcGIS StoryMaps and its capabilities.
    Learn how to integrate maps, images, text, and multimedia into interactive stories.

    • ArcGIS StoryMaps

    Wednesday, December 4, 2024

    Join us for a workshop on ArcGIS StoryMaps, where you'll learn how to create captivating, interactive narratives using maps and multimedia. Discover the tools and techniques to showcase your projects, research, or community stories in a visually appealing format. No prior experience required.  

    • #30DayMapChallenge: 2 Colors

    Friday, November 22, 2024

    Join us in the GIS Lab for informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a map using only 2 colors.

    • #30DayMapChallenge: World Map

    Thursday, November 14, 2024

    Join us in the GIS Lab for informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a world map.

    • Coordinate Systems & Map Projection Essentials

    Wednesday, November 13, 2024

    Gain a solid foundation in coordinate systems and map projections with this GIS essential workshop. Understand how these elements affect spatial data accuracy and learn to choose the right projection for your mapping projects.

    • #30DayMapChallenge: Arctic

    Monday, November 11, 2024

    Join us in the GIS Lab for an informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a map featuring the Arctic. 

    • #30DayMapChallenge: Humanitarian Data Exchange

    Friday, November 8, 2024

    Join us in the GIS Lab for an informal, collaborative, and creative mapping session focused on the #30DayMapChallenge. The #30DayMapChallenge is a yearly community-driven event to create 30 themed maps within the 30 days of November. For this session, come create a map using Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX). 

    • Mapping in R: Crafting Interactive Maps with Leaflet

    Wednesday, October 30, 2024

    Explore the possibilities of interactive mapping with R's leaflet package. This workshop will guide you through creating dynamic maps that incorporate interactivity and visualization, enhancing the impact of spatial story telling.

    • Mapping in R: Exploring Spatial Libraries

    Wednesday, October 23, 2024

    Dive deeper into R's geospatial application. Learn how to manipulate, analyze, and visualize spatial data to uncover meaningful patterns and insights.

    • Mapping in R: Introduction to R

    Wednesday, October 16, 2024

    Get started with R and explore its capabilities for creating maps. This workshop introduces fundamental R programming concepts tailored for geographic information systems.

    • Geospatial Visualizations: Designing for Impact

    Wednesday, October 2, 2024

    Explore techniques for visualizing, presenting, and communicating geospatial data effectively. This workshop will cover best practices in map design, data representation, and creating compelling visual narratives.

    • Introduction to GIS w/ QGIS

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    Delve into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using QGIS, an open-source mapping software. This workshop will introduce basic concepts, software access, data input, and exploration.

    • Geospatial Data Discovery: Leveraging Library Tools

    Wednesday, September 18, 2024

    Discover how to find and access geospatial data using library resources. In this session we will learn effective search strategies, showcase data repositories, and highlight databases like Social Explorer, PolicyMap, and Simply Analytics.

    • Introduction to GIS w/ ArcGIS Pro

    Wednesday, September 4, 2024

    Learn the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro. This workshop will cover basic concepts, software access, data input, and exploration. No prior GIS experience needed!

    • GIS Lab Open House

    Wednesday, August 28, 2024

    Come meet your Geospatial Librarians at the GIS Lab. This open house is intended for you to check out what the Lab has to offer, learn how we can support your research and projects, and connect you to resources at the Library. There will be some mapping activities and light refreshments. No registration required, open to all!

  • 2023-2024

    • Intro to Remote Sensing (Spatio-temporal change with imagery)

    Wednesday, March 27, 2024

    Remote Sensing imagery (satellite, airborne, drone, etc.) can be used for studying change over time on the earth’s surface.  Studies in climate change, urban and built environment, and environmental applications often use remote sensing and image analysis to show how the Earth has changed and its implications.  This workshop will discuss terminology and how to do a basic image analysis between multiple dates of imagery in ArcPro.  No previous experience with GIS required!

    • Exploring ArcGIS Online (web mapping) 

    Wednesday, February 28, 2024

    From webmaps, webapps, dashboards, to Storymaps.  See how this mapping platform can work for your research. No previous experience with GIS required!

    • Getting started with QGIS 

    Wednesday, February 21, 2024

    In this workshop, you will learn to use raster and vector data in this powerful (free to use) open-source GIS. Users will have a brief introduction to the QGIS interface and will learn basic GIS methods. No previous experience with GIS required!

    • Basic Spatial Statistics  

    Wednesday, February 14, 2024

    Are you ready to elevate your GIS skills to a new level by incorporating the power of spatial statistics? Learn the fundamentals of spatial statistics with an overview of spatial autocorrelation, point pattern analysis, and hot spot analysis. No previous experience with GIS required!

    • Geocoding

    Wednesday, February 7, 2024

    Geocoding is the process of transforming a description of a location—such as a pair of coordinates, an address, or the name of a place—to a location on the earth’s surface. You can geocode by entering one location description at a time or by providing many of them at once in a table. Learn how to geocode your own data in this workshop.  Make your data mapable! No previous experience with GIS required!

    • PolicyMap

    Wednesday, January 31, 2024

    Vanderbilt University now has access to PolicyMap, a browser-based mapping tool that provides access to a wealth of data concerning physical health, infant and maternal health, uninsured populations, various federal programs, and the location of health facilities such as hospitals and FQHCs. In addition, the tool includes a broad array of data related to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as demographics, income, healthy food access, the economy, housing, public transportation, and more.  In this workshop learn how to navigate the site, make a map, compare data, and download data. No previous experience with GIS required!

    • Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro 

    Wednesday, January 24, 2024

    Are you eager to dive into the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and harness the capabilities of cutting-edge mapping technology? Look no further! ArcGIS Pro is a powerful and comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) software developed by Esri. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of ArcGIS Pro and guided through the basics of navigating the ArcGIS Pro interface, creating captivating maps, and visualizing data with ease.  Develop essential skills through guided, hands-on exercise.  No previous experience with GIS required!

    • Accessing and Georeferencing Scanned Maps 

      Wednesday, November 29, 2023

      Scanned images of early maps and aerial photography often provide an ideal historical backdrop for contemporary geospatial data. Georeferencing is the process of taking a digital image, it could be an aerial photo, a scanned geologic map, or a picture of a topographic map, and adding geographic information to the image so that GIS or mapping software can ‘place’ the image in its appropriate real-world location. Attendees will learn how to find historic maps and perform georeferencing.

    • Open Tools for GIS 

      Wednesday, November 1, 2023

      This workshop will introduce participants: to basic terms and concepts of open source, open data; open access; several open tools for GIS and mapping work; and resources for learning more about each tool. Tools covered include QGIS, Open Street Map, and R.

    • Storymaps 

      Wednesday, October 18, 2023

      ESRI StoryMaps workshops are ideal for anyone interested in creating engaging and informative narratives that incorporate spatial context. StoryMaps allow users to combine maps, text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements to tell engaging stories with a spatial context. Participants will learn how to effectively use the StoryMaps platform to convey information, educate audiences, and share stories in an interactive and visually appealing manner.

    • ArcGIS Online 

      Wednesday, October 4, 2023

      Attendees will learn how to search, find, and share geographic content in ESRI’s online mapping platform. The workshop will provide the fundamental skills necessary to create, design, and share web maps, as well as use some of the various geoprocessing tools currently offered via the online application.

    • Finding and mapping demographic data 

      Wednesday, September 20, 2023

      Finding socio-economic and demographic data can sometimes be challenging.  Once you get the data, how do you map it?  In this workshop, the attendees will not only learn how to extract data from social explorer, but how to map that data in ESRI’s ArcPro.

    • ArcPro 

      Wednesday, September 6, 2023

       ArcGIS Pro is a widely used GIS software that provides advanced tools for spatial analysis, data management, visualization, and more.  This ArcGIS Pro workshop will focus on teaching participants how to effectively use ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro software for various GIS tasks and applications.

GIS Day Archive

  • Mapping Vanderbilt's Past, Present, Future

    November 17th-21st, 2025

    Presented by Vanderbilt University Libraries' GIS Lab in collaboration with Special Collections and University Archives as well as Buchanan Library Fellowship Program.

    GIS Day joins Vanderbilt University’s Sesquicentennial celebration to explore 150 years of place, progress, and possibility. Under the theme “Mapping Vanderbilt’s Past, Present, and Future,” we highlight how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help us understand our evolving campus and community of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.

    Then & Now: Mapping Vanderbilt Through Time

    Step into Vanderbilt’s past and see how our campus and community have transformed over 150 years. This interactive digital exhibit invites you to explore “then vs. now” maps through a swipe-through experience revealing how places, buildings, and landscapes have evolved since the University’s founding. Compare historic maps and aerial imagery with today’s campus to discover stories of growth, progress, and preservation that shape the Vanderbilt we know today.

    Georeferencing Historical Maps

    In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to georeference historical maps using ArcGIS Pro. This process involves aligning historical maps with modern spatial data, providing perspectives on the growth and evolution of Vanderbilt's campus. Light refreshments will be provided!

    Spatial Thinking @ VU: The State of GIS

    This lightning talk series highlights the breadth and depth of GIS use across Vanderbilt University. In celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary, faculty, researchers, and students will present short talks on how geographic information systems advance their work. Discover how spatial data and mapping are transforming inquiry, collaboration, and storytelling across our campus community.

    Speakers Include:

    Jonathan Herrin, GIS Analyst at Vanderbilt University

    James Zimmer-Dauphinee, PhD, Post Doctoral Fellow in Anthropology

    Ellen Parks

    Connor Sutton, PhD Student in Anthropology

    Hannah Morris

    Stacy Curry-Johnson, Director of Research Strategy & Director of GIS Lab

    Alyssa Sklar, Librarian for Geospatial Systems and Data

     

     
  • The Art of Cartography: Historical Maps for Modern Inquiry 

    November 18th-22nd, 2024

    Presented by Vanderbilt University Libraries' GIS Lab in collaboration with Special Collections and University Archives with support from The Curb Center for Art, Enterprise & Public Policy.

    Join us during Geography Awareness Week and GIS Day for a series of events that highlight the artistry and significance of historical maps! We explore how historical maps can inform our understanding of cultural heritage and the narratives they convey about local communities. Learn to work with historical maps as primary sources and discover how to integrate them with geospatial tools for today’s research and applications.

    Georeferencing Maps Workshop

    In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to georeference historical maps using ArcGIS Pro. This process involves aligning historical maps with modern spatial data, providing a new perspective on historical landscapes and their contemporary counterparts.

    Roaming Map Exhibit

    Discover a curated selection of historical maps displayed throughout the campus libraries. These maps offer a window into the past and invite viewers to reflect on the intersection of geography, culture, and art. Track down all 10+ maps using our interactive app and learn more about the stories behind each historical piece. A fun scavenger hunt experience awaits as you explore!

    Digitizing Map Features Workshop

    This hands-on workshop will guide participants through the process of digitizing features from historical maps using ArcGIS Pro. Participants will learn to capture and vectorize map elements, such as rivers or streets, for use in modern geographic analyses.

    Map Exhibit Reception

    Step back in time with maps dating from the 17th century! This reception gathers all the maps on display from our roaming exhibit throughout the campus libraries, including depictions of Native lands in Tennessee, maps of Havana, Paris, and the renowned Blaeu maps (donated from The Collection of Stephen and Carina Bruce). Held at Peabody Library, the reception will include drinks, snacks, and an overview of the exhibit delving into the art of cartography. 

    Maps as Primary Sources

    Uncover the value of maps as primary sources. This session will explore what are primary sources, how to read and analyze historical maps, interpret the symbols and narratives they convey, and understand their cultural significance. Perfect for anyone curious about the stories that maps tell and the contexts in which they were created!