The Indiana Geospatial Training Academy (IN-GTA) is a collaborative initiative involving Indiana University, Purdue University, and Valparaiso University. IN-GTA's mission is to provide accessible, industry-ready geospatial training to professionals primarily based in Indiana. Our workshops are tailored to the state's unique needs, offering participants the opportunity to enhance their geospatial skills using tools, data, and practices prevalent in Indiana's professional community.
The Indiana Geospatial Training Academy is endorsed by the Indiana Geographic Information Council.
Available Workshops
ArcGIS Fundamentals
When: Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10, 2025, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Central / 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern each day
Cost: $950.00 Regular Registration / Employees of government agencies as well as faculty, staff, and students in higher education institutions are eligible for a 10% discount ($855.00)
Location: Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana
Registration: Register here
This two-day, hands-on workshop is designed for beginners and early-career professionals who want to build a strong foundation in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro. Through guided instruction and practical exercises, participants will explore how GIS can be used to solve real-world problems and support decision-making across Indiana and beyond.
Day 1 Topics
- GIS Fundamentals - Understand what GIS is and how it can solve problems and create opportunities in Indiana.
- Navigating ArcGIS Pro - Learn the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro, get started, and navigate the interface.
- Creating Maps - Learn to effectively communicate spatial information through well designed maps.
- Data Fundamentals - Explore data types and tools for managing and documenting your data.
Day 2 Topics
- Data Sources - Find and access a wealth of free GIS data in Indiana and beyond.
- Working with Tables - Utilize tools and techniques for working with tables.
- The Power of Selection - Answer questions based on data values and locations.
- Beyond the Fundamentals - Preview online GIS, advanced spatial analysis, and more.
- Class Project - Apply your skills to a realistic use case.
- Wrap-Up - Review and consolidate your learning.
Introduction to ArcGIS Online
When: Wednesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern each day
Cost: $950.00 Regular Registration / Employees of government agencies as well as faculty, staff, and students in higher education institutions are eligible for a 10% discount ($855.00)
Location: Indiana University Indianapolis
Registration: Register here
ArcGIS Online (AGOL) is a collaborative web GIS mapping and analysis tool that lets you create, analyze, and share your data with others. This workshop provides opportunities for hands-on exploration of ArcGIS Online capabilities with emphasis on options that do not require coding or other advanced skills.
No prior GIS experience is required to participate in this workshop.
However, we recommend completing IN-GTA’s ArcGIS Pro Fundamentals workshop, or having equivalent training or professional experience, to ensure you’re well-prepared to engage with the material.
Day 1 Topics
- Welcome and Workshop Overview - Get acquainted and see how AGOL is being used in Indiana.
- Getting Started with ArcGIS Online - Web mapping concepts and the role of AGOL.
- Working with Web Maps - Create web maps and explore data options.
- Visualization Tools - Use symbols to create a meaningful story.
- Basic Spatial Analysis - Explore analysis tools and strategies for using them effectively.
Day 2 Topics
- Dashboards, StoryMaps and other Apps - Create apps that communicate spatial data and insights through interactive, visually engaging formats that support decision-making, storytelling, and public engagement.
- Sharing and Engagement - Discover strategies and tools for sharing your maps and stories
- Class Project - Apply your skills to a realistic use case.
- Wrap-Up - Review and consolidate your learning.
Coming Soon
- Intermediate ArcGIS Pro
- The Power of Raster Data in ArcGIS Pro
- Geospatial Analysis with ArcGIS Pro
- ArcGIS Pro 3D Tools and Strategies
- Beyond the Software, The Evolving Role of the GIS Professional
- Beyond Software – The GIS in an IT World
- Beyond Software – Leveraging AI for GIS Workflows
- Effective Map Design: Turning Data into Insight
- Objectives of Indiana Data Harvest, Resources, and Opportunities
- Hands-on Skill Building for Indiana Data Harvest
- Data Design Quality and Considerations
- Introduction to Remotely Sensed Data and Drone Technology
- Applications of Drone Technology
- Introduction to Lidar
- Introduction to GIS Programming
- Application Development Fundamentals
- Python Fundamentals
- Geospatial Applications Development Using Python
Check this website frequently for the latest offerings.
About Our Instructors
Jinha Jung, Purdue University
Jinha Jung is an Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University. He received his Ph.D. degree in Geomatics - Civil Engineering, specializing in Computational Science & Engineering at Purdue University in 2011. He worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Chicago & Purdue University and worked as a faculty at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi from 2014 until he joined Purdue University in 2019. Dr. Jung is noted for his work in 1) the development of UAS based High Throughput Phenotyping system for agriculture applications, 2) developing algorithms to process UAS data for feature extraction, 3) data fusion of hyperspectral and full-waveform LiDAR data, 4) vegetation structural analysis using LiDAR data, 5) high-performance computing for advanced remote sensing algorithm development, and 6) WebGIS software development using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
Bharath Ganesh Babu, Valparaiso University
Bharath Ganesh Babu is Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography, Meteorology, and Environmental Science at Valparaiso University. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Indiana State University, an MBA from Purdue University Global, an M.Sc. in Applied Geography from the University of Madras (India), and a B.Sc. in Geography from Madras Presidency College (India).
Bharath's teaching and research center on the intersections of globalization, environmental change, and geospatial technologies. He teaches undergraduate course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, cartographic design, biogeography, environmental conservation, and global development. He is committed to strengthening society through education, especially by preserving information integrity and access. He sees value in integrative geographic education, applied research, and student-centered innovation.
Yuri Kim, Department of Geography, Indiana University
Yuri Kim is a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Geography, Indiana University Bloomington. She focuses on physical geosystems and research methods of geospatial analysis, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). As she works with students who have diverse interests and career goals – e.g., nature, society, environmental change, decision-making in policy, business, etc., her primary pedagogical research and instructional objectives are to boost everyone’s engagement in fast-changing, innovative technologies in GIS and RS and their application to the broad spectrum of research and industry needs.
Yuri developed expertise in geospatial analysis methods during master’s program at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at Seoul National University, South Korea. She completed Ph.D in the Department of Geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her doctoral research focus was the analysis of past, present, and future water resources in the context of climate and land-cover change impact in the mountain,
Piedmont, and coastal areas of North Carolina, using GIS, RS, and hydrologic modeling as research tools.
Kevin Mickey, Director of Professional Development and Geospatial Technologies Education, The Polis Center, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering, Indiana University Indianapolis
Kevin has more than three decades of experience in the design, management, and instruction of introductory thru advanced geospatial courses and education programs for a wide variety of practitioner communities as well as undergraduate and graduate academic audiences.
He is a recognized expert in the application of geospatial technologies and methods for assessing the social, economic, physical, and environmental impacts of natural hazards with over three decades of consulting and professional education experience for multiple U.S. federal agencies as well as many state and local government, private sector, academic, and nonprofit organizations.
Kevin is a Past President of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), now Geospatial Professional Network. He is also the former chair of the Multihazard Mitigation Council (MMC) of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and a former member of the Indiana Geographic Information Council Board of Directors. He currently serves on the National Visiting Committee of the National GeoTech Center of Excellence.
Jon-Paul McCool, Valparaiso University
Dr. Jon-Paul McCool is a geographer and geomorphologist with extensive expertise in GIS and geospatial data analysis. He has applied advanced spatial modeling, remote sensing, and cartographic techniques to research questions spanning soils, geomorphology, hydrology, and environmental change. With professional certification as a GIS Professional (GISP) and experience managing a GIS technology lab, he has taught a wide range of geospatial courses and integrated students into applied projects. His work combines technical proficiency in spatial databases, webGIS, and drone-based mapping with a strong focus on environmental applications, watershed management, and archaeological landscape reconstruction.
