You’re an urban planning professional who wants to stay ahead of the curve. How can you become a GIS expert?

1 Why GIS matters

GIS is not just a software or a tool. It is a way of thinking and problem-solving that integrates spatial data with other types of data, such as demographics, economics, environment, and health. GIS can help you answer questions like: Where are the most vulnerable populations in your city? How can you optimize the location and accessibility of public services and amenities? What are the impacts of urban growth and development on the natural and built environment? How can you engage stakeholders and citizens in participatory planning processes? By using GIS, you can enhance your analytical and decision-making capabilities, as well as your creativity and innovation.

2 How to learn GIS

There are many ways to learn GIS, depending on your level of interest, experience, and goals. You can start by taking online courses or tutorials that cover the basics of GIS concepts, principles, and applications. Some popular platforms that offer free or low-cost GIS courses are Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Esri Academy. You can also enroll in certificate or degree programs that focus on GIS or related fields, such as geospatial analysis, spatial data science, or urban informatics. These programs can provide you with more in-depth knowledge and skills, as well as academic credentials and networking opportunities.

3 How to practice GIS

Learning GIS is not enough. You also need to practice it regularly and apply it to real-world problems. You can do this by finding or creating your own GIS projects that interest you or align with your professional goals. For example, you can use GIS to map and analyze urban issues, such as housing affordability, transportation accessibility, environmental justice, or public health. You can also use GIS to design and plan urban interventions, such as bike lanes, parks, or smart city initiatives. You can find open data sources and GIS software online, or use your own data and tools. You can also join online communities and forums where you can share your work, get feedback, and learn from other GIS users.

4 How to master GIS

To master GIS, you need to go beyond the technical skills and tools. You need to develop a critical and creative mindset that can use GIS to address complex and dynamic urban challenges. You need to understand the context and implications of your spatial data and analysis, as well as the ethical and social issues involved. You need to communicate your GIS results effectively and persuasively to different audiences and stakeholders, using various formats and media. You need to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in GIS and urban planning, such as big data, artificial intelligence, or smart cities. You need to collaborate with other professionals and disciplines that use GIS, such as geographers, engineers, or policy makers.

5 How to advance your career with GIS

Becoming a GIS expert can open up many opportunities and benefits for your career in urban planning. You can increase your value and marketability as a professional who can use data and maps to inform and improve urban planning processes and outcomes. You can expand your scope and impact as a professional who can tackle diverse and complex urban issues and solutions. You can enhance your reputation and visibility as a professional who can produce and present high-quality and innovative GIS products and projects. You can also explore new and emerging career paths and roles that require or involve GIS, such as geospatial analyst, urban data scientist, or smart city planner.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?