How can you learn about new datasets through GIS communities?

1 Online platforms

One of the easiest ways to access GIS communities is through online platforms, such as websites, blogs, forums, social media, and podcasts. These platforms allow you to follow the latest trends, news, and developments in the GIS field, as well as to interact with other users, ask questions, and get feedback. Some examples of popular online platforms for GIS are GIS Lounge, GIS Stack Exchange, Geoawesomeness, and Esri's podcasts. To get the most out of these platforms, you should subscribe to their newsletters, join their discussions, and comment on their posts.

2 Professional associations

Another way to connect with GIS communities is through professional associations, such as the Association of American Geographers (AAG), the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), and the International Cartographic Association (ICA). These associations organize events, conferences, workshops, and publications that showcase the latest research, applications, and innovations in GIS. They also provide networking opportunities, career development, and advocacy for their members. To benefit from these associations, you should become a member, attend their events, and volunteer for their committees.

3 Local groups

A third way to engage with GIS communities is through local groups, such as meetups, hackathons, and user groups. These groups are informal and flexible, and they allow you to meet and collaborate with other GIS enthusiasts in your area. They also offer hands-on learning experiences, challenges, and projects that can help you improve your skills and discover new datasets. Some examples of local groups for GIS are Maptime, GeoDev Meetup, and Esri User Groups. To participate in these groups, you should search for them online, register for their events, and bring your own laptop and data.

4 Data repositories

A fourth way to learn about new datasets through GIS communities is through data repositories, such as open data portals, academic databases, and government websites. These repositories store and share large amounts of spatial data that can be accessed and downloaded for free or for a fee. They also provide metadata, documentation, and quality indicators that can help you evaluate and use the data. Some examples of data repositories for GIS are ArcGIS Hub, World Bank Open Data, and USGS EarthExplorer. To explore these repositories, you should browse their categories, search for keywords, and filter by criteria.

5 Peer reviews

A fifth way to acquire new datasets through GIS communities is through peer reviews, such as journals, magazines, and blogs. These reviews publish articles, papers, and reports that present the results and methods of GIS projects, as well as the datasets used and created. They also provide feedback, criticism, and suggestions that can help you improve your work and learn from others. Some examples of peer reviews for GIS are International Journal of Geographical Information Science, GeoJournal, and GIS Geography. To access these reviews, you should subscribe to their issues, read their articles, and cite their sources.

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?