How can you stay up-to-date with GIS software and tools?

2 Join online communities and forums

Another way to stay up-to-date with GIS software and tools is to join online communities and forums where you can interact with other GIS users, experts, and enthusiasts. You can ask questions, share your experiences, get feedback, and learn from others. You can also find out about new releases, updates, events, and opportunities in the GIS field. Some popular online platforms for GIS are Stack Exchange's GIS, Reddit's r/gis, LinkedIn's GIS groups, and Esri's GeoNet.

3 Take online courses and webinars

If you want to learn new GIS software and tools or improve your existing skills, you can take advantage of online courses and webinars that are available for free or at a low cost. You can find a wide range of topics and levels, from beginner to advanced, that suit your interests and needs. You can also earn certificates or badges that demonstrate your proficiency and achievements. Some examples of online learning platforms for GIS are Esri's Training, Coursera's GIS Specialization, Udemy's GIS courses, and QGIS's Webinars.

4 Attend conferences and events

Another way to stay up-to-date with GIS software and tools is to attend conferences and events that are organized by GIS organizations, associations, or companies. You can network with other GIS professionals, learn from experts, see demonstrations, and discover new trends and innovations in the GIS field. You can also participate in workshops, competitions, and hackathons that challenge your skills and creativity. Some examples of GIS conferences and events are Esri's User Conference, FOSS4G, GeoCom, and GIS Day.

5 Experiment with new software and tools

Finally, one of the best ways to stay up-to-date with GIS software and tools is to experiment with them yourself. You can download free or open-source software and tools, such as QGIS, GDAL, GeoServer, Leaflet, and OpenStreetMap, and try them out on your own projects or datasets. You can also explore online platforms and tools that offer cloud-based or web-based GIS services, such as ArcGIS Online, Google Earth Engine, Carto, and Mapbox. You can also compare and contrast different software and tools and see what works best for you.

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?