ESRI has extended free access to the Learn ArcGIS program for students, educators, and professionals affected by COVID-19. This allows you to use ArcGIS Pro for non-commercial purposes at no cost until December 31. You can sign up for Learn ArcGIS here. More info here.
Author Archives: socalgovgis - Michael Carson
Rio Hondo College GIS Courses
Learn GIS from home this fall! Rio Hondo College GIS courses start August 15th. Classes are entirely online. More information can be found at www.riohondo.edu/gis . Fall classes include both courses in Geographic Information Systems and new course offering on preparing for exam to pass Remote Pilot (Drone) Commercial Exam which includes survey mapping workflow.
- Introduction to GIS (GIS 120) 4 units CRN 74117
- Small Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) (GIS 150) CRN 77010
- Cartography Design and GIS (GIS 221) CRN 73311
- GIS Applications (GIS 220) CRN 74445
- Geospatial Programming (Python) & Web Services (GIS 280) CRN 75607
- Crime Mapping (GIS 281) CRN 75609
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are classes online? Yes, part of what makes online courses so convenient is that you don’t have to commute to Rio Hondo Campus but can instead complete your coursework from home. For many of us today, we find ourselves at home with families and unexpected happenings and would much prefer the convenience of online with the ability to work on your own schedule.
- Do I need a Computer? Yes, you do need to have access to a computer either a Windows or Mac (mouse recommended) and internet access.
- Do I need to install software? No, you will have access to the fast high tech labs with the latest GIS and related softwares via remote desktop. No software configuration required on your computer (Windows or Mac).
- Are the Classes Asynchronous or Synchronous (live)? Classes can be completed Asynchronous. However two 60 minute sessions for each class will be scheduled for those who have time or prefer to meet ‘live’ (Synchronous) on Zoom… the sessions are always recorded and made available later that evening.
- How to Register? No need to come on campus. Apply for admission and register for classes entirely online. To register for classes, you must first apply for admission (entirely free online). Applying for admission and registering cannot be any easier and steps found here.
For additional information, contact Prof. Warren Roberts wroberts@riohondo.edu (P.S. Did you know select Rio Hondo GIS courses are transferable courses to CSU and other universities?)
Community Mobility Reports
Check out Google’s Community Mobility Reports that provide insights into how people’s movements in countries around the world were altered during the lock down period of COVID-19. Also you can see mobility change since countries have eased movement restrictions.
The reports use aggregated anonymized data from mobile phones to chart trends in movement over time. They show how visits to different venues (like retail, groceries, parks, transit stations, etc.) have been effected by government lock downs. Check it out!
An overview and how to understand the data can be found here.
Active Fire Mapping
With summer in full swing and the temperatures increasing, it’s always good to be mindful of fires. The USDA Forest Service has a nice website dedicated to current fire activities. Included are current large incidents, fire detection maps, fire detection GIS data, data on Google Earth, data in web services, and much more. Check it out!
Huntington Digital Map Collection
The Huntington Digital Map Collection is an internet catalog of over 8,000 maps of California and the World from The Huntington Library, Art Collection & Botanical Gardens. The maps range from 16th century European portolan charts to 20th century land use maps, including maps owned by British explorer Sir Richard Burton; the Solano-Reeve collection of surveys of Los Angeles and Southern California tracts; and printed tract maps from the Rare Book Collection. You can see all of the available maps in the Huntington collection with thumbnails and short descriptions so you can easily choose the ones you want to view more fully. Check it out!
Q3 2020 ArcGIS Release
What’s new for ArcGIS Software this quarter can be found in this ESRI blog. Noticed that ArcGIS Desktop 10.8.1 was not mentioned. No worries, you can find that in the online help.
And it looks like the latest software is ready for you to download.
Maps & Beer & Football
2020 ESRI UC All Done
Well, the 2020 ESRI UC has come and gone … actually there are a few more online events and special interest group meetings today. My impression of this online conference? Let’s just say parts were informative. However, I bet it was a monumental task to pull it all together.
The plenary and workshop videos are still online when you login to esri.com/uc . Not sure how long they will stay up. I did notice they have some recorded content on YouTube here and also on the ESRI video site here.
Add a comment below about your impressions of the conference. Let’s hope we are back in San Diego next year!
SCAG/ESRI Special Interest Group Meeting Today
Hello everyone,
This is a reminder of the SCAG/ESRI Special Interest Group meeting, Thursday July 16th from 1 pm to 3 pm. It is a free event and open to all government agencies. It will introduce you to an exciting new initiative: the SCAG Regional Data Platform (RDP). Your involvement in this project is essential to shaping the future of planning and sustainable development in the SCAG region, locally and regionally. To kick-start a meaningful collaboration, we would like to gather local jurisdictions to introduce the project and what it means to you, showcase initial ideas, ask for feedback, and explain what’s coming in the next year. This meeting will also highlight progress on a number of other SCAG initiatives, such as the SoCal Greenprint, and High Injury Network (HIN).
*Please note that this Special Interest Group Meeting is a private event, and is therefore not listed in the official EsriUser Conference schedule
We hope you will join us for this special event!
Join us via Zoom
https://esri.zoom.us/j/98165518627
Please RSVP to the SCAG Special Interest Group Meeting
The RDP Core Team, Tom Vo at vo@scag.ca.gov or Javier Aguilar at aguilar@scag.ca.gov can answers any questions and provide further information on this event.
Best Regards,
SCAG RDP Core Team
Virtual URISA GIS Leadership Academy
URISA just announced their Inaugural Virtual GIS Leadership Academy, to be held August 3-7, limited to 30 individuals.
The curriculum emphasizes best practices and skills-based training taught by GIS experts committed to preparing others for leadership in managing challenges and figuring ways to help groups and organizations achieve their goals. The cost to attend will be $600 for URISA members and $800 for non-members.
For more info and to register, click here.



