Intro to Geospatial Python Programming with ArcGIS (Virtual) Online
Would you like to learn how to elevate your mapping workflows using coding? This free, two-hour workshop from the Map and Data Library will give you a hands-on introduction to Python programming using ArcGIS Pro. Designed for learners who have some familiarity with GIS and Python, we'll explore how Python can be used to automate workflows, perform spatial analysis, and interact with both desktop and web-based GIS environments.
Together, we'll work through an interactive Jupyter Notebook and explore real-world use cases, including spatial data processing, map automation, and error handling. We'll also take a look at how Python script tools can be used to build reusable geoprocessing workflows. Our focus will be on ArcGIS Pro, but we'll also include a brief overview of ArcGIS Online Notebooks and the ArcGIS API for Python.
Format:
• Instructor-led, in-person workshop.
• Discussion and live demonstrations.
• Hands-on coding in ArcGIS Pro and Jupyter Notebooks.
• Time for questions and discussion.
By the end of this workshop, you'll be able to:
• Understand the role of Python in GIS workflows.
• Use ArcPy to automate tasks in ArcGIS Pro.
• Work with spatial data in Python using Notebooks.
• Explore the ArcGIS API for Python for web-based GIS.
• Identify opportunities to use script tools for custom analysis.
- Prerequisites:
- Although this is a beginner-friendly workshop, we recommend having taken our introductory ArcGIS Pro and Python workshops. You can register for a Map and Data Library workshop (or view recordings of previous sessions) here: https://mdl.library.utoronto.ca/support/workshops-and-training
- Audience:
- This workshop is designed for U of T students and researchers.
- Instructor:
- Cole White, GIS Analyst
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a virtual event. If you want to follow along with the technical segment, you will need to have ArcGIS Pro installed on your computer. Instructions (Windows only) are here: https://mdl.library.utoronto.ca/technology/tutorials/downloading-installing-and-licensing-arcgis-pro
MDL is committed to making our workshops accessible to everyone. If you'd like to discuss how we can best meet any accessibility needs you may have and help you get the most out of this workshop, please contact Cole White (cole.white@utoronto.ca).
- Date:
- Wednesday, March 25, 2026
- Time:
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
- Audience:
- Faculty Graduate Students Staff Undergraduate Students
- Categories:
- Data & Statistics Maps & GIS Programming & Software Workshop
Cole is the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst at U of T's Map and Data Library, and a graduate of the Centre for Geographic Sciences. Cole was initially drawn to GIS for its capacity to blend computer science, creative problem solving, and aesthetic information design in a way that can bring new ideas to light. At MDL, Cole is happy to share their expertise with people across disciplines interested in learning about spatial analysis, web maps, data collection, coding, cartographic design, or any other ways a geographic perspective might invite a new dimension to their work.
Over their career, Cole has undertaken analyses in support of liberatory economic empowerment and public health work, used deep learning to analyze historical maps and support conservation planning, contributed to experimental countermapping art projects, and advised a diversity of researchers and new learners in pairing their work with befitting tools and techniques
