Strong GIS programs are built on strong data management practices. This track is designed for GIS professionals, managers, and administrators looking to improve how geospatial data is organized, maintained, and governed across their organizations.

Attendees will learn how to develop a GIS governance framework that promotes accountability, enables trusted data sharing, improves operational efficiency, and supports informed decision-making across the organization. The session will provide practical guidance for establishing enterprise standards, defining authority and ownership, implementing governance policies, and creating a roadmap for sustained GIS program maturity.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of how to transform GIS from a collection of mapping tools and datasets into an enterprise system of record that delivers trusted location intelligence, supports organizational goals, strengthens security and compliance, and enables effective service delivery across departments and jurisdictions.

Whether you are building a new GIS program or refining an existing one, this track will provide actionable guidance to help strengthen your organization’s data management foundation

Looking to create modern, user-friendly GIS applications and streamline field operations? The Web Apps & Mobile Workflows track at GGA’s 2026 Fall Workshop is designed to help you do just that. During this 1.5-day track, attendees will explore how to modernize web mapping applications using ArcGIS Experience Builder and create focused, purpose-driven solutions with Instant Apps.

The Mobile Workflows portion will cover designing mobile-first GIS workflows with ArcGIS Field Maps and how Survey123 can be incorporated to enhance data collection and inspection processes. Participants will gain practical knowledge of building efficient workflows that support field crews, inspectors, and data collection efforts.

Whether you’re developing web applications, improving field operations, or looking to get more value from your ArcGIS platform, this track offers valuable skills and real-world workflows you can apply immediately.

Arcade (Day 1, Morning)
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to ArcGIS Arcade. Arcade is an expression language that works across the current ArcGIS technology stack. Arcade can be used to create labeling expressions, symbolize layers, customize popups, and more. Arcade’s capabilities grow with each new release of ArcGIS. During this half-day workshop, you will learn what Arcade is, its syntax, and how it can be used to create expressions for labeling and symbology.

Students will need a laptop with ArcGIS Pro. Before class make sure the ArcGIS Pro license can be accessed when not connected to your organization’s local area network.

Python (Day 2, Afternoon)
Explore how Python can help automate GIS administrative tasks, simplify data preparation, and efficiently analyze spatial information. This workshop focuses on practical, repeatable workflows that improve productivity and provide a foundation for building more advanced GIS automation solutions. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the ArcGIS API for Python while also being introduced to emerging tools shaping modern data patterns.

AI (Day 2)
Explore practical applications of AI in GIS through hands-on exercises using AI assistants and agents to enhance analysis, automate workflows, and improve everyday productivity.

Take your drone data beyond collection and discover how to transform imagery and LiDAR into powerful 3D visualizations and analysis products. This track is designed for GIS professionals, UAS operators, and geospatial practitioners who want to maximize the value of their drone-derived data.

Attendees will explore post-processing workflows for LiDAR LAS files, learn what can be accomplished with imagery after collection, and discuss strategies for optimizing imagery products for analysis and visualization. This track will also focus heavily on working with 3D geospatial data using Esri technologies, providing participants with practical experience creating, visualizing, and communicating information in immersive 3D environments.

Topics will include 3D scene layers, working with data in ArcGIS Earth, developing quick animations, and building engaging 3D scenes from LiDAR datasets. Participants will gain an understanding of how to take raw drone and LiDAR data through the workflow to create compelling visualizations that support planning, communication, and decision making.

Whether you are new to 3D GIS or looking to expand your drone data capabilities, this track will provide valuable insights into modern drone and 3D geospatial workflows.

Exploring QGIS workshop (Morning)
This workshop is designed to introduce you to QGIS 3.44 (Current Long Term Release), an Open Source GIS software for viewing, editing, and managing spatial data in a wide variety of commonly used vector and raster formats. It is lightweight, flexible, and can be installed on Windows, MacOSX, and Linux. By the end of the class students should be able to install QGIS, display data, understand data formats, and create a map.

QGIS and LIDAR (Afternoon)
Learn how to view and Manipulate LAS files with QGIS and produce DEMS, DTMS, and Contours. We will also look at LAS files and check point density and classifications.