2026 Big Sky GeoCon - From Data to Design

Description: 
ArcGIS Pro allows users to meet data management requirements, such as creating, reading, loading, updating, and deleting feature classes and tables, manually using geoprocessing tools, editing operations, and data manipulation functionality. While this may work well for small datasets, it can become unwieldy as the number of values and number of required operations increases. This is where Python comes in, especially when accompanied by an appreciation for the value of well-crafted and versatile code. Being able to streamline and automate workflows can save significant amounts of time and effort, can increase confidence in outcomes, and can provide a valuable record of how and when processes have been run.


Intended Audience:
GIS professionals familiar with ArcGIS Pro and Python and wishing to manage ArcGIS data in a flexible and efficient manner.
Prerequisite Requirements: 
Anyone wishing to attend this workshop must also have attended the associated workshop, "Introduction to Python Programming." An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor is satisfied that your level of Python experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at [email protected] to request a waiver.
The "Introduction to Python Programming" workshop will be offered online via Northwest GIS on February 19th-20th, 2026. Please see https://nwgis.org/event-6459192 for details and registration. Details are also provided at GISPD.com/training.

Format and Technical Requirements:
The workshop will consist of a balance between lecture material and demonstrations, which forms the basis for a flexible and interactive training approach. There will be plenty of time for discussion and experimentation, which will result in a rich and rewarding experience for everyone involved.


Attendees must bring their own laptop.


Setup:
Setup steps will be provided and must be completed prior to the workshop and attendees will be contacted to ensure that the required software is installed and that they can save workshop files onto their machine. Attendees are asked, therefore, to make sure they can be reached via the email address and phone number they used to register for the workshop.



 

Description: 
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce GIS professionals to the Arcade expression language. According to Esri, "Arcade is a portable, lightweight, and secure expression language used to create custom content in ArcGIS applications." Expressions are written using JavaScript-like syntax to calculate values, such as data values that can be used in a field or a label, formatted text for use in a pop-up, or a set of data values that can serve as the data source for a dashboard. A range of standard scripting capabilities are available to the Arcade developer, allowing for the creation of single-line expressions through to complex multiline expressions involving, for example, custom :and branching. The workshop will provide attendees with a thorough grounding in the core Arcade features, enable them to recognize how to use Arcade in different contexts, and ensure that they are well prepared to take immediate advantage of new capabilities of this constantly evolving language.


Intended Audience:
Anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of ArcGIS Arcade.


Prerequisite Requirements:
It will be assumed that attendees are generally familiar with using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, but have little experience with Arcade or are starting from scratch.


Associated Workshop:
Completion of this workshop is required for anyone wishing to attend the associated workshop: "Intermediate ArcGIS Arcade" (which is offered on Friday, April 17 at this conference). An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor, David Howes, is satisfied that your level of Arcade experience is such that attending the introductory workshop is not necessary. If required, please contact David at [email protected] to request a waiver.

Format and Technical Requirements:
The workshop will consist of a balance between lecture material and demonstrations, forming the basis for a flexible and interactive training approach. There will be plenty of time for discussion and experimentation, which will result in a rich and rewarding experience for everyone involved.


Attendees must have their own license (Creator level or above) for ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
Attendees must bring their own laptop.
Setup:
Setup steps will be provided and must be completed prior to the workshop and attendees will be contacted to ensure that the required software is installed and that they can save workshop files onto their machine. Attendees are asked, therefore, to make sure they can be reached via the email address and phone number they used to register for the workshop.
 

Esri’s GeoAI capabilities fuse advanced machine learning, deep learning, and spatial analysis to automate feature extraction and accelerate insight generation across imagery, video, point clouds, text, and other geospatial data sources. By integrating pretrained models, configurable geoprocessing tools, and extensible Python APIs, ArcGIS empowers users to rapidly transform raw sensor data into actionable information. These capabilities now extend directly into field workflows through Survey123’s computer vision integration, image classification and feature detection to validate field observations, streamline QA/QC, and enrich survey data collection with automated intelligence.

Building on advancements in large language models, Esri is enhancing GeoAI with natural-language-driven analysis and intelligent assistants that help users discover data, generate workflows, and interact with GIS more intuitively. LLM-powered text AI complements traditional feature extraction by enabling semantic understanding of unstructured content while Survey123’s vision-based automation strengthens the connection between field capture and enterprise analysis. Together, these innovations make spatial AI more accessible, scalable, and efficient by unlocking new levels of productivity for analysts, field crews, and decision-makers across industries.

In the United States, the digital divide increasingly reflects uneven digital transformation within state government institutions rather than consumer connectivity. Many agencies continue to rely on paper-based workflows and siloed legacy systems, limiting data sharing, interoperability, and enterprise decision-making. This presentation examines the transition from fragmented analog environments to integrated enterprise platforms, using DOT right-of-way mapping and statewide broadband mapping as case studies. These examples illustrate how inconsistent data standards, governance models, funding constraints, and workforce capacity slow modernization. The session emphasizes data democratization and workforce education as critical drivers of resilient, transparent, and effective state government enterprise systems.

This session highlights how GeoAI and 3D street-level data are transforming modern infrastructure management. Using high-fidelity mobile mapping, road networks are driven, digitized, and analyzed at scale—capturing assets and conditions with unprecedented detail. From traffic signs and guardrails to pavement analysis, computer vision and AI unlock actionable insights that enhance safety, support long-term planning, and improve public works operations. Attendees will gain a clear view of how street-level digital twins and AI analytics are modernizing asset management, including real project use cases from City of Bozeman.

Street Sweeping and Winter Weather Operations empower public works agencies to monitor real-time service activity, measure performance, and keep communities informed. By tracking sweeper and snowplow routes, organizations can improve service levels, meet regulatory requirements, and optimize responses to storms and seasonal conditions. Sharing clear schedules and status updates increases transparency, supports resident planning, and strengthens public trust. Together, these solutions streamline operations, enhance roadway safety, and help agencies manage resources efficiently while maintaining cleaner, safer, and more resilient transportation networks.

Join us for an open GIS Imagery Forum dedicated to answering your toughest questions about imagery-driven workflows. Whether you're working with UAV, aerial, or satellite data, building digital twins, leveraging geospatial video or oriented imagery, or supporting inspection and asset management workflows, this session provides a collaborative space to explore best practices, emerging capabilities, and real‑world applications. Bring your questions and challenges and let’s work together to tackle the full spectrum of questions around modern GIS imagery workflows.

Geospatial tools play a crucial role in modern stream restoration by supporting accurate assessment, design, construction, and monitoring. This presentation highlights the integrated use of UAS, surveying, LiDAR, GPS enabled equipment, and GIS to collect, analyze, and implement high-resolution spatial data for stream and floodplain restoration. These technologies improve design efficiency, reduce time/cost, and support informed decision-making throughout the restoration project, from initial assessment through post-construction monitoring.

SWCA Environmental Consultants (formerly River Design Group) was retained by MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the Jefferson Local Development Corporation to design a wetland restoration project at the Piedmont Wetlands south of Whitehall, Montana. Data collection for wetland restoration design development included pond bathymetry, topography, vegetation, wetland delineation and wetland functional assessment. Field data were used for the basis of restoration design, and the supporting GIS analysis included LiDAR surface analysis and clarification of historical alterations to the system. Spatial and 3D analysis as well as conceptual design drafting were completed in the ArcGIS Pro platform.

Vibe coding is an ongoing conversation between human intuition and machine generation, merging precision with perception. In this talk, we’ll explore how that dialogue shapes the development of a web mapping application built with Esri’s Maps SDK for JavaScript and Calcite Design System. By iteratively refining prompts, evaluating AI-generated code, and tuning the design, we’ll trace how the “feel” of a GIS app can emerge from the workflow itself. Whether you write code already or just appreciate good vibes, this session invites you to explore how subtle process shifts can make geospatial tech come alive.

The City of Bozeman’s Asset Management department leverages FME for automated data processing, and Experience Builder for data visualization. The tools help Bozeman be more transparent with its data and operations for the public, as well as improve internal efficiency. This presentation will offer insights into Asset Management’s practices and workflows by going into details of a couple projects: the Police Data Dashboard and the Building Permit Data Dashboard. These two projects highlight the great impact of FME and GIS on Bozeman’s daily operations.

This presentation demonstrates how large geospatial datasets can be transformed into practical, accessible tools for infrastructure management. Leveraging satellite, airborne, unmanned, terrestrial, and mobile lidar; multispectral and hyperspectral imagery; 3D scanning; and advanced GIS analytics, the session outlines workflows for converting raw spatial data into usable products. Case studies highlight mobile lidar–based gravel road condition assessments, AI-driven impervious surface classification, and 3D web scene visualization built from publicly available lidar. Emphasis is placed on automation, semantic segmentation, data reduction, and streamlined delivery formats that support capital improvement planning, engineering design, infrastructure management, and emergency response. Leveraging advances in web-optimized data formats, 3D visualization, web-based GIS mapping applications, GeoAI, workflow automations, this presentation demonstrates how complex datasets can be distilled and shared across departments and with the public to improve transparency and decision-making. Together, these integrated technologies provide scalable, cost-effective solutions for modern infrastructure management under operational and budget constraints.

Your city, county and state has lidar available. Lidar is a key foundation dataset that can help inform decisions of land managers, but it often goes unused. Whether you need to locate exactly where your culverts are, create an enhanced hydrography dataset to map water flow, find closed depressions for water quality studies, analyze slopes for ordinance review, or you need to assess the risk of soil erosion vulnerability, analysis of LiDAR can put your data to work to help derive answers for departments across your organization. In this presentation, we will discuss lidar base specifications in the state, dive into detailed lidar derivatives and then look at some solutions you can produce so you can start planning for your projects today.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) is revolutionizing hydrographic data by integrating high-resolution elevation data with hydrographic features through Elevation-Derived Hydrography (EDH). This presentation will showcase the enhanced accuracy and utility of EDH data in applications including improved flood modeling, watershed management, and precise mapping for engineering projects. Additionally, the session will explore collaboration opportunities with federal, state, local, and private entities to build a comprehensive hydrographic data ecosystem.

In 2025, the Lewis and Clark County/City of Helena Addressing Office created a new Addressing Hub website to include updated content and modernized online address application forms.

The new applications transitioned from fillable PDF forms to interactive online web forms. Each form includes dropdown menus, file upload options, and a mapping component so applicants can interactively provide the anticipated location of a structure. All applications are mobile friendly and accessible using a weblink or QR codes.

The presentation will include an overview of application considerations and the processes for implementing the new forms using Survey 123 and Microsoft Power Automate.

Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is coming quickly to Montana. The state’s selection of a NG9-1-1 Core Service Provider should align closely with this year’s MAGIP GeoCon annual conference. We hope to give any updates we have on implementation timelines and what will be required from local data suppliers. Even if we do not yet have a firm timeline, we are officially on the clock to be ready to support the GIS needs of a NG9-1-1 system soon. The Montana State Library (MSL) released its GIS Data Validation and Aggregation Portal for NG9-1-1 in October 2022. We will give an update on portal functionality and how local data suppliers’ uptake of the portal is going. In the coming year, we hope to get all local data suppliers using the portal. We will reserve some time for questions and suggestions for how we can better support local data suppliers.

Comic Sans, Arial, Calibri, Papyrus…does it matter which fonts you use in your map? Fonts—typefaces—have a powerful impact on the look and feel of a map, and can make the difference between an amateur and a professional document. In this presentation, we will show common pitfalls to avoid with font choice and label design, especially with respect to accessibility and legibility. We will also discuss visual hierarchy, what to look for in a font, and how fonts can have personalities.