2026 Big Sky GeoCon - From Data to Design

Description: 
This half-day workshop introduces participants to the full spectrum of ArcGIS imagery management capabilities through the lens of modern drone-based workflows. Attendees will learn how to design effective flight plans, capture high-quality datasets, and understand the impacts that acquisition parameters have on downstream products. The session will cover core concepts in imagery organization, optimized data models, and strategies for managing large volumes of UAV data both on-premises and in the cloud. Using Esri’s drone and reality-mapping tools, we will walk through best practices for transforming raw drone captures into authoritative orthoimagery, dense 3D meshes, point clouds, and geospatial video suited for enterprise applications.
Building on these fundamentals, the workshop will explore implementation approaches for scalable imagery systems including cloud-hosted repositories, cloud-based and desktop processing, and enterprise deployment patterns ensuring that participants can choose the right architecture for their operational needs. Through demonstrations and guided workflows, attendees will gain practical experience in processing pipelines for orthomosaics, 3D modeling, and video exploitation, along with recommendations for QA/QC, reproducibility, and dissemination of imagery products across their organization. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to manage drone imagery at scale and integrate it seamlessly into decision-making workflows.
Technical Requirements: 
Esri will provide the computer lab with all the necessary software installed and data already pre-loaded on the machine.

Description: 
During this workshop we will master Survey123 Connect. The workshop focuses on creating forms that enhance the user experience, making data collection easy. We'll cover everything from simple input fields to smart logic and dynamic questions, ensuring your forms adapt to your users' needs. But that's not all – we'll also dive into automating workflows, so you can spend less time on manual tasks. Think automated validations, smart notifications, and seamless data analysis. By the end of the workshop, you'll have the skills to design forms that users actually enjoy filling out, and you'll know how to automate processes to supercharge your data collection efforts. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this workshop will take your Survey123 game to the next level.
Prerequisite Requirements:
A base level knowledge of Survey123 and ArcGIS Online will be very helpful.


Technical Requirements: 
Attendees must bring their own laptop and have Survey Connect downloaded and installed on the machine. Additional, attendees must have access to either an ArcGIS Organizational or ArcGIS Enterprise Account with publishing privileges.

25 courses available! The Hands-On Learning Lab is a training resource provided and developed by Esri Training Services. The lab is an excellent way to introduce or refine your skills related to Esri solutions and training opportunities while learning to use Esri software. As part of the Big Sky GeoCon, there is no charge for you to utilize and benefit from the learning lab as often as the heart desires!

List of courses available
 Exploring ArcGIS
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Online
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro
 Getting Started with GIS
 Adding Location-Based Data to a Map
 Analysis in ArcGIS Online
 Automating Workflows Using Python
 Creating Web Apps Using ArcGIS Experience Builder
 Data Exploration and Visualization in ArcGIS Online
 Data Pipelines in ArcGIS Online
 Exploratory Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro
 Discovering Patterns Using ArcGIS Insights
 Exploring ArcGIS Field Maps
 Getting Started with Arcade
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Business Analyst
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Notebooks
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Survey123
 Getting Started with ModelBuilder
 Integrating CAD and BIM Data with ArcGIS
 Managing Parcels and Land Records Using the Parcel Fabric
 Mapping Clusters with ArcGIS Pro
 Mapping in ArcGIS Online
 Monitoring Activity Using ArcGIS Dashboards
 Performing Deep Learning in ArcGIS Online
 Telling Stories with ArcGIS StoryMaps

25 courses available! The Hands-On Learning Lab is a training resource provided and developed by Esri Training Services. The lab is an excellent way to introduce or refine your skills related to Esri solutions and training opportunities while learning to use Esri software. As part of the Big Sky GeoCon, there is no charge for you to utilize and benefit from the learning lab as often as the heart desires!

List of courses available
 Exploring ArcGIS
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Online
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro
 Getting Started with GIS
 Adding Location-Based Data to a Map
 Analysis in ArcGIS Online
 Automating Workflows Using Python
 Creating Web Apps Using ArcGIS Experience Builder
 Data Exploration and Visualization in ArcGIS Online
 Data Pipelines in ArcGIS Online
 Exploratory Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro
 Discovering Patterns Using ArcGIS Insights
 Exploring ArcGIS Field Maps
 Getting Started with Arcade
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Business Analyst
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Notebooks
 Getting Started with ArcGIS Survey123
 Getting Started with ModelBuilder
 Integrating CAD and BIM Data with ArcGIS
 Managing Parcels and Land Records Using the Parcel Fabric
 Mapping Clusters with ArcGIS Pro
 Mapping in ArcGIS Online
 Monitoring Activity Using ArcGIS Dashboards
 Performing Deep Learning in ArcGIS Online
 Telling Stories with ArcGIS StoryMaps

Description: 
A defining characteristic of ArcGIS Arcade is the ability to apply simple or powerful operations to a set of features using single-line or short multiline expressions. This is a result of the relatively straightforward syntax, the core scripting capabilities, and the nature of the large number of built-in functions, which were addressed in the prerequisite Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade workshop. Building on the introductory foundation, this workshop will cover a range of intermediate topics, including (1) further focus on built-in functions and language fundamentals, (2) the value of and creation of user-defined functions, (3) the use of geometry functions for geoprocessing and feature creation operations, (4) the use of feature set functions to access datasets, (5) debugging expression code, and (6) monitoring and enhancing expression performance. The associated explanations and demonstrations will be supported by examples drawn from a variety of ArcGIS use cases.
Intended Audience:
GIS professionals familiar with using Arcade in ArcGIS applications and wishing to extend their capabilities beyond the introductory level.
Prerequisite Requirements: 
Anyone wishing to attend this workshop must also attend or have attended the associated workshop, "Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade." An exception to this requirement will be made if the instructor 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.
The "Introduction to ArcGIS Arcade" workshop will be offered in person at the Big Sky GeoCon conference and also online via Northwest GIS on February 17th-18th, 2026. Please see https://nwgis.org/event-6459184 for details and registration for the latter. Details are also provided at GISPD.com/training.
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 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.