Course Details

GIS Dashboard and Data Visualization Training Course

Introduction

In today's data-rich environment, simply having access to vast amounts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data is no longer sufficient. The real challenge lies in transforming this complex spatial information into clear, concise, and actionable insights that can be understood by diverse audiences, from technical specialists to executive decision-makers. GIS Dashboards and effective Data Visualization are the critical tools that bridge this gap. A GIS dashboard is an interactive display that brings together maps, charts, graphs, and other visual elements on a single screen, providing a real-time, at-a-glance overview of key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics, all within a geographic context. Effective data visualization, encompassing cartographic design principles and storytelling techniques, ensures that spatial data is presented in a way that highlights trends, patterns, and anomalies, enabling faster and more informed decisions. Without mastering these skills, organizations risk overwhelming their audience with raw data, obscuring critical insights, and hindering their ability to leverage their spatial intelligence for strategic advantage. Many professionals have strong GIS analysis skills but lack the design and communication expertise to present their findings powerfully and persuasively.

Conversely, mastering GIS dashboard design and data visualization empowers professionals to create compelling visual narratives that drive understanding, facilitate collaboration, and accelerate data-driven decision-making. This specialized skill set is crucial for transforming static maps into dynamic, interactive tools that provide real-time situational awareness and actionable intelligence across a multitude of sectors, including urban planning, emergency management, business intelligence, and environmental monitoring. Our intensive 5-day "GIS Dashboard and Data Visualization" training course is meticulously designed to equip GIS analysts, data scientists, business intelligence professionals, project managers, and anyone responsible for presenting spatial information with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to confidently design, build, and deploy impactful GIS dashboards and create effective spatial data visualizations.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "GIS Dashboard and Data Visualization" training course is ideal for a wide range of professionals who need to communicate complex spatial information effectively and create interactive dashboards for decision support. This includes:

• GIS Analysts and Specialists: To enhance their cartographic and data presentation skills.
• Business Intelligence Analysts: Integrating spatial insights into business dashboards.
• Data Scientists: Focusing on the visualization of spatiotemporal data.
• Project Managers: Requiring at-a-glance monitoring of project status and KPIs.
• Operations Managers: For real-time situational awareness and incident response.
• Urban Planners and Public Administrators: Communicating spatial plans and service delivery metrics.
• Emergency Management Personnel: Creating common operating pictures during events.
• Marketing and Sales Professionals: Visualizing market trends and customer distribution.
• Consultants: Designing and implementing visual solutions for clients.
• Anyone who needs to effectively present and communicate spatial data to a broad audience.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "GIS Dashboard and Data Visualization" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of effective data visualization and dashboard design.
• Identify appropriate chart types and visual elements for different types of spatial and non-spatial data.
• Design user-centered GIS dashboards that effectively communicate key metrics and insights.
• Create and configure interactive maps for inclusion in dashboards, optimizing for performance and clarity.
• Integrate various data sources (real-time, static, tabular) into a unified dashboard environment.
• Implement interactivity and filtering mechanisms to enable dynamic data exploration.
• Apply best practices for cartographic design and visual storytelling in a dashboard context.
• Develop strategies for deploying, sharing, and maintaining GIS dashboards for diverse audiences.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to GIS Dashboards and Data Visualization Principles

• Defining GIS Dashboards: Components, purpose, and types (strategic, operational, informational).
• The power of visual communication: Why data visualization is crucial for spatial data.
• Core principles of effective data visualization: Clarity, accuracy, integrity, simplicity.
• Understanding your audience and their information needs.
• Overview of popular GIS dashboard platforms and tools (e.g., ArcGIS Dashboards, Power BI with GIS, Tableau with GIS).

Module 2: Dashboard Design Concepts and Best Practices

• Dashboard layout strategies: Grid, F-pattern, Z-pattern, and visual hierarchy.
• Choosing the right dashboard elements: Maps, charts (bar, line, pie, gauge), indicators, lists, tables.
• Color theory and effective use of color in dashboards: Accessibility, thematic mapping.
• Typography and text hierarchy for readability.
• Designing for different devices (desktop vs. mobile).

Module 3: Preparing and Optimizing Data for Dashboards

• Data sources for dashboards: Feature layers, web services, external tables, real-time feeds.
• Data aggregation and summarization for dashboard KPIs.
• Ensuring data quality and integrity for visualization.
• Performance considerations for dashboard data sources.
• Structuring data for optimal display in various dashboard elements.

Module 4: Building Interactive Maps for Dashboards

• Designing effective web maps for dashboard integration: Basemaps, operational layers.
• Symbology and labeling best practices for map clarity.
• Configuring pop-ups to deliver essential information.
• Using map extent, scale, and navigation controls.
• Optimizing map performance for dynamic dashboard interactions.

Module 5: Configuring Dashboard Elements: Charts, Gauges, and Indicators

• Creating various chart types: Serial charts (bar, line, column), pie charts, scatter plots.
• Configuring gauges and indicators for displaying key performance metrics.
• Using lists and tables to present tabular data.
• Integrating rich text and embedded content (e.g., videos, web pages).
• Data-driven element configurations and dynamic updates.

Module 6: Dashboard Interactivity and Filtering

• Implementing filters to allow users to explore specific subsets of data.
• Configuring actions: What happens when a user interacts with an element (e.g., map zooms, charts filter).
• Using selectors and input controls for dynamic queries.
• Designing an intuitive user experience for data exploration.
• Linking multiple dashboard elements for comprehensive analysis.

Module 7: Advanced Visualization Techniques and Storytelling

• Cartographic storytelling: Guiding the viewer through spatial narratives.
• Using heatmaps and cluster maps for density analysis.
• Time-series visualization on dashboards: Animated maps and charts.
• Introduction to Arcade expressions for advanced formatting and data manipulation within dashboards.
• Creating compelling visual narratives that lead to actionable insights.

Module 8: Publishing, Sharing, and Maintaining GIS Dashboards

• Publishing dashboards for internal and external audiences.
• Managing access permissions and security settings.
• Embedding dashboards into websites or applications.
• Strategies for maintaining and updating dashboard data and design.
• Monitoring dashboard usage and gathering feedback for continuous improvement.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com