Course Details

Cloud GIS: Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Online Training Course

Introduction

The landscape of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been fundamentally transformed by the advent of cloud computing. Moving beyond traditional desktop software and local data storage, Cloud GIS offers unprecedented scalability, accessibility, and collaboration capabilities, enabling users to work with massive datasets and perform complex analyses without significant local infrastructure investments. This course focuses on two leading cloud-based GIS platforms: Google Earth Engine (GEE) and ArcGIS Online (AGOL).

Google Earth Engine is a powerful, planetary-scale platform for geospatial analysis that provides access to a vast catalog of satellite imagery and other Earth observation data, coupled with powerful computational resources for large-scale environmental monitoring and scientific research. It is particularly strong for remote sensing, time-series analysis, and machine learning applications on massive raster datasets. ArcGIS Online, on the other hand, is Esri's cloud-based mapping and analysis platform that allows users to create, share, and manage maps, apps, and data within an organizational environment. It excels in collaborative mapping, web application development, and integrating with the broader ArcGIS ecosystem, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for both vector and raster data.

Understanding both GEE's immense analytical power and AGOL's collaborative mapping and app development capabilities is crucial for modern geospatial professionals. Many organizations seek to leverage the benefits of cloud GIS, such as reduced IT overhead, enhanced collaboration, and access to vast data resources, but often lack the specialized skills to effectively utilize these distinct platforms. This course aims to bridge that gap, providing a comprehensive and practical guide to harnessing the power of cloud GIS for diverse applications.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

This "Cloud GIS: Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Online" training course is designed for geospatial professionals, researchers, and data analysts seeking to leverage cloud-based platforms for advanced mapping, analysis, and data management. This includes:

• GIS Analysts and Specialists: Transitioning from desktop GIS to cloud environments.
• Remote Sensing Specialists: Interested in large-scale image processing and analysis.
• Environmental Scientists and Researchers: Working with large Earth observation datasets.
• Urban Planners and Policy Makers: For data visualization, public engagement, and scenario planning.
• Data Scientists and Developers: Exploring geospatial data analysis and web mapping.
• Students and Academics: Focused on advanced geospatial technologies.
• Anyone looking to understand and apply cloud-based GIS for scalable solutions.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Cloud GIS: Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Online" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts, advantages, and applications of Cloud GIS.
• Navigate and utilize the extensive data catalogs available on Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Online.
• Perform advanced spatial analysis and data processing using Google Earth Engine's JavaScript/Python API.
• Create, publish, and manage web maps, layers, and applications using ArcGIS Online.
• Effectively share and collaborate on geospatial projects in a cloud environment.
• Integrate data and workflows between Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Online for comprehensive solutions.
• Evaluate the appropriate cloud GIS platform for different geospatial tasks and project requirements.
• Formulate strategies for implementing cloud GIS solutions to enhance organizational efficiency and data accessibility.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Cloud GIS and Platform Overviews

• Understanding Cloud GIS: Benefits, architecture, and deployment models.
• Introduction to Google Earth Engine: Its mission, data catalog, and computational power.
• Introduction to ArcGIS Online: Its role in the ArcGIS ecosystem, capabilities, and user types.
• Comparing GEE and AGOL: Strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases for each platform.
• Setting up accounts and navigating the interfaces of both GEE and AGOL.

Module 2: Google Earth Engine Fundamentals and Data Access

• GEE Data Catalog: Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS, climate data, and more.
• Accessing and filtering image collections and feature collections.
• Introduction to the GEE Code Editor (JavaScript API) and Python API.
• Basic image visualization: True color, false color composites, band combinations.
• Understanding GEE's server-side processing and lazy evaluation.

Module 3: Advanced Analysis with Google Earth Engine

• Image manipulation and spectral indices (e.g., NDVI, NDWI).
• Time-series analysis: Analyzing change over time, creating animated GIFs.
• Supervised and unsupervised image classification for land cover mapping.
• Zonal statistics and data aggregation.
• Exporting results from GEE for further use in other platforms.

Module 4: ArcGIS Online: Web Mapping and Data Management

• Navigating the ArcGIS Online interface: Content, Map Viewer, Scene Viewer, Groups.
• Uploading and managing various data types: Shapefiles, GeoJSON, CSV, KML.
• Creating and configuring web maps: Basemaps, layers, pop-ups, symbology.
• Understanding hosted feature layers and tiled map services.
• Data editing and attribute management in ArcGIS Online.

Module 5: Spatial Analysis and Tools in ArcGIS Online

• Performing built-in spatial analysis operations (e.g., buffer, overlay, dissolve).
• Using geoprocessing tools directly in the Map Viewer.
• Running network analysis (e.g., drive time, closest facility).
• Leveraging Living Atlas of the World content for enriched analysis.
• Introduction to ArcGIS Online credits and their usage.

Module 6: Creating and Sharing Web Applications

• Introduction to ArcGIS Online web application templates (e.g., Story Maps, Dashboards, configurable apps).
• Building interactive web applications without coding.
• Sharing maps, layers, and apps with specific groups, organization, or publicly.
• Embedding web maps and applications into websites.
• Security and access control for shared content in ArcGIS Online.

Module 7: Integrating GEE and ArcGIS Online Workflows

• Strategies for moving data between GEE and ArcGIS Online.
• Using GEE for large-scale pre-processing and feeding results into AGOL.
• Leveraging ArcGIS API for Python to connect GEE and AGOL programmatically.
• Combining GEE's analytical power with AGOL's sharing and visualization capabilities.
• Case studies demonstrating integrated GEE and AGOL workflows.

Module 8: Advanced Topics and Best Practices in Cloud GIS

• Automation of workflows: Scripting tasks in GEE and ArcGIS Online.
• Performance optimization for large datasets and complex analyses.
• Data governance and best practices for managing cloud geospatial data.
• Real-time data integration concepts (e.g., ArcGIS Velocity, GEE Earth Observation products).
• Future trends in Cloud GIS, including AI/Machine Learning integration and serverless computing.

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