Preparing Data for Input into Geospatial Applications

Term: Summer 2025

Date: May 21st, 2025

Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Location: Online Only

Instructor: Imma Mwanja

Presented By: Data Services, University Libraries (LIB)

Description:

Designed for students, faculty, and researchers new to geospatial mapping (GIS) or working with tabular data, this workshop provides a practical foundation for integrating spreadsheet-based data into spatial analysis workflows. By the end, participants will understand how to prepare and format spreadsheet and CSV format datasets so they can be effectively imported, visualized, and symbolized in a geospatial mapping environment. No prior experience is required.

This session introduces the essential steps for transforming raw coordinate data in spreadsheet or CSV formats into map-ready content suitable for use in geospatial applications. Participants will learn how to identify and clean location data—such as latitude and longitude columns—to ensure proper formatting and structure for correct input into geospatial software like ArcGIS or QGIS. The session will also cover how to address common issues such as inconsistent field names, missing values, or incorrect coordinate systems that can prevent successful mapping.

    All attendees should follow the steps in this link: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/c.php?g=1375762&p=10185802#s-lib-ctab-31525591-1  to create an ArcGIS Online account.
    And follow the steps in this link: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/c.php?g=1375762&p=10178855#s-lib-ctab-31525544-1  to install ArcGIS Pro on their computers.