By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska GIS/LIS Association is hosting a free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Workshop designed to help participants explore how spatial thinking and digital mapping are transforming industries like agriculture, community development, and environmental planning.
The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Hall County Extension Office, 3180 US-34 Hwy, Grand Island.
GIS is more than just mapping — it’s a technology that helps visualize and analyze data about soil, yield, water flow, and topography to make smarter management decisions. The upcoming workshop will offer attendees a hands-on introduction to these tools and their applications in precision agriculture and beyond.
Sessions will include:
- “Thinking Spatially” – introducing the fundamentals of geographic intuition.
- “Understanding Impact” – showing how geospatial analysis supports decision-making in sustainability and planning.
- “Local Opportunities to Engage” – connecting participants with community data and resources.
- “Spatial Education and the Future” – highlighting how emerging technologies shape tomorrow’s GIS professionals.
The workshop will feature Nebraska-based instructors:
- Kurt Elder, certified AICP and GISP professional, with over 15 years in data-driven urban planning.
- Noah Berkowitz, GIS manager for Fremont and Ph.D. student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, specializing in automation and geospatial analysis.
- Casey DunnGossin, GIS solutions engineer and former Nebraska GIS coordinator with experience in statewide geospatial education.
This free event provides an interactive opportunity to learn how GIS connects people, data, and places to solve real-world challenges. Pre-registration is available online, and participants are encouraged to attend the second annual Nebraska Precision Agriculture Conference the following day, Friday, Nov. 21, at the same venue.
For more details, contact Kurt Elder at 402-441-7874.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-scharfsinn86
Categories: Nebraska, General