Python for Modern GIS and Remote Sensing | Michigan Tech Global Campus

Add Python to Your Modern GIS Toolkit.

Python, that high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity, readability, versatility, and library support, is changing the face of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In GIS, Python and its libraries are widely used to manipulate and analyze data, to automate repetitive tasks in GIS workflows, to generate custom tools and plugins, to create interactive web maps and data visualizations, to convert addresses into geographic coordinates, to enable network analysis and routing, to conduct spatial analysis and predictive modeling, and much, much more.

Because of its versatility and readability, then, Python integrates well with several types of popular GIS software, such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and GRASS GIS, making it a powerful tool for GIS professionals and researchers.

Those who can wield Python within the GIS environment can simplify complex GIS tasks, improve their productivity, and utilize a flexible platform for geospatial analysis and visualization. You, too, can investigate and apply the powerful tool of Python in this non-credit professional development course.

Overview of the Python for Modern GIS and Remote Sensing

This noncredit, online, asynchronous professional development course is specifically designed to help students learn beginning and immediate-level applications of Python for both understanding and writing simple scripts, automating workflows, and solving day-to-day, real-world geoprocessing tasks in the ArcGIS ecosystem and open-source platform.

The course introduces students to many types of software and programming languages and platforms, such as Esri ArcGIS Pro, Jupyter Notebook, Anaconda, Microsoft Visual Studio, ArcPy/ArcGIS API, and GDAL.

The end goal is equipping students with the skills to become a proficient Python coder in order to broaden and enhance their GIS analysis skills, which are crucial for many professional roles.

This course also provides an introduction to the for-credit program offered by Michigan Tech's College of Forestry and Environmental Science.

Instructor: Dr. Parth Bhatt

Delivery: Online (Asynchronous) with optional live office hour

Duration: 7 weeks

Next Start Date:

Jan. 13, 2025 (Spring, Track A)

Total Costs and Fees: $895

Registration: through the Global Campus Professional Development Storefront

Course Details

Curriculum

This 7-week noncredit, online, asynchronous Python course equips students with beginning and intermediate-level Python skills within the context of GIS analysis. Students will write and debug Python scripts and models. They will also be introduced to MTU's for-credit GIS program.

The course covers substantial material in these areas:

applying basic coding
working in different Python environments
working with vector and raster datasets, geodatabase and shapefiles
applying spatial analysis with real-world datasets

Coursework

Delivered through Canvas, this course consists of lectures, lab materials, quizzes, and discussions. There will also be training in Advanced Machine Learning Concepts.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Although there are no official prerequisites, students who enroll in this course should have a basic knowledge of computers, GIS, and ArcMap; they should also be willing to learn and enhance their skills in Python programming with Esri's ArcGIS Pro. If you're not sure if this course is right for you, please contact the instructor Parth Blatt.

To succeed in this course, students must also have

working knowledge of computers
a high-speed internet connection
webcam and microphones
a zeal to learn and explore

Course Materials

This course will rely on some open-source materials.

The software used by students includes Esri ArcGIS Pro/arcpy, Jupyter Notebook, Esri ArcGIS API for Python, QDIS, and GDAL/OGR.

All course participants will receive access to the ArcGIS Pro software during the class, as well as for one month after the course's conclusion.

Syllabus

For additional details about the course, please consult your instructor, Parth Bhatt.

What Previous Students Have Said

"This course was beneficial to me as a working professional. We are currently trying to implement more custom GIS options for our clients, and having the knowledge of Python coding greatly increases our ability to serve our client's interests and needs. The instructor was very responsive and helpful throughout the course, and the asynchronous design allowed for flexibility while working a full-time job."Anonymous, GIS Specialist at a large AEC consulting firm

"Within a few days of completing the Python for Geographical Information Science (GIS) and Remote Sensing course, I was able to write working Python scripts for a project that I manage. Computer programming has never come easy to me and I felt that the teaching style and lectures were done in a way that I could actually wrap my head around the concepts."Claire Peterson, Information Technology Professional, Michigan State University

"This course helped strengthen my skills in ArcGIS Pro by teaching me the basics of Python and how it can be applied to GIS to effectively work with geospatial data. Parth Bhatt was a great professor who seemed to genuinely care about student success and was very responsive and helpful. I would recommend this course to any professionals who have a working knowledge of GIS and coding who want to create an efficient and effective workflow in ArcGIS Pro."Anonymous, Forester

Who Should Take This Course?

Previous participants in this class have included the following:

Ecologists
Environmental and Civil Engineers
Foresters (Natural Resource Professionals)
Geologists
GIS Analysts
GIS Specialists
Information Technology Specialists
Project Professionals
Surveyors
Wildlife Management Professionals

Two civil engineers discussing a plan near a riverbank.

Next Steps and Registration

Click on the button below, which takes you to the Techshop storefront for your course section(an external site).
Register and pay for the course on or before the course start.
Pay for your course with one of these credit cards: American Express, Discovery, Mastercard, or Visa.
Receive instructions for accessing the required course materials.
Attend class and start learning your course content and exploring modern Python and GIS.

Course Instructor

Parth Bhatt, MS, PhD, is an Assistant Professor/Researcher in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. He has considerable experience in and a passion for geoinformatics, geographical information science, and environmental sciences.

His innovative research uses advanced technology (machine learning, digital image processing, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis) to solve the age-old, yet complex problems of natural resource management, land use/cover, invasive species, and forest health.

He is not only teaching this professional development certificate, but also instructing the longer, for-credit certificates in this subject area. His most recent 9-credit certificate is Foundations in Geographic Information Science for Natural Resources.

Parth Bhatt

Assistant Teaching Professor/Researcher
Program Director, MGIS Online Program

ppbhatt@mtu.edu
906-487-2291
Noblet Building 189-190

Learn more about Dr. Parth Bhatt and his research.

Dr. Parth Bhatt collecting data while out in the field.