Event box
GIS Speed Run Session 1: What is GIS? Online
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a multi-disciplinary tool that is widely used across many industries. Attend this 30-minute speed run session to learn how you can get started using GIS.
This presentation, with question & answer session, will discuss what GIS is, give examples of use, and provide instructions on how to access GIS software.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand what a Geographic Information System (GIS) is
- Understand the differences between proprietary and open-source GIS software
- Easily access ESRI ArcGIS Pro software as a Waterloo student, faculty or staff member
No prior knowledge or experience with GIS is required to participate.
This is an online event, please register to receive the event link. If you have accommodation requests or questions, reach out to libevents@uwaterloo.ca with your needs.
Please note: This event will not be recorded. It is the first of a five-part workshop series. You do not need to attend all five; please register for each workshop separately.
Related LibGuide: GIS Speed Run Sessions
- Date:
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Time:
- 12:45pm - 1:15pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
- Audience:
- Faculty / Instructors Graduate Students Researchers Undergraduate Students Waterloo staff
- Categories:
- Workshop
Instructor
Katie Brightwell is the Library Associate at Musagetes Architecture Library. She provides Geographic Information Services (GIS) support and specialized GIS instruction for the School of Architecture, and the greater University of Waterloo community through the Geospatial Centre.
Event Support
Amy Lim is the Research Programs and Services Coordinator at the University of Waterloo Libraries. She helps coordinate workshops alongside our librarians. If you have questions about this event, please contact her at libevents@uwaterloo.ca.
Facilitator(s)
Instructor
Library Associate, Information Services & Resources
Event Coordinator
Research Programs and Services Coordinator