Mapping the
World with GIS
Discover patterns. Explore places. Understand change.
Hands-on GIS labs connecting spatial analysis with the world around us.
ArcGIS ProStoryMap guidesDownloadable lab data
A spatial perspective
Why GIS?
Maps tell stories—they show us what is, reveal how our world is changing, and help us imagine what could be. For millennia, people have used maps to share knowledge, understand place, and navigate an ever-changing world. Today, GIS extends that tradition by connecting people, places, and data through the science of where. It allows us to uncover patterns, explore relationships, understand complex and interconnected systems, and transform spatial data into meaningful insight. From understanding environmental change and conserving biodiversity to assessing hazards and planning more resilient communities, GIS helps us see the bigger picture—and use that understanding to make more informed decisions and shape a better future.
How to use these labs: Open a StoryMap guide or PDF, download the accompanying data when available, and explore the workflow in ArcGIS Pro.
Featured article · Esri
Explore the labs
Search by place, tool, or technique.
01
Exploring Landscapes
Explore national parks, travel routes, sports, and access to urban green space.
02
Quantifying hazards using GIS
Understand environmental risk and its impacts on ecosystems and communities.
03
GIS for conservation
Investigate habitat, biodiversity, and opportunities for conservation planning.
04
Monitoring environmental change
Use time series and satellite imagery to reveal patterns of change.
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Selected cartographic work
Featured in the Esri Map Book
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