PREVIOUS Activities

2024 Conference Workshops

Tuesday, June 11th. UW Tacoma Campus

Registration: 8:00am, Cherry Parkes Lobby

Workshops 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-5:00pm Cherry Parkes and Pinkerton

Maximize Imagery Workflows with ArcGIS

Ryan Richardson, Esri and TJ Abbenhaus, Esri

$100 Half Day – 1:30pm-5:00pm
Pinkerton 131 (no food or drink allowed)

Join Esri for a workshop using the latest in advanced tools for imagery management, visualization, analysis and sharing. In this workshop you will learn about the ArcGIS solutions including ArcGIS Reality, Oriented Imagery, ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise. We will discuss how to use ArcGIS Pro to create Mosaic datasets and publish collections of data using ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online (SaaS) and ArcGIS Image Server. Participants in this workshop will also get hands on experience configuring various web applications that leverage these imagery services. We will also explore how to take imagery from various sensors, from smartphones, to UAV’s, to fixed wing aerial imagery, to satellites and use it in ArcGIS.

ArcGIS Experience Builder

Ryan Richardson, Esri and TJ Abbenhaus, Esri

$100 Half Day – 8:30am-12:00pm
Pinkerton 131 (no food or drink allowed)

ArcGIS Experience Builder is a highly configurable and customizable solution that allows users to share their web apps online without writing any code. In this workshop you will gain insights on how to create an immersive web experience using Experience Builder’s interactive widgets, dynamic themes, media, and map integration. Learn what is new in ArcGIS Experience Builder and how to modernize and optimize your WebApp Builder apps to be viewed on any device. Leveraging pre-built templates and drag and drop functionality Experience Builder will bring your maps and apps together into one unified destination.

Washington Government GIS Leaders Workshop

Stephen Beimborn, City of Seattle; Christina Chelf, City of Tacoma; Matt Collins, City of Wenatchee

$100 Full Day – 8:30am-5:00pm

Cherry Parkes 105

Gathering of GIS Leaders from around Washington State to learn from each other, share ideas and develop skills related to leading GIS groups. Past sessions have included such topics as strategies for developing staff, forming relationships with customers and peer agencies, putting together training programs, securing funding, assigning roles, prioritizing work, conducting projects, working collaboratively with the IT Department (or working from within the IT Department), deciding when to hire consultants, and other common management topics. For the 2023 session, we will look at common integrations between GIS and business systems.

This workshop is sponsored by WAGISA's Washington Local Government GIS Leaders special interest group.

Young Professional Workshop

Christina Chelf, City of Tacoma and Micah Gelber, Navy Region Northwest

$25 Full Day – 8:30am-5:00pm
Cherry Parkes 106

Come connect with other young professionals in this INTERACTIVE day long event. This workshop is designed to help those with less than 5 years experience advance their careers, find jobs and meet others in their field. Expect speed networking, group discussions, panel talks, and an optional happy hour!

SQL Spatial: An introduction to using the views and spatial functions in SQL Server

to automate and simplify your services and reports

Grant Herbert - GISP, Principal GIS Analyst with FLO Analytics

$100 Half Day – 1:30pm-5:00pm

Cherry Parkes 325

This workshop focuses on introducing you to the possibilities of using spatial SQL and views to expand your options working with GIS data. Although this workshop will use SQL Server hosted geodatabases as the example, the techniques are generally applicable to non geodatabases, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, etc. Views and spatial functions can be used to increase efficiency, reduce data duplication and provide custom data sources for map services, dashboards and reports. A well crafted query can even replace a modelbuilder or Python process! If you are familiar with ArcGIS Pro Query Layers then you already know some of the possibilities. The workshop is aimed for those with some experience and knowledge of SQL, but will briefly cover some of the basics for beginners.

The following topics will be covered:

• An introduction to SQL queries and views
• A discussion on some of the benefits and pitfalls, especially in a geodatabase
• An introduction to some common spatial functions
• Tips and tricks specifically for Esri compatibility
• Pragmatic approaches and real world examples
• If we have time – advanced components like user defined functions

Workshop Leader Bios

Ryan Richardson is a GIS professional who thrives on leveraging technology to tackle intricate challenges. With a strong commitment to problem-solving, Ryan currently serves as a Solution Engineer at Esri, a leading provider of geospatial software solutions. Based out of Esri's regional office in Olympia, WA, Ryan provides support to the State and Local Government team. In addition to his role as a solution engineer, Ryan is an Esri Certified UAV Pilot and holds a FAA Part 107 UAV pilot certificate. His expertise in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allows him to harness the power of drone technology for mapping and analysis purposes. Furthermore, Ryan's passion for sharing knowledge extends to his role as an instructor for a drone mapping certificate course at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA

TJ Abbenhaus is a Solution Engineer on the sales team for the Esri Olympia regional office. TJ has specialized in Imagery and LiDAR solutions. Currently working for the State and Local government sales team and has extensive experience with workflow and outcomes desired for State and local GIS.

Stephen Beimborn is the Manager of GIS Analysts for the City of Seattle. In his forty years working in the GIS field, he has done a little bit of everything, including cartography, analysis, programming, business systems integration, project and portfolio management, and people management. He has enjoyed it all, but none more than the cartography. Prior to joining city government nearly twenty-eight years ago, he worked in the environmental consulting field. He greatly enjoys his current role in local government because of the endless opportunities for using GIS in practical ways to solve real problems and help communities thrive.

Matt Collins GISP and GeoMentor, is GIS and Asset Management Manager for City of Wenatchee and on the WGGL board. He’s spent 25 years playing in all corners of GIS for infrastructure and Enterprise Administration; freelancer, US Air Force contractor, or the last five at City of Wenatchee Public Works; where he’s led Asset Management and Record Drawing integration of software, policies and best practices to the City’s divisions. The City was an early adopter of the Utility Network as a method of database normalization and quality control. A true GIS Nerd, he’s an avid model railroader and uses GIS to plan and map his newest train layouts.

Christina Chelf is a GIS professional with over 12 years experience. Currently she serves as the GIS Manager for City of Tacoma where she leads a team of 8 that is responsible for providing maps, spatial analysis, and data management for city staff. She is also the President of the Washington GIS Association and a part time instructor in the University of Washington GIS Certificate Program.

Micah Gelber is an Emergency Management GIS Specialist/ 911 GIS Administrator for Navy Region Northwest. Micah is currently a WAGISA board member where he serves as committee co-chair of the community engagement committee, co-coordinator of the Dick Thomas Award, and co-lead of WAGISA's new Young professional Initiative.

Grant Herbert has 20 years of experience in the geospatial field working in both government and the private sector. Grant has been working with SQL Server and GIS for years and has expertise in data management, spatial database and geodatabase design, Python scripting, and managing Esri Enterprise environments and Microsoft SQL Server.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2023 Conference Workshops

Aerial Mapping Adventures:

A Workshop on Drone Mapping and GIS to Unlock Potential and Elevate Insights

Peter Keum, GISP and Greg Lang, GISP

$200 Full Day (2023 workshop)

This workshop focuses on acquiring the right tools for the right jobs. We will introduce the basics of drone technology, including the different types of drones, components, and accessories. We will also discuss the various regulations and requirements for drone usage, including registration, FAA licensing, and flying restrictions.

The following topics will be covered:

• Drone Hardware, selecting the right tools for the right job.
• Drone data processing software, what they are, and how they are used. Explore different software that is on the market. (DroneDeploy, Pix4D, Metashape, Sitescan, WebODM, MapsMadeEasy, ODMLightning).
• Data Capture: Best practices mission planning for flying 2D aerial mapping & 3D model generation, including using GCP (ground control points) and RTK.(Real Time Kinematics)
• Drone data product integration with GIS, including Esri ArcPro, Esri ArcGIS Online, QGIS, and open-source web mapping tools.  

There will be a hands-on drone flying session, where you can practice flying a drone and collect data. Our instructors will be available to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

ArcGIS Imagery Workflows - Manage, Analyze, and Visualize Your Imagery and Raster Data in ArcGIS

TJ Abbenhaus, Esri and Ryan Richardson, Esri

$200 Full Day (2023 workshop)

Come join Esri for a workshop using the latest in advanced tools for imagery management, visualization, analysis and sharing. In this workshop you will learn about the ArcGIS solutions including ArcGIS Reality, Oriented Imagery, ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise. We will use ArcGIS Pro to create Mosaic datasets and publish collections of data using ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online (SaaS) and ArcGIS Image Server. Participants in this workshop will also get hands on experience configuring various web applications that leverage these imagery services. We will also explore how to take imagery from various sensors, from smartphones, to UAVs, to fixed wing aerial imagery, to satellites and use it in ArcGIS.

Washington Government GIS Leaders Forum

Christina Chelf, City of Tacoma; Matt Collins, City of Wenatchee; and Stephen Beimborn, City of Seattle

$100 Full Day (2023 workshop)

A gathering of GIS Leaders from around Washington State to learn from each other, share ideas and develop skills related to leading GIS groups.  Past sessions have included such topics as strategies for developing staff, forming relationships with customers and peer agencies, putting together training programs, securing funding, assigning roles, prioritizing work, conducting projects, working collaboratively with the IT Department (or working from within the IT Department), deciding when to hire consultants, and other common management topics. 

For the 2023 session, we plan to compare and contrast the organizations represented at the session, deep dive into the various ways that GIS groups tend to be organized (and the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches), hear about integrations between CADD, GIS and Asset Management systems from a panel of our peers, and leave some time at the end to discuss the most pressing or compelling issues identified by the group.  

This workshop is sponsored by WAGISA's Washington Local Government GIS Leaders special interest group.

How to Fund, Start, and Enhance GIS/CAD/SCADA Based Asset Management in your Organization

Arnab Bhowmick, Aktivov Asset Management

$200 Full Day (2023 workshop)

Local governments struggle with maintenance and operations of their assets, while trying to set appropriate rates for the upkeep of the infrastructure to the required state of good repair, and comply with various regulations, condition assessments, and reporting requirements. Organizations confront challenges with tactical maintenance management, strategic asset management, strategic planning, capital and comprehensive planning, rate setting, project management, forecasts, and budgets etc. While good asset management enables you to get the most from your assets, proper rate setting helps you fully pay for the system fairly. They work in tandem, are easier to achieve than you might think, and your citizens will appreciate the results you provide them on both fronts. This is an immersive session that will discuss the basics and go beyond to equip you with the knowledge and a real time data driven approach to implement or enhance asset management programs while setting appropriate rates for your utilities.

Workshop Leader Bios

Peter Keum, GISP - Senior GIS Specialist with the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. Peter has over 20 plus years of GIS work in the Wastewater Treatment Division. He is a drone enthusiast, flying since 2014, and has been a certified FAA Certified Drone Pilot since 2018. Peter developed the Wastewater Treatment Division drone policy/guideline for King County and is managing the drone program for the WTD to support its operation. He also co-organizes the WA GISA Drone Special Interest Group (DroneSIG) with Greg Lang, which meets monthly. Open-source enthusiast, he is an active member of CUGOS (Cascadia Users of Geospatial Open Source), Co-Organizer of Puget Sound QGIS User Group.

Greg Lang, GISP - GIS/IT Lead Systems Engineer with Pierce County. Greg has over 18 years of local government GIS and Asset Management enterprise-level implementation, training, and coordination experience, plus over a decade of non-profit leadership experience, including extensive flight operations training and mission experience in a rescue role. His current role includes IT technical leadership and coordination of GIS, GNSS, Drone, and Asset Management services for Pierce County, Washington, and he is an FAA Certified Drone Pilot. Greg also co-organizes the WA GISA Drone Special Interest Group (DroneSIG) with Peter Keum, which meets monthly.

TJ Abbenhaus is a Senior Solution Engineer in the Esri Olympia Regional Office and has previously worked for Kitsap County, the State of Montana, University of Montana, Missoula County and Yakima County using GIS. TJ supports local government customers in the Pacific Northwest region. TJ studied at the University of Montana where he obtained a Master of Arts in Geography creating internet information products.

Ryan Richardson is a GIS professional with a passion for using technology to solve complex problems. He currently works as a Solution Engineer at Esri. Ryan supports the State and Local Government team out of Esri's regional office in Olympia, WA. He is pursuing a Master's degree in GIS and holds a GIS Graduate Certificate from the University of Denver.

Christina Chelf is a GIS professional with over 10 years experience. Currently she serves as the GIS Manager for City of Tacoma where she leads a team of 8 that is responsible for providing maps, spatial analysis, and data management for city staff. She is also the Vice President of the Washington GIS Association and a part time instructor in the University of Washington GIS Certificate Program.

Matt Collins, GISP and GeoMentor, is GIS and Asset Management Manager for City of Wenatchee and on the WGGL board. He’s spent 25 years playing in all corners of GIS for infrastructure and Enterprise Administration; freelancer, US Air Force contractor, or the last five at City of Wenatchee Public Works; where he’s led Asset Management and Record Drawing integration of software, policies and best practices to the City’s divisions. The City was an early adopter of the Utility Network as a method of database normalization and quality control. A true GIS Nerd, he’s an avid model railroader and uses GIS to plan and map his newest train layouts.

Stephen Beimborn is the Manager of GIS Analysts for the City of Seattle. In his forty years working in the GIS field, he has done a little bit of everything, including cartography, analysis, programming, business systems integration, project and portfolio management, and people management. He has enjoyed it all, but none more than the cartography. Prior to joining city government nearly twenty-eight years ago, he worked in the environmental consulting field. He greatly enjoys his current role in local government because of the endless opportunities for using GIS in practical ways to solve real problems and help communities thrive.

Arnab Bhowmick has more than 23+ years of technical & managerial experience in business & operations, asset management, GIS, emergency management, IT security, strategic planning etc. He is the Chair of American Public Works Association APWA, WA Asset Management Committee, and has been advising the both private & public sector executives, managers, department heads for a couple decades on asset management, GIS/IT, business continuity, technology trends, and e-governance. He has worked for many multinational firms including Weston, ESRI, Autodesk, Tata Group, and founded Aktivov Asset Management. He has a bachelor’s in civil engineering and multiple masters in GIS, business, & sustainable engineering.