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Training FAQ

What is the Statewide GIS Training Program?

 
The State of Maryland has implemented a Statewide GIS Training program designed to offer Maryland State employees with classroom and online delivery of GIS and GIS-related instruction. Topics including ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Desktop and MD iMAP.

How are the training courses offered?

 
​Training courses are offered both as in-person and online classes.

Who are the courses geared towards?

 
Any Maryland State Employee can take the class, both GIS professionals and non-GIS professionals. The Thinking Spatially course is geared toward those employees with very little or no GIS experience.

Can non-State employees take the courses?

 
At this time, the in-person training courses are for Maryland State Employees only. The Thinking Spatially course is offered online and is open to anyone as a self-paced training.

We have partnered with Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC) to offer training outside of state employees.

Are there course prerequistes?

 
There are no prerequisites. However, it is recommended that state employees with no GIS knowledge or experience start by taking the Thinking Spatially class. class.

Is there a cost?

 
​No,​ there is no cost for Maryland State Employees

How do I sign up for a course?

 
complete schedule of classes can be found on the Training Program webpage at http://imap.maryland.gov/Pages/calendar.aspx. Please email the Training Program Manager, Lisa Lowe, at lisa.lowe@maryland.gov to register for a class.

Should managers consider taking these courses?

 
We encourage managers to at least take the Thinking Spatially course. Even though managers may not use GIS in their day-to-day operations, this course will give them insight into the possibilities of using GIS in their missions.

What is the difference between ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Desktop?

 
ArcGIS Online is a cloud based collaborative platform that allows you to use, create, and share maps, apps, and data. ArcGIS Desktop is installed on the individual’s computer and allows for data creation, map creation and more robust analysis that cannot be performed using ArcGIS Online.

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