BayGeo's Python for Geospatial Analysis (Fall 2025)

Overview and Learning Objectives

This online workshop is a practical introduction to Python for geospatial data analysis, designed with GIS professionals and analysts in mind. Over four sessions, participants will learn to automate workflows and conduct advanced spatial analysis using Python and key libraries such as Numpy, Pandas, and GeoPandas. Hands-on exercises and real-world examples will equip attendees with the skills to enhance their analytical capabilities and efficiency.

Workshop Dates:

• Monday, October 20 (6 - 9 p.m. PST) on Zoom
• Monday, October 27 (6 - 9 p.m. PST) on Zoom
• Monday, November 3 (6 - 9 p.m. PST) on Zoom
• Monday, November 10 (6 - 9 p.m. PST) on Zoom

Software

A temporary license of ArcGIS Pro (along with a temporary ArcGIS Online account) will be provided to registered students for use during this workshop, and a few weeks thereafter.

Prerequisites

Completion of BayGeo's Intro to Python workshop or commensurate knowledge. Participants should have basic knowledge of Python including working with variables and writing functions.

Lesson Plan

Session 1: Foundations of Pandas for Data Analysis

Objectives:

• Understand the structure and purpose of DataFrames and Series
• Load, clean, filter, and summarize tabular data
• Apply basic transformations and statistics

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Pandas and its relevance in data science
• Reading and writing data (CSV, Excel)
• DataFrame and Series operations
• Data inspection and cleaning
• Indexing and subsetting
• Handling missing values
• Grouping and Aggregation
• Descriptive statistics

Session 2: Advanced Pandas and Introduction to GeoPandas

Objectives:

• Merge and join multiple Pandas DataFrames based on key columns
• Reshape data using pivoting and melting techniques
• Apply custom functions to transform columns
• Read spatial data formats (e.g., shapefiles, GeoJSON) into GeoDataFrames
• Plot geospatial features using GeoPandas with attribute-based styling

Topics Covered:

• Merging and joining tables
• Data transformation (pivot, melt, apply)
• Introduction to spatial data
• GeoDataFrames and geometry columns
• Reading shapefiles and GeoJSON
• Basic spatial plotting

Session 3: Spatial Operations and Geometric Manipulations

Objectives:

• Conduct spatial joins and geometric transformations
• Filter and analyze spatial features
• Understand and work with projections

Topics Covered:

• Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS)
• Reprojecting data
• Spatial joins (sjoin)
• Buffering, clipping, simplifying
• Area and distance calculations

Session 4: Applied Spatial Analysis and Visualization Project

Objectives:

• Apply Pandas and GeoPandas in a full analysis workflow
• Create and export thematic maps
• Combine spatial and tabular data for policy-relevant insights

Topics Covered:

• Project setup and workflow design
• Thematic mapping with GeoPandas and matplotlib
• Adding basemaps with contextily (optional)
• Exporting results (GeoJSON, GeoPackage)

Meet Your Instructor: Judi Heher

Judi is an educator and independent GIS consultant. She has developed online mapping applications focused on cultural outreach and non-profit VOAD/COAD organizations. Judi loves the combination of critical thinking and creativity GIS requires of those who tell data-related stories on a visual canvas. When Judi is not working, you can find her developing on-the-fly STEM curricula for young children, a.k.a. playing with her grandkids.

Questions?

• Contact Rick Kos, BayGeo's Education Director, at rkos@baygeo.org
• For more information about BayGeo, the Bay Area's hub for the geospatial community, visit baygeo.org