Columbia University: GIS Workshop: Visualizing and Analyzing Health Data

Date/Time: Jun 26, 2025, 09:00 AM to Jun 27, 2025, 04:00 PM

Location: Livestream, virtual training

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This two-day intensive course introduces participants to the fundamentals of geospatial data visualization and spatial analysis using open-source software. This year’s workshop features two distinct tracks:

1. Track 1: QGIS
Participants in this track will learn to use QGIS, a traditional Geographic Information System with a user-friendly, point-and-click interface for creating maps and conducting spatial analyses. Additional tools, like GeoDa and GWR4, will support QGIS to enhance spatial analysis workflows.

2. Track 2: R and RStudio
This track focuses on geospatial analysis using R, a versatile programming language, and RStudio, its integrated development environment (IDE). Participants will explore leading packages like ggplot2 for mapping and sf for geoprocessing. These tools provide robust spatial analysis and visualization capabilities, offering a programmatic alternative to traditional GIS software.

Both tracks emphasize the use of open-source tools and publicly available environmental and demographic data to explore spatially centered visualization and analytical techniques. The workshop integrates lectures with hands-on applications, allowing participants to practice the methods taught.

The workshop is comprised of 4 components 1) data visualization, 2) geo-processing, 3) cluster analysis, and 4) relationship identification.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with the following topics:

Principles of data visualization and analysis

Sources and techniques for the acquiring and managing spatial data

Methods for geospatial visualization and analysis

Techniques for the identifying statistical hotspots and clusters

Incorporating spatial data into traditional regression methods of association studies

This workshop is led by Dr. Jeremy R. Porter and Dr. Joel Capellan two of the highest-rated teachers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the authors of many celebrated geospatial analysis publications and books. This workshop will integrate lectures with hands-on application.

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