Using Python to extend ArcMap for grizzly bear habitat mapping

This month, Dan Wismer will be presenting: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful tool used to manage, process and analyze spatial data. Combining techniques in remote sensing, statistics, cartography, data science and computer programming, GIS provides the means to deliver insights, discover trends and support decision making. In the field of wildlife conservation, GIS is heavily used to develop habitat models that map areas animals select and avoid. Elevation, distance to streams and human disturbance such as cutblocks, pipelines and roads all play a role in explaining and predicting animal movement patterns. In the field of GIS, python is the best friend and used whenever possible to crunch data, automate tasks and develop tools. This presentation will take a look at how python is used to extend ArcGIS, a well-used mapping software, to solve grizzly bear research questions on Alberta’s landscape.

Doors will open shortly before 6. There will be pizza and mingling, and we’ll also give away a free PyCharm license courtesy of JetBrains. Then the talk should start around 6:30.

Please join us afterwards at a nearby pub for some socializing. Water, juice, and soft drinks will all be available at the pub; there is no requirement to drink alcohol.

There is a City of Calgary parking lot just north of Assembly at 203 - 14 St NW. Parking is $2 if you arrive after 6:00 p.m.

We are actively seeking additional sponsors and organizers. If you are working for a company that uses Python and would like to support the local community and/or advertise jobs to 800+ people, please email organizers@pyyyc.org. If you’d like to help organize—show up a bit early and offer to help out.