What we’re about
What is Maptime: In the words of Lyzi Diamond, she states: "Maptime is a collection of beginner-focused community groups for learning geospatial technology, techniques, and concepts, particularly using open source tools and hands-on practice and exercises." So #MaptimeSEA, will be no different, we will seek to teach and learn from each other about the ever evolving world of all things GIS and maps!
Who should join: Absolutely anyone with an interest in learning geospatial technology, techniques, and concepts using open source software and data. No prior experience is required for any of our workshops.
Why they should join: Come learn new things with us. Its fun!
What members can expect: We do a variety of different workshops and often have guest instructors. We do anything from hand drawn maps to manipulating databases. Check out our previous sessions to find out more of what we've done so far.
For more information go to: http://www.maptime.io. See you soon!
Upcoming events
2
Hexed in the Forest: An Intro to H3 Mapping
Advancement and Alumni Building, 824 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, Seattle, WA, USThis workshop will introduce participants to H3, an open-source hierarchical spatial indexing system used in mapping, by exploring iNaturalist mushroom data in Washington. We’ll be working in Python, using packages like h3-py and GeoPandas to analyze and visualize mushroom observations.
Agenda:
Introduction to MaptimeSEA/Code of Conduct:
We’ll introduce MaptimeSEA, highlight upcoming GIS events, and review the behavior we expect during this tutorial.
Introduction to Mushrooms, iNaturalist, and H3
A quick primer on the iNaturalist mushroom dataset and an introduction to H3, an open-source hierarchical spatial indexing system, with examples of how it can be used in Python for spatial analysis.
Hands-On Tutorial- Part 1: Summarizing Mushrooms with H3 in Python
Use the h3-py package to aggregate mushroom data into hexagons across Washington, and learn how to pair this with GeoPandas for efficient geospatial workflows. - Part 2: Visualizing Mushroom Hotspots
Create spooky seasonal maps to highlight mushroom-rich areas, and experiment with different visualization techniques.
What to Bring:
- Your (charged) laptop
- A computer mouse
- Anything you need to stay comfortable for a 2-hour session
How to Prepare:
We’ll be using Python and Jupyter Notebook during this class. Please make sure you have everything installed before the session so you’re ready to follow along.- Install Python
Python is the programming language we’ll use. - Follow the instructions here: https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/Download
- Choose the link for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
- Install Pip
Pip is Python’s package manager (it lets you install extra tools, like Jupyter). - Follow the instructions here: https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/getting-started/
- Look for the steps that match your operating system.
- You don’t need to install any packages right now, but it’s helpful to glance at the “Install a package” section—it shows you how pip works.
- Install Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook is the environment where you’ll write and run Python code in the tutorial. - Instructions: https://jupyter.org/install
- You’ll be using pip (from the previous step) to install it.
Once installed, you can test your setup by opening a terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows) and typing:
- jupyter notebook
If everything worked, a browser window should open with the Jupyter interface.
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👉If you run into trouble with installation, don’t panic! Many issues can be solved by carefully rereading the instructions or searching for the exact error message online (for example, adding a directory to your PATH). Give troubleshooting a quick try on your own first—it’s a great way to build confidence. If you’re still stuck, we’ll spend about 15 minutes at the start of class helping with the most common problems.
Who Should Attend: Anyone curious about mushrooms, maps, or both! No prior experience is required—whether you’re brand new to mapping or already comfortable with spatial tools, you’ll walk away with new skills.
Where to Go: Meet at the Stuart T. Rolfe Community Room inside the Advancement & Alumni Building (ADAL) on Seattle University's campus. The building is located at the intersection of 12th Ave and E Marion St.
Instructors:
👤Aaron Schechter is a data enthusiast who loves turning public datasets into engaging visualizations that reveal patterns in the world around us. His recent projects explore creative ways of mapping and storytelling with open data, combining technical curiosity with a passion for learning. When he’s not experimenting with new tools and techniques, Aaron shares his work through his website.31 attendees- Part 1: Summarizing Mushrooms with H3 in Python
Challenges and Opportunities in GIS- A Conversation with Dr. Michael Goodchild
Casey Building, Su Campus Walk, Seattle, WA, USIn this joint event hosted by Seattle University and MaptimeSEA, Dr. Michael F. Goodchild will explore the evolving landscape of geographic information science: where it’s been, where it’s going, and how local communities can participate in and benefit from spatial data. Key themes will include the rise and implications of volunteered geographic information (VGI)—how non‐experts contribute to mapping and spatial datasets; methodological and ethical challenges around data quality, privacy, and representation; and how advances in GIScience are opening new opportunities for research, policy, and community empowerment.
Attendees will come away with:
- An understanding of the historical development of GIScience, and how concepts like VGI reshaped what mapping looks like today.
- Insight into the technical, social, and ethical issues involved in volunteered spatial data: its strengths, limitations, and how we can use it responsibly.
- Ideas about how institutions, researchers, and community groups in the Seattle area (or elsewhere) can leverage open spatial data and participatory mapping—and what the future holds for geographic information in an increasingly interconnected world.
Who Should Attend: This event is for anyone curious about the past, present, and future of geographic information science, from students and early-career professionals to seasoned GIS practitioners. Community members, data enthusiasts, and citizen scientists interested in open mapping and local applications are also encouraged to attend.
Where to Go: Meet at the Casey Commons Room on the fifth floor inside the Casey Building (CASY) on Seattle University's campus. The building can be found on Seattle University's map on the west side of the campus.
Instructors:
👤Michael F. Goodchild is Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He received his BA degree from Cambridge University in Physics in 1965 and his PhD in Geography from McMaster University in 1969. His research and teaching interests focus on geographic information science, including uncertainty in geographic information, discrete global grids, and volunteered geographic information. He was an elected member of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2002, and Foreign Member of the Royal Society and Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy in 2010. He has published over 600 books and articles.16 attendees
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