Looking for a Small GIS Dev Learning Group (Beginners Welcome!)

[DjillaliBehourah]

Hello everyone!

I'm a master's student in geomatics, and while I don’t know much yet, I’m eager to learn and grow in this field. My goal is to become a GIS developer.

I have some basic knowledge of ArcGIS, and I started learning Python for GIS two weeks ago. However, I struggle with consistency, so I’m looking for 7 people who share the same goal (becoming GIS developers) and are beginners like me.

The idea is to create a small learning community where we:

• Learn together from the same sources
• Share what we’ve learned
• Have a weekly 1-hour video call to discuss progress and challenges

We would also love to have a mentor—someone experienced in GIS development—who can guide us and help answer questions when needed.

If you're interested in joining or mentoring, let me know!

[Clubdebambos]

Hi @DjillaliBehourah,

That is a great idea and I hope you get some people on board with the same goal.

Here are some of my own resources that you might consider:
Courses (includes free python course)
https://learn.finaldraftmapping.com/all-courses/

Technical Blog posts relating to ArcPy and the ArcGIS API for Python.
https://learn.finaldraftmapping.com/resources/blog/

Custom Toolboxes made with ArcPy
https://learn.finaldraftmapping.com/resources/arcgis-pro-toolboxes/

While I cannot commit to mentorship, I would be happy for a guest appearance for one of your hour meetings.

It is a very rewarding path and I wish you the best with it.

If, as a developer, you want to wander down the JavaScript and Web Mapping road, I highly recommend Christian Lutz, you will find him on LinkedIn and here.

All the best,

Glen

[DjillaliBehourah]

Hi Glen

Thank you so much for your support and for sharing these valuable resources! I’ll definitely check them out.
I completely understand about mentorship, and I’d love to have you as a guest in one of our sessions. That would be a great opportunity for everyone involved!

Also, I’ll look into Christian Lutz’s work for web mapping. Thanks again for your insights and encouragement!

Best regards,
Djillali Behourah

[TylerT]

Hi @DjillaliBehourah, 

I lightly dabbled in Python starting in 2012, then got more serious in 2019 to present with a focus in the spatial arena.  One thing that helped me accelerate learning was Python podcasts (e.g. Talk Python to Me has been great for me).  Even if you don't know what they are talking about sometimes, the experience is a sort of language immersion, and oddly enough you can sometimes just soak it in.  Another benefit are the tips on new or improved (e.g. UV, ruff, quarto, and the list goes on) that I might have otherwise ignored.  I have no affiliation with Talk Python, so pick a podcast that resonates with you.

HTH,
Tyler