Latest Contributions by TomBaker

The new 360° image block is now available in ArcGIS StoryMaps and allows posting of these images directly into StoryMaps – no more embedding needed from third party sites! I put together some of my past 360° media from the Esri User Conference and the Esri Education Summit into this StoryMap.  I’ll post images from the 2025 Esri Education Summit and User Conference next week, while the conference is happening. Aside from showing off the new block, I want to capture an event using 360 media for eventual incorporation into a map (coming soon). https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/09f5b06c3470487e9ee226aeba6f7b8d   If you have 360 images or video from an Esri conference, post a link in the comments below! Reference links: Learn how to add 360 images. View other StoryMaps with 360 imagery See what else is new in StoryMaps June 2025 ... View more

We’re thrilled to welcome all the first-time attendees to this year’s Esri Education Summit! Whether you’re a brand-new educator or new to the world of GIS in education, this event is designed to inspire, connect, and empower you. As you step into the dynamic world of GIS and innovation, know that you are not alone—this conference is full of supportive peers, experienced mentors, and exciting opportunities. Did you know? Historically, about 50% of Education Summit attendees did not attend the previous year’s event - and many of those people are first-timers. This conference brings together educators, tech developers, researchers, and thought leaders who share a passion for improving education through innovation. It’s a place to explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover practical tools that can make a real difference in your teaching. Tip: The sessions start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12. Arrive at the north tower of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina early to get checked-in. Throughout the conference, you’ll find a wide variety of sessions that are perfect for beginners. From hands-on workshops and labs to panels and a plenary, there’s something for everyone—no matter your comfort level with GIS. Look out for sessions labeled “Beginner”, “Introduction”, or “Basic” - to find content tailored to your experience. Ed Summit session types: Hands On Learning Lab – Self-paced, technical learning with a monitor in the room, if you get stuck Instructor lead lab – A person at the front of the room walks everyone through a set of technical work0flows. User Presentation – One-hour blocks with multiple presenters. Easch session has an Esri moderator to keep time and manage flow. Each presentation is about 10 minutes long. Technical sessions – Workshops that teach technical workflows around a theme, like climate, or project design, or story-telling. One of the most valuable aspects of attending this conference is the chance to meet other educators who are on a similar journey. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, or share your experiences. There are coffee breaks, receptions, meals, and special interest groups (SIGs)  designed to help you connect. Collaboration is at the heart of teaching and learning, and many lifelong professional relationships and friendships begin at events just like this one. Pro tip:Be sure to take advantage of the Esri-hosted lunches and evening socials on both Saturday and Sunday.  See the Agenda At-A-Glance for times and locations. We are honored to have you join us. Your passion for teaching and your willingness to learn make you a vital part of this community. Welcome to your first GIS education conference—we hope it’s the first of many, and that you leave feeling energized, connected, and ready to bring new ideas into your classroom. Did you know? Upon request, Esri can provide a certificate of attendance after the event. Email [email protected] to request your certificate. Unfortunately, we do not offer continuing education credits for attending the Esri Education Summit. Links: Esri Education Summit home Agenda At-A-Glance ... View more

Passionate about integrating GIS and innovative strategies into your K12 classroom? Join us for an engaging Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting focused on instructional materials, professional development, and the use of GIS software in K12 education. This session is a great opportunity to connect with fellow teachers, share ideas, explore  instructional resources, and learn about the latest tools and training opportunities in GIS. Whether you're just getting started or already using GIS in your classroom, this SIG offers valuable insights and community support. Let’s collaborate, learn, and inspire one another to bring powerful spatial thinking into our schools. We hope to see you there! Sunday, Jul 1311:45 AM - 12:45 PM PDT, Grand Ballroom Salon 2,  Marriott Session details: https://uc2025.esri.com/flow/esri/25uc/eventportal/page/detailed-agenda/session/1742847045423001noJ4  ... View more

Visit Esri booth #935 while you’re attending ISTE 2025 in San Antonio this June 29-July 2.  Drop by and speak with education team members Tom and Jason to learn more about our software, data, and instructional resources for K12 classrooms. Search user presentations scheduled for ISTE 2025.  >>> Visit the booth to learn more about: The National Geographic MapMaker ArcGIS Online StoryMaps Drone2Map Virtual Reality geo-applications Projects and instructional materials and more   ... View more

Last updated Fall 2025 Since the initial release of GeoInquiries in 2014, millions of students have experienced how GIS can bring a new, spatial perspective to many different subject areas. By all pedagogical accounts, this program with its curriculum-first design is very successful. As underlying technology, leadership, partnerships, and capacities change, so do our instructional offerings. Classic GeoInquiries (2014-2021) Based on the retiring “classic” Map Viewer, these activities are retired and unsupported now.  While they are still “discoverable” in ArcGIS Online, they should not be used especially beyond June 2025. Please do not use or direct teachers to these. They remain discoverable only in ArcGIS Online to ease the transition. By Q1 of 2026, they will be non-functional. “New” GeoInquiries (2020-present) These GeoInquiries use the “new” or modern Map Viewer in ArcGIS Online.  As of May 2025, these activities are accessible from https://esriurl.com/geoinquiries.  Some of these GeoInquiries will shift to a “retiring and unsupported” state in June 2025. A subset of activities will remain discoverable, including activities from: Earth science Human geography World geography Environmental science US history Elementary   Government World history A few activities from these collections may be discoverable: Math American literature   Sharing GeoInquiry instructional activities are licensed under Creative Commons (BY-NC-SA).  Educators can freely modify these activities, create a new map, and even release the activities for other educators to use.  The Creative Commons license requires that you acknowledge Esri’s original creation and do not use for commercial purposes (including selling the activity). ... View more

Update 6/1/2025: For qualifying schools, we expect the date shown in your school's ArcGIS Online Organization to update in June or July 2025 to show "July 31 2027". We are extending the ArcGIS for Schools Bundle license to July 31, 2027.     We will extend the license terms of customers actively using their ArcGIS for Schools Bundle to July 31, 2027.  Customers who have logged into their activated ArcGIS Online organization at least once between January 1, 2023 and April 1, 2025 will be considered “Active” customers. Active customers will not need to request an extension.   Customers who requested software but did not activate it or who haven’t logged into their ArcGIS Online organization since January 1, 2023 will be considered “Inactive” and their license term will not be extended.  Their ArcGIS for Schools Bundle license will expire on July 31, 2025.  They may request a new license if they wish to use ArcGIS.    What to Expect Active Customers   During June-July 2025, the license terms of Active ArcGIS for Schools customers will be extended to July 31, 2027. Active customers do not need to take any action.   The content, users, apps, and service credits of existing ArcGIS Online subscriptions will be extended to July 2027. Customers will not receive a new ArcGIS Online organization, new users, or additional credits.      Inactive Customers   On July 31 2025, the license terms of Inactive ArcGIS for Schools customers will expire. Inactive customers do not need to take any action.     Frequently Asked Questions  Will I receive a bill?  No. This is a no-cost extension to the ArcGIS for Schools bundle, offered to schools globally.  Will I get more credits on extension?  No. The only aspect of the software that is changing is the expiration date.   Can I extend my license longer than two years?  No. The no-cost ArcGIS for Schools Bundle is being extended for all active customers for two years – ending July 2027.  Do I need to sign anything?  No. However, during April 2025, Esri Customer Service reached out to select U.S. K12 customers, asking to confirm or update the primary maintenance contact on their license. No action is required, although if you receive such a request, we recommend completing and returning the documentation.      What if I am not in the U.S.?  Your active ArcGIS for Schools Bundle will be extended for the same two-year period.  If you are experiencing an issue with the extension, email [email protected] or find your local Esri distributor for direct service at https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/about-esri/locations     If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact us at [email protected].   ... View more

Map Viewer Classic is officially deprecated and will be removed from ArcGIS Online upon its retirement in Q1 of 2026. For all schools with the ArcGIS for Schools Bundle, this means: “As of Q1 2025, users of new ArcGIS Online organizations, trials, and public accounts will not be able to open content in Map Viewer Classic from the item page, app launcher, or any other page in ArcGIS Online, such as Gallery or Content. For existing organizations, Map Viewer Classic will no longer be available as of the Q1 2026 update of ArcGIS Online.” Not sure which Map Viewer you are using?  Take a quick look at two Map Viewers:  The modern Map Viewer (click to enlarge)  The Map Viewer Classic (click to enlarge) Learn more about the retirement  in this blog. Classic GeoInquiries Retirement GeoInquiries that use the Map Viewer Classic will retire with Map Viewer Classic.  If you have not transitioned from Map Viewer Classic GeoInquiries, we suggest you do so over the summer of 2025. While many of the Classic Map Viewer activities were moved to the modern Map Viewer, not all were. You can find the GeoInquiries that use the modern Map Viewer at https://esri.com/geoinquiries ... View more

As spring rolls across the northern hemisphere, many students (and teachers) long to get outdoors.  It’s a great opportunity to engage kids in field data work.  +++ Ask the question Whether the teacher is designing the study or students are creating their own, articulating a clear question to drive the investigation is critical. The question should be available to data collection – and sensitive to location.  For example, while asking “What does the gravitational field around Saturn look like”? may be an interesting question, it’s probably not answerable through kids collecting data on a smart phone. And since we are interested in mapping our results, the question or some part of it should vary by location?  Examples might include: How does the crawdad population vary around the creek? What architectural influences do we see around our town? Where do the most dandelions grow on the school property? If you or your students are struggling for inspiration, I find using the Living Atlas of the World or even Business Analyst are great tools for browsing all kinds of data.  They are the kind of data that will make most students begin asking about the “why’s of where”. +++ Acquire data: Design a survey With a question in hand, creating a way to systematically collect data in an easy and reliable manner becomes important. For most teachers, that means using Survey123 to create a data collection form that asks the right contextual information (date, time, location, student team id, etc.) and collects the necessary scientific or social attribute data (e.g. air or water temp, air quality, soil moisture, etc.).  The smart researcher is thinking about how they want to analyze the data while they are designing their data collection protocol.  Different questions produce different kinds of data, that affords different types of analyses.  For example, it’s not all that easy to map a “free text” data.  The easiest-to-map data are often numeric or categorical. +++ Acquire data: Collect With a well-designed data collection protocol in place, get outside with your Survey123 form.  Kids can also access a Survey123 form from their cell phones or home computer – if the teacher shares the survey to “Everyone” – at least temporarily.  This opens up data collection locations – which can be helpful depending on the research question. Teachers may ask students to submit three data collection records over a weekend. Encouraging students to reflect on data quality, potential errors, and the influence of external factors helps them think critically about their findings and strengthens their understanding of real-world scientific research. +++ Explore the data One great aspect of using a central data collection tool (rather than clipboards for example) is that all the data are assembled in one location for you and the students.  Survey123 data are available as a map layer that can be added to a map made by each student. Depending on the research question, each student or student groups may need to add additional “operational” data to their ArcGIS Map Viewer map to provide extra context or sense-making of their own data.  For example, in looking at the crawdad population in a nearby creek, some students may want to add additional data layers showing water chemistry (such as nitrates collected by the county water office), while other students want to look at a map of vegetation coverage to determine shade on the water. +++ Analyze the data Analyzing data can start with something as simple as searching for visual patterns in the map and then articulating the patterns in student-collected data.  This is a powerful way to summarize the data, and it can be done with a wide range of students.  As they advance in their thinking, more sophisticated analytical tools within the geographic information systems can be used.  Whether searching for visual patterns or opening the analysis treasure box, the ArcGIS Map Viewer offers incredible opportunity.  There are some basic geographic inquiry questions that might help frame an approach to students geographically analyzing data (reference). Where is it? Where’s the most and least? How much is where? What’s inside? What’s nearby? What’s changed? +++ Conclude and Act on your field study For most student investigations, creating a representation of findings is the first step.  This is often a report-style description of what was asked, what was found, and statements of findings.  A proper report may include photos, videos, sound clips and of course narrative.  In our case, a map is also imperative.  ArcGIS StoryMaps are ideal for linking these media (and many other types) together into a beautiful and coherent web page.  Students may also choose to create an ArcGIS Dashboard that integrates the interactive map and charts and graphs.  Dashboards can also effectively be added to a StoryMap to convey student work in powerful ways. The StoryMap is an excellent vehicle for sharing with other students, parents, school administrators, district leadership, and the community at-large.  StoryMaps are ideal presentation tools but also work well in a kiosk mode.  They are a great compliment to sharing the work of student investigators and highlighting the success of the learners. +++ So, as you venture into the great outdoors this spring, keep in mind that there’s likely an ArcGIS tool that can aid or extend every aspect of your students’ field work!   Links: GeoProjects to jump start field work iNaturalist data in your classroom Esri Teachers page StoryMap student field work template Book: Fieldwork handbook   ... View more

The ArcGIS Tutorials team has created a series of modules that when completed, provide a great introduction to understanding the functionality of the National Geographic MapMaker. The series is suitable for middle and high school students and teachers.    The learning path is free, requires no login, and includes eight short learning modules: Basemaps Layers and data  Maps Measure Elevation profile Coordinates Daylight and weather Exporting Discover the learning path. >> Explore the MapMaker homepage for more tutorials, instructional resources, and the MapMaker.   ... View more

The snow may be blowing as you look out your classroom window, but project-based learning is hot, all year around!  These GeoProjects are great for use in the winter: The Global Pet Survey, Mapping Favorite Color, Family Migration - 1950, One Two Tree, and Lichens and SO2 (outside).   Jump out now! >> https://esriurl.com/geoprojects GeoProjects: What are they? A GeoProject is an instructional design that integrates project-based learning (PBL) with geospatial technology, empowering students to engage in real-world data collection and analysis. GeoProjects offer educators a suite of ready-to-use, no-login-required resources that facilitate interactive and immersive learning experiences. At the core of GeoProjects are short tutorials and demonstrations that guide educators in creating their own PBL experiences. These resources utilize Esri's data collection tools, such as Survey123, Collector, or QuickCapture, enabling students to gather and submit data on topics of interest—from environmental observations to community mapping—either in the field or remotely. By leveraging GeoProjects, educators can provide students with hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The integration of geospatial technology into classroom activities not only makes learning more engaging but also equips students with valuable skills applicable in various STEM fields. For more information and to explore the available resources, educators can visit the GeoProjects page: https://esriurl.com/geoprojects . ... View more

Esri (booth #861) is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming NSTA National Conference on Science Education, taking place from March 27-29 in Philadelphia, PA. As a dedicated partner to educators worldwide, Esri is excited to showcase cutting-edge solutions designed to empower teachers and inspire the next generation of scientists. Booth #861 visitors can experience firsthand the latest advancements in GIS technology for the classroom, from interactive MapMaker lessons and data to StoryMaps and Survey123 demonstrations.  Conference attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth for hands-on demonstrations, free resources, and exclusive giveaways. Esri workshops (no-cost) Improving science instruction with basic mapping tools: Date/time is TBA Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Place: Pennsylvania Convention Center – Room: 111 B Instructor: Jason Sawle Geographic maps (GIS) are powerful tools for visualizing and analyzing scientific data from the schoolyard to the planet. Learn how to use no-cost, no login tools from Esri to explore and understand data using our new tools, including the National Geographic MapMaker. Learn to use 3D and time-based data. Use sketching and new data to improve the map.   Enhance field studies with location, analysis, and story-telling: Date/time is TBA Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Time: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM Place: Pennsylvania Convention Center – Room: 111 B Instructor: Tom Baker Ready to set up a new outdoor data collection project for your students? This workshop will show you how to use three GIS tools in the ArcGIS school bundle to collect, map, analyze, and report on data collected. The workshop will feature StoryMaps and Survey123 to help support your project-based learning (PBL) and  field studies instruction. ... View more

Over the summer, Esri announced that the iNaturalist observations are now available in the ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World with over 800,000 naturalists who have recorded over 90 million observations spanning over 400,000 species!  Founded in 2008, iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. iNaturalist data in clustered hexbins loaded into the 3D Scene Viewer.     This truly amazing set of data is a hosted service is accessible as a layer through ArcGIS Living Atlas and is scheduled to be updated monthly with the newest observations from iNaturalist. It contains the research-grade observations, which have been reviewed and validated by other participants and naturalists within the iNaturalist community. In the future, the service will continue to grow and expand with the most current observations. iNaturalist local point data in the 3D Scene Viewer.     For environmental science teachers, this resource provides raw data for analysis – add  climatic, vegetative, or anthropocentric layers to better understand effects and interactions. Predator/prey, altered biomes, biodiversity, population ranges, density-diversity maps, studies, and so much nore are available.   iNaturalist data in the MapMaker. Explore the map in: The ArcGIS Scene Viewer National Geographic MapMaker iNaturalist Explorer App (beta) - not shown above If you are not yet an iNaturalist contributor, consider joining today.  When you do, connect with me!   ... View more

As the Thanksgiving break quickly approaches in U.S. schools, we as educators often look for those non-traditional activities that help keep kids engaged even as the excitement of the holiday draws ever near.     This year, we are pleased to share with educators a new storymap, Pardoning Pickles - a harrowing story about returning a turkey to its home after receiving a Thanksgiving pardon.  This geopuzzle is essentially a simple site suitability analysis that incorporates a half dozen data layers to find Pickles' home.  The activity can be used between 5-12 grades.  Just give the kids the storymap URL and let them go!  The activity concludes by asking the student for the suspected location of Pickles' home. An interactive block at the bottom will check the student's response and provide immediate feedback. We hope you'll enjoy! Explore the storymap >>   ... View more