Getting to Know GIS in CTE

A guide for K-12 Career and Technical Education teachers

What is GIS?

Layers of spatial data.

GIS or a Geographic Information System is geographic mapping and analysis software used to collect, display, analyze, and communicate information and stories about a wide range of social and natural phenomena tied to specific locations. GIS combines layers of spatial data, allowing for a wide range of analyses.

GIS runs on mobile devices, laptops, servers, and in the cloud and is used globally in every industry, from law enforcement to marketing analytics.  GIS is the central technology in the geospatial family of technologies. Other technologies like GPS, drones, image processing, and remote sensing are also often included in this family of technologies. Today, geospatial technologies are playing critical roles in data science, self-driving vehicles, 5G communications, and much more. 

GIS-enabled careers

Explore GIS-enabled virtual job shadows. See how GIS is used in engineering, computer science, natural resource management, health, agriculture and many other areas.

Software

GIS software is free for K-12 classroom instruction.  A classroom teacher or building administrator simply needs to complete the form. Several desktop, web, and mobile software products are included with the software. If you are new to GIS, we recommend starting with ArcGIS Online and then moving to ArcGIS Pro (Microsoft Windows-only).

Some of the software included:

  • ArcGIS Pro
  • ArcGIS Online
  • ArcGIS StoryMaps
  • ArcGIS Drone2Map Standard
  • Business Analyst
  • ArcGIS StoryMaps
  • and many more

Training

With an ArcGIS Online account (described above), “Enable Esri Access” for each account. This will allow both teachers and students to search for and enroll in a number of free, online Esri Training courses.  If you don’t know where to start, take a closer look at these courses first.

Another great way to learn about Esri technology is by searching through the “Learn ArcGIS” content.  These are activities that can be completed in one or two class periods.

For additional learning opportunities, search through the Esri Press catalogue. Take particular note of materials in the education and training section of the catalogue.

Certification and badging

We recommend earning an Esri Technical Certification (~ $250 an exam).  For CTE educators to build the skills necessary to earn the " GIS Fundamentals Foundation " (new Spring 2022). If students have had at least one year of GIS-focused coursework that includes ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, they should consider the new certification.

Pathways

GIS is taught in CTE through many different clusters, pathways, courses, and units.   Explore GIS in your state's CTE and academic standards . Esri has prepared some specialized guides for educators working in a specialization.

If your school participates in PLTW, The no-cost ArcGIS School Bundle is used in the  Engineering Essentials  course. It is also used in some PLTW biomedical courses.

Related tools

GIS often works well with other related tools. The combined technologies can greatly enhance your students' learning.

Community

Finally, engage fellow teachers in an Esri Community space - just for teachers.  

Stay Informed

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Layers of spatial data.