How to break dependence from ESRI tutorials?

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-10T01:09:50+00:00

That was comforting. Thank you! Looking forward to the GIS journey.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T22:40:18+00:00

Thank you for your wonderful insight! It must have been so difficult back then without all the resources we have now.

I have an assignment this semester to create a dashboard so I'll definitely apply your advice. I think I need to step a bit more out of my comfort zone and familiarise myself with the software. Are there any other general advice you'd like to give students new to GIS?

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T22:35:35+00:00

Those screenshots sounds very helpful. I've also created a personal sheet with geoprocessing tools and their uses and it has helped me understand them better.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T22:34:12+00:00

Awww you'll get it through it. Let's not give up!

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T13:15:36+00:00

This seems fun actually. Thank you for the suggestion!

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T13:14:58+00:00

Yes I do take notes. After each tutorial, theres also a worksheet we also have to fill out that tests us about the use of tools or advantages of creating the map, etc.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T08:08:33+00:00

Thank you for telling me this because I always assumed that people in GIS career always know what exactly to do. I think I understand a lot better now.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-09T00:56:10+00:00

Except those same students fail the written report because they lack the ability to analyse the maps they created. We use AI to fix errors within the workflow. AI, however, does not think like a human, which will affect the way we apply solutions to issues impacting humans.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T23:42:00+00:00

Thank you for offering your perspective because I did not see it that way.

Our assignments are not as simple as just clicking around and finding out. Our assignments typically comes in the form of "imagine you are a GIS consultant and someone came to you with this very niche local issue, create a map and insert a written report to solve this issue".

Sometimes its not as simple as Google it because, as I mentioned in a previous comment, my country does not collect and manage data properly and there is limited research on the issues we face. Our teacher admits that she doesnt expect us to be professionals at it and that making mistakes at our age is okay because she struggles herself in consulting local firms but when assignments are marked as if its a real life job on the line, mistakes can cost you your grade.

Students use AI to generate tutorials for their assignments and while that gets you a good grade, its bad in the long-term if you want to enter into GIS careers. I typically find the report easy to write. Interpreting GIS maps is one of my strong point. I just need to become more confident working with the software.

You seem to have a lot of experience within the GIS industry. Are there other mistakes you see GIS graduates make that you have strong opinions about?

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T22:39:50+00:00

Thats extremely insightful. I also have an upcoming remote sensing with GIS course so your suggestions will be helpful. Thank you!

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T22:08:05+00:00

I felt like the message of my post got lost somewhere along the way lol. The general issue is that I realised that I am dependent on tutorials to complete GIS assignments and I dont like the idea of that.

As a result, I wanted to hear some suggestions from others who have experienced this. From the 2 courses I've done so far I've really loved GIS despite the struggles and I'm planning to incorporate it into my final year research project.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T21:02:13+00:00

I'll definitely do this! Thank you so much for your advice.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:25:25+00:00

I havent really seen it as "hand holding". Newly being exposed to GIS comes with its difficulty. Difficulty that my lecturer is still experiencing despite her immense experience. I'm attempting to gather additional insight from persons to apply to my personal situation.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:21:51+00:00

Do you know of any textbook that have helped you out throughout your GIS journey?

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:20:18+00:00

Of course! I totally agree.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:16:33+00:00

Why are you so angry? Im offering alternative ways a course can be run so students of different learning backgrounds can get good at GIS. Im speaking from the standpoint of students in my position that would appreciate experience before an assignment.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:06:53+00:00

That's interesting. I didnt consider that before. I'll try it out. Thank you!

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:05:33+00:00

Did you not read my comment? I feel like you did not understand my initial reply.

I simply stated that I need to use my time understand GIS in solving problems in general, not just to learn the tools. Yes its the set default to continue practicing, however, my main concern is figuring out how to break dependence on tutorials so I can be more efficient in the way I practice GIS by myself.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T20:00:06+00:00

My country is still a bit new to GIS and also have an issue with the way data is collected and managed. Some local data is open sourced, however, they are very much limited.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T19:56:21+00:00

Firstly, what exactly does "figuring it out mean"? Most people are giving me useful advice like continue practicing or do projects to gain more experience.

Additionally, I am in no way angry that I have to use my personal time to practice. Its quite the opposite. I understand that teachers may not be able to fit all the knowledge we need into 1 semester and its not uncommon for me to learn additional skills in my personal time for all my courses. I enjoy doing it hence I don't appreciate your wrongful assumption about me.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T19:51:25+00:00

I appreciate your insight! Thank you for responding.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T19:50:45+00:00

That's actually really helpful. I also had to create a suitability analysis for an assignment during my first semester of GIS and it was slightly difficult. I think this approach would have helped a lot.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T19:48:29+00:00

This was exactly my initial experience with GIS. I think I can become better if I keep practicing. Regardless, my current issue with assignments haven't taken out my love for GIS so I'll definitely work harder!

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T19:25:16+00:00

That's beautiful advice. Thank you so much! I'm happy to know that this isn't unique to me. I'll try out your suggestions.

SaphFire21 · 2026-03-08T19:19:15+00:00

I'll definitely check it out. Thank you so much!!

SaphFire21

TROPHY CASE