SHREVEPORT -- After a successful first run that equipped participants with cutting-edge mapping skills and real-world experience, LSU Shreveport and the City of Shreveport are partnering once again to offer the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Field Mapping Certificate Course through LSUS Continuing Education.
Registration is now open for the next session, which will run from Nov. 4 to Nov. 20, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
The three-week course combines classroom instruction with field-based learning in the Shreveport area, providing participants with hands-on experience in mapping, spatial data analysis, and digital documentation. To register or learn more, visit www.ce.lsus.edu.
The program provides practical training in GIS technology—the digital tools used to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data.
Participants learn to use mapping software, GPS equipment, and data platforms to document and interpret the physical environment, bridging classroom learning with meaningful community impact.
Earlier this year, LSUS and the City of Shreveport launched the inaugural GIS Certificate Course as part of a growing collaboration focused on workforce and community development. The first group of participants completed field projects that documented and digitally mapped key areas of the city, including portions of the historic Star Cemetery, creating new public data resources through their work.
“This partnership isn’t just about academic enrichment—it’s a deliberate investment to build a stronger workforce that equips our residents with the tools of the 21st century,” said Bill Sabo, Director of Economic Development for the City of Shreveport.
Graduates from the first offering received an official LSUS–City of Shreveport GIS & Field Mapping Certificate, along with a Credly digital badge recognizing their technical proficiency in spatial data collection and analysis. Their success highlighted the regional demand for GIS skills and the importance of continuing education as a pathway to employment and professional growth.
The November session will build upon the work initiated by the first cohort, focusing on completing the digital mapping of Star Cemetery. Participants will help expand the ongoing project to create a full GIS-based record of the historic site, providing a valuable resource for both the community and city planners.
“Our first cohort showed what’s possible when education and city planning align,” said Leigh Chambers, Executive Director of Events & Community Initiatives at LSUS. “This next offering will build on that foundation with new participants contributing to a lasting community project.”
The course is open to professionals, students, and residents who want to develop practical skills in mapping, environmental data analysis, and spatial problem-solving. No prior experience is required, and the program is designed to support both career advancement and civic engagement.
About the Partnership
The GIS Certificate Program is part of LSUS’s broader commitment to workforce development and community collaboration. By working alongside the City of Shreveport and regional partners, LSUS Continuing Education delivers training that connects learning with local opportunity—helping build the next generation of professionals ready to serve the region through innovation and applied skill.
