LIVE ONLINE TRAINING: Spatial Data Analysis and GIS Workflows in R – Introductory & Advanced Courses
PR Stats is pleased to announce two upcoming practical workshops on spatial data analysis, GIS and mapping using R, taught by geospatial specialist Dr Nick Bearman. Spatial data analysis is fundamental to marine mammal research and conservation, supporting investigations into species distributions, habitat use, spatial patterns in sightings and strandings, and relationships between marine mammals and environmental or anthropogenic factors. These two complementary workshops provide hands-on training in managing, analysing and visualising spatial data in R, from introductory GIS workflows to advanced spatial statistics and geoprocessing techniques. 1. Introduction to Spatial Data Analysis and GIS Workflows in R (IRGI01) Dates: 17–18 November 2026 Time: 14:00–17:00 GMT Duration: 6 hours (2 days) Registration fee: £250 This introductory workshop provides researchers with the essential skills to import, process, analyse and visualise spatial data using R, particularly the sf and tmap packages. Topics covered include: * Importing and managing spatial datasets, including shapefiles and GeoPackages * Working with spatial data using the sf package * Understanding coordinate reference systems and spatial projections * Creating thematic maps to visualise geographic patterns * Customising maps with colour scales, legends and other cartographic elements * Automating repetitive mapping tasks using loops in R * Working with spatial point data and creating interactive maps * Importing, processing and exporting spatial datasets Applications to marine mammal research These techniques can support the visualisation of cetacean and pinniped sightings, strandings, survey locations, habitat characteristics and other geographically referenced observations. The workshop is suitable for marine mammal researchers, students and conservation practitioners wishing to develop GIS and spatial data analysis skills. No previous experience with GIS or R programming is required. Full course details and registration: https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-spatial-data-analysis-and-gis-workflows-in-r-irgi01/ 2. Advanced Spatial Analysis Workflows in R (ARGI01) Dates: 8–9 December 2026 Time: 14:00–17:00 GMT Duration: 6 hours (2 days) Registration fee: £250 This advanced workshop builds upon fundamental GIS concepts, introducing spatial statistical methods and geoprocessing techniques for investigating complex spatial relationships. Topics covered include: * Spatial autocorrelation analysis using Moran's I * Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) * Spatial statistical analysis using GeoDa and R * Buffer creation and spatial proximity analysis * Spatial joins and integration of multiple geographic datasets * Point-in-polygon analysis * Polygon intersection and overlay operations * Area-weighted spatial joins * Spatial analysis for scenario planning and decision-making Applications to marine mammal research The techniques taught can support a range of marine mammal research and conservation applications, including: * Investigating spatial clustering in marine mammal sightings and strandings * Relating observational records to environmental and habitat characteristics * Examining spatial overlap between marine mammal occurrence records and human activities * Integrating survey observations with marine protected area boundaries and other geographic datasets * Assessing proximity to shipping routes, coastal developments and potential disturbance sources * Supporting spatially informed conservation planning and management decisions The workshop is designed for researchers with existing GIS knowledge who wish to develop more advanced spatial analytical skills. Participants without previous GIS experience are encouraged to complete IRGI01 first. Full course details and registration: https://prstats.org/course/advanced-r-for-spatial-analysis-argi01/ Course format and accessibility Both workshops include: * Live, instructor-led online teaching * Hands-on practical exercises using R * Opportunities to discuss participants' own spatial datasets * Course materials, code and datasets * Recordings of all sessions, accessible for 30 days * 30 days of post-course instructor email support All sessions are recorded, allowing researchers in different time zones to follow the training even if they cannot attend live. Instructor: Dr Nick Bearman, Director of Geospatial Training Solutions, specialising in GIS, spatial data analysis, geospatial visualisation and open-source mapping technologies. These workshops teach broadly applicable GIS methods rather than marine mammal-specific analysis. The techniques can, however, be applied to many spatial research questions involving cetaceans, pinnipeds and other marine mammals. The workshops can be attended individually or together, depending on participants' existing experience. Please feel free to share this announcement with colleagues, laboratories, research groups, institutions, marine mammal conservation organisations and wider research networks. Best wishes, PR Stats https://prstats.org<https://prstats.org/> Sent from Outlook for Mac
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