In the context of the 2025 GIS Day celebrations, the TALOS Lab is happy to organize a hybrid hands-on training led by Alexandros Maridakis (Dept. of History and Archaeology, University of Crete).

Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 11:30–14:30 (EEST, Athens)
Venue: TALOS Lab, UCRC KEME (Building Γ2/Γ3), and online via Zoom
Zoom: Join the session via this link https://uoc-gr.zoom.us/j/87885695792?pwd=86hFi6H93W87NQm1Hcedbx9GInYMbM.1
Language: English
Recording: The session will be recorded

Session overview

Digital Mapping for the Humanities: A Hands-on Workshop on GIS Tools

This training introduces the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as powerful tools for research and visualization in the Digital Humanities. Through a mix of short theory and guided practice, the workshop shows how spatial data and digital mapping can enhance the study, interpretation, and communication of cultural, historical, and archaeological information.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with QGIS and ArcGIS to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data related to cultural heritage, literature, history, and urban studies. Designed for undergraduate students in the humanities and for anyone new to GIS, the workshop bridges technology and critical inquiry and helps participants apply spatial thinking to diverse cultural questions.

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand GIS fundamentals and why they matter in the humanities.
  • Use open-source and web-based mapping tools to visualize cultural data.
  • Design simple visual outputs such as digital maps, site distribution maps, and basic historical reconstructions.

Instructor

Alexandros G. Maridakis is a Laboratory Teaching Staff member at the University of Crete (UoC), specializing in Digital Skills, Educational Technology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He holds a Diploma/MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Patras, an MSc, and additional postgraduate training in Computer Science Education.

Since 2003, he has taught and supported laboratory courses on integrating ICT into teaching and learning and on digital applications for the humanities, including “Introductory Skills in Geoinformatics Applications, GIS, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)” for students in the Department of History and Archaeology at the UoC.

Mr. Maridakis is a core member of the Faculty of Letters’ Laboratory of Computers and Informatics Applications in the Humanities (UoC). He has experience in teaching, research, and academic administration as a member of university committees such as the Senate of the University of Crete, the Quality Assurance Unit, the Green University Committee, and the Administrative Reform Committee.

His research and teaching interests include ICT and digital literacy in higher education, GIS applications in cultural heritage and archaeology, e-learning and teleconferencing systems, and the pedagogical use of new technologies. He has participated in research projects, presented at national and international conferences, and contributed to professional training programs in ICT and digital competence. He also has professional experience in the IT and telecommunications sectors as a freelancer.

About GIS Day 2025

This seminar is organized in celebration of GIS Day 2025, when people worldwide explore and share the power of maps and geospatial technologies. GIS Day is on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. Regardless of field, GIS helps us solve complex problems and see our world in new ways.