Hacking: it's so much more fun when you can do it with friends.

The Master's in GIS Technology Program at the University of Arizona was proud to serve as host for the very first Esri GeoDev HackerLab in Tucson, Arizona on April 26, 2016. Attendees converged on the ENR2 Canyon with Laptops, Data, and great ideas in tow. This event was a four-hour, hands-on, strategically guided lab for developers (seasoned pros, newcomers, and everyone in between) that covered how to build map apps with ArcGIS Online, APIs and Services, Open Source, and also with AppStudio for ArcGIS (for native apps). With snacks and caffeine on hand, the stage was set for GIS Developing greatness at the HackerLab.

Event leaders David Martinez and John Gravois did an excellent job communicating the new technologies available through Esri and open source outlets, and did an even better job floating around the lecture hall to assist attendees with their questions and gave advice on how to technically proceed with ideas that they wanted to make a reality for their respective projects. We want to express our sincere appreciation to David and John for coming out for this event, and also to Amy Niessen of Esri who helped to coordinate the event with MS-GIST Geospatial Instructional Specialist John Danloe.

Because of the success and wonderful turn out for this event, we look forward to holding another HackerLab in April 2017. In addition, we are excited to hold our annual Esri DeoDev Meetup at the Arizona Inn in the fall. Stay tuned for the date!