Hands-On Workshop

StarMap Workshop

A hands-on workshop on interactive exploration and visualization of large geospatial datasets using StarMap. Participants will learn how to work with geospatial data, build visualizations, and experiment with styling workflows, including LLM-assisted approaches.

Date

April 13, 2026

Location

UC Riverside

Multidisciplinary Research Building, 1110 Seminar Room - 1st Floor

Time

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

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View Schedule

About the Workshop

Large geospatial datasets such as road networks, buildings, mobility traces, and environmental observations can be difficult to explore interactively. This workshop introduces StarMap, a system designed to support scalable and responsive visualization of such datasets.

Participants will learn the workflow for exploring spatial data, generating visualizations, and applying styling techniques for effective map design.

Who Should Attend

Students or researchers working with geospatial data
Developers interested in scalable map visualization
Anyone curious about spatial data exploration

Learning Goals

Understand the basics of geospatial data and visualization
Learn the StarMap workflow and CLI
Download and visualize spatial datasets
Experiment with map styling and LLM-assisted workflows
Participate in a styling competition and discuss results

Registration

Please complete the registration form by April 3rd to indicate your interest in attending. Due to space limitations, confirmations will be sent approximately one week prior to the event.

Open Registration Form

Tentative Schedule (Subject to Change)

Lunch will be provided for participants attending either session.

Session 1

Morning Session

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Introduction & Hands-On Setup

9:00 – 10:30

9:00 – 9:30

Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization

Overview of spatial data, mapping concepts, and interactive visualization.

9:30 – 10:00

StarMap Background, CLI, and Setup

Introduction to Starlet package, building index and pyramid partitioning, MVT generation. Show an example visualization.

10:00 – 10:30

StarMap Hands-On Example

We will work through an example together, where we create a new dataset and build the index and tiles using Starlet and generate stylized map. We will explore how LLMs can be used in this pipeline.

Competition and Results

10:30 – 12:00

10:30 – 10:40

Competition Introduction

Overview of the styling challenge, goals, rules, and judging criteria.

10:40 – 11:40

Competition

Participants work on their own styling approaches and experiment with different design and LLM-assisted workflows.

11:40 – 12:00

Results Presentation and Winners

Presentation of selected results, discussion, and announcement of competition winners.

Midday Break

Lunch

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

A shared lunch break between sessions for all participants attending either the morning or afternoon workshop.

Session 2

Afternoon Session

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Introduction & Hands-On Setup

1:00 – 2:30

1:00 – 1:30

Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization

Overview of spatial data, mapping concepts, and interactive visualization.

1:30 – 2:00

StarMap Background, CLI, and Setup

Introduction to Starlet package, building index and pyramid partitioning, MVT generation. Show an example visualization.

2:00 – 2:30

StarMap Hands-On Example

We will work through an example together, where we create a new dataset and build the index and tiles using Starlet and generate stylized map. We will explore how LLMs can be used in this pipeline.

Competition and Results

2:30 – 4:00

2:30 – 2:40

Competition Introduction

Overview of the styling challenge, goals, rules, and judging criteria.

2:40 – 3:40

Competition

Participants work on their own styling approaches and experiment with different design and LLM-assisted workflows.

3:40 – 4:00