Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
About GIS
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer software system that can be used to make maps and analyze spatial data. Additional information on GIS is available from the US Geological Survey and ESRI, a GIS software producer.
Spatial Data Sources
GIS Software
The Map Collection maintains two PC workstations with GIS software and a scanner for use of Map Collection or other cartographic materials.
Workstations:
- ArcGIS 8.x; ArcView 3.x; Windows 2000; zip drive; DVD player; CD-ROM burner
- ArcGIS 8.x; ArcView 3.x; Windows 2000; Photoshop; 11"x17" flatbed scanner; DVD player; CD-ROM burner
GIS Services and Use Policy
The Geographic Information System (GIS) services are available at all times when the Map Collection is open. General reference needs take precedence over GIS assistance. During periods of high demand, access to GIS computers may be limited in order to accommodate the needs of all users.
Staff in the Collection can assist users in identifying, selecting and accessing data, and with basic GIS functions and techniques; however, staff can not provide technical support or produce customized products for individual users. Several software manuals are available for reference use in the Collection.
GIS software in the Map Collection is available for research and instructional use only. Non-educational (i.e. commercial) use is prohibited by our site license. Individual users may not store data and project files or load software on GIS workstations in the Collection.
GIS Training
Class Instruction
The Map Librarian can introduce Geographic Information System technologies and strategies for spatial data acquisition in a classroom setting. Please contact the Map Collection (480-965-3582) for more information.
Manuals and Tutorials
Software manuals and instruction guides are available through the main library collection. Use the Library Catalog to search for manuals and guides. The Map Collection also has several manuals for reference use. The Geospatial Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (Former GIS Lab) has a number of GIS Tutorials under the Student Services section of its web page.
On-line Training
Self-paced, on-line instruction is available for ASU faculty, staff and students through the ESRI Virtual Campus, managed by the Geospatial Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (Former GIS Lab).
Coursework
Formal training and coursework is offered in a number of departments at Arizona State University. ASU offers a GIS certification program and a Masters of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (MAS-GIS) through the Geography Department. See the ASU GIS Links below.
GIS Links
ASU | UA | AZ Cities | AZ Counties | AZ State | AZ Other | US Gov't | Other
For data sources see: Spatial Data Sources
Arizona State University Sites
- Active Tectonics, Quantitative Structural Geology, and Geomorphology Research Group
- Geospatial Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (Former GIS Lab)
- Masters of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems Program
- School of Business Economic Information
- Central Arizona/Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research Project (CAP-LTER)
- City of Scottsdale, Arizona Remote Sensing Project
- Geographic Information Science Certificate Program
- Geography Department
- Geological Remote Sensing Laboratory (GRSL)
- Planetary Geology Group
University of Arizona Sites
- Advanced Resource Technology Lab
- Arizona GAP Analysis Project
- Arizona Regional Image Archive (ARIA)
- Arizona Remote Sensing Center
- GIS at the University of Arizona Libraries
- ArcInfo Users Group
- On-Line Spatial Data Libraries
City Government Sites
County Government Sites
Maricopa County
- Assessor GIS GIS Portal, Recorder's Plat Maps
- Department of Transportation
- Flood Control District
- Planning and Development
- Elections Department
Other Counties
Arizona State Government Sites
- Arizona Department of Transportation - Planning Division
- Arizona Department of Water Resources Geographic Information Services
- Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC)
- Arizona Land Resource Information System (ALRIS)
- Arizona State Cartographer's Office
- Arizona State Land Department
Other Arizona GIS Sites of Interest
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Arizona - GIS Home Page
- Southern Arizona Geographic Information Systems Consortium
- Santa Rita Experimental Range
- US Bureau of Land Management in Arizona
- Verde River Watershed
US Government GIS Sites
- Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Web Site
- Geospatial One-Stop
- National States Geographic Information Council
