A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage and present data related to positions on Earth's surface. GIS interprets spatial data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports and charts.
ArcGIS
ArcGIS Desktop includes a suite of integrated applications, including ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcScene. By using these applications and interfaces in unison, you can perform any GIS task, simple to advanced, including mapping, geographic analysis, data editing and compilation, data management, visualization, and geoprocessing. ArcGIS Software is installed in Information Commons of the three UAlbany Libraries.
ESRI ArcGIS software to students, faculty, and staff is available for office and personal computers:
UAlbany Students, Faculty, and Staff: Installing ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Standard
Getting started with ArcGIS : Esri Training Catalog
Google Earth
Google Earth is a computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily on satellite imagery. The program maps the Earth by superimposing satellite images, aerial photography, and GIS data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from various angles.
Access Google Earth: Available in the UAlbany Library Computing Sites and Online: Google Earth
PolicyMap is a fully web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) and mapping product. Data includes demographics, home sale statistics, health data, mortgage trends, school performance scores and labor data like unemployment, crime statistics and city crime rates. A complete list of GIS data available can be found in their data directory.
Access Policy Map: UAlbany Databases > Geography and Planning > Policy Map
Getting started with Policy Map: Support Tutorial
Access Social Explorer : UAlbany Databases > Geography and Planning > Social Explorer
Getting started with Social Explorer : Support Tutorial
| Tool | Description | Access/Download |
| QGIS | A free,comprehensive (analyzing and visualizing) open desktop GIS software. | Click here to Download |
| GRASS GIS | Geospatial data management, image processing, spatial modeling and visualization. | Click here to Download |
| CARTO | Online platform for analyzing and visualizing geodata including 3D mapping and harvesting twitter data (semi free). | Click here to Download |
|
World Map |
Open source system from Harvard for creating maps, uploading and downloading shapefiles and KMLs. |
Click here to Download |
