GIS Specialist
Map Specialist
Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information
Penn State University Libraries
University Park, PA 16802
Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information
Related Guides
What is GIS?
This guide is intended to provide students, faculty, and staff with resources to discover GIS data, learn about GIS, and provide references for research.
A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
For more information, see:
- The Nature of Geographic Information: An Open Geospatial Textbookby David DiBiase
This text promotes understanding of the Geographic Information Science and Technology enterprise (GIS&T, also known as "geospatial.) - Maps & Geospatial: ArcGIS OnlineGuide with ArcGIS Online guidance, resources, and information
- Maps & Geospatial: ArcGIS ProGuide with ArcGIS Pro guidance, resources, and information
Accessing GIS Software at Pennsylvania State University
Computers in the library managed by Penn State Information Technology offer a variety of software applications. A list of software is available through the IT Computer Lab Software webpage. Students and Instructors have access to the Penn State WebLabs for remote software use.
All student computers on library computers at all campuses have access to ArcGIS software.
Accessing the current desktop version of ArcGIS
ArcGIS software is available on all windows ITS computers. Some departments provide access to ArcGIS software. AcrGIS Online Basemap and streaming data is accessible via ArcGIS Desktop.
- Information on Acquiring ArcMap and ArcGIS ProInformation for faculty, staff, and students for acquiring software
- Locations of ITS Computer Labs at Penn StateInteractive map of Windows, Mac, and Linux computers on campus. The user is able to select a campus from the dropdown menu.
Open Source GIS Software
These open source GIS options are not available on the ITS public workstations. If desired to use, individuals are required to download and install on personal machines.
- QGISFree Open Source Geographic Information Systems
- System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA) GISFree Open Source Geographic Information Systems Software used in environmental disciplines
- Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) GISFree Open Source Geographic Information Systems
- Open Source GIS guideThis guide includes resources for using GeoDa, QGIS, GRASS, SAGA, and R.
GIS Users Group
- Penn State GIS Users GroupInformal group of GIS users across University Park campus
Maps and Geospatial Information Public Computers: Specialized Software Available
Esri software and Microsoft OneDrive
Geospatial files stored in Microsoft OneDrive can be accessed via GIS Software. Prior to attempting to access files saved in Microsoft OneDrive, sync OneDrive folder with computer.
ArcGIS Pro
In ArcGIS Pro, via the Catalog Pane, under the Folder Connections option, from your computer explorer window, drag the Microsoft OneDrive desired folder into the Catalog Pane.
Standards
- ISO Geospatial Metadata StandardsResources related to ISO Geospatial Metadata Standards
- ISO 191 Geospatial Metadata StandardsDescribes standards and publication dates
- ISO Standards for Geographic Information (Springer)E-book describing work of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other organizations related to the the ISO 191 standards for Geographic Information/ Geomatics
- ISO/TC 211 Geographic information/GeomaticsTechnical committee related to standardization of geographic information
- Penn State Standards GuideInformation related to industry and technical standards. Guidance on finding standards through searching the Catalog and through WorldCat for interlibrary loan.