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:

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.

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.

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.
ArcMap

In ArcMap, via the Add Data button, click the Connect to Folder option. Under the network options, Choose the Microsoft OneDrive space, Navigate to desired folder and add data.
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.