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. A number of software programs also are available via remote access, so that you have access to the tools you need, no matter your location.
All student computers on library computers at all campuses have access to ArcGIS software (100 concurrent users).
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.
On MAC computers, ArcGIS software is accessible through using the WebApps.
Accessing ArcGIS through WebApps
From other computers (such as your home computer or a computer without the Desktop version), ArcGIS software is available through:
- PSU WebAppsAccess to several popular applications from a wide array of devices, and is available to anyone with a Penn State Access Account. WebApps uses HTML5 so you don't need anything other than a modern browser to access the applications.
- Video on the use of ArcMap via Penn State WebAppsThis video illustrates how to access ArcMap via the Penn State WebApps. ArcGIS Pro is also available via the Penn State WebApps.
To upload and download files to your pass space (maximum of 10GB) or U drive (maximum storage of 500MB), access:
- WebFilesAccess and manage your files residing on Penn State's central file services through any web browser; allows you to easily copy files from external services such as Google Docs, Dropbox, and SkyDrive to and from your PSU space
It is important to consider your data storage options while working with GIS data. A Penn State member may use pass space. To increase your PASS space storage to 10GB, this is the ITS Secure Server’s Directory Quota utility. Pass and U drives are accessible from any Penn State computer.
For assistance using this guide, or to schedule a consultation with a subject-matter expert on the use of GIS in your research, please visit the Request a Consultation page:
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.
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.
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.