Skip to Main Content
J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

This guide will provide various GIS resources from around the Web and at Michigan Tech.

What is GIS?

GIS or Geographic Information Systems is a computer-based system which is designed to store, capture, manipulate, analyze, and display geographic and spatial data. A Geographic Information System allows users to map and visualize data in a geographic context, which can provide valuable insights and informed decision making processes. The use of GIS can help us to understand patterns, geographic context, and relationships. GIS technology is commonly used in a wide range of applications like urban planning, public health, transportation, social sciences, and natural resources management. 
 

This guide will provide a variety of information on the subject of GIS including popular GIS software, sources of spatial data, resources for cartography and geocoding, ways to learn GIS, and common web mapping platforms. 

GIS at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech has several departments and facilities that use GIS in their research or provide GIS services. There are also several departments across campus that offer GIS degree programs or courses.

All Michigan Tech students, faculty, and staff with an SSO account have access to ArcGIS Online, Esri training materials, and Web applications such as ArcGIS StoryMaps, Dashboards, and Survey123. To get started, please see my guide on Accessing ArcGIS Software and Web Applications at Michigan Tech. 

Departments and Facilities
 

Several departments at Michigan Tech use GIS including:

Michigan Tech is home to the Geospatial Research Facility (GRF).  Located within The Great Lakes Research Center, the facility seeks to bring together researchers from across campus currently using geospatial data and methods, and provide a space to those who wish to apply GIS in their research programs.

GIS and Computer Labs