GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful applications, software tools and software as a service platforms for the manipulation and analysis of spatial data, making maps into dynamic objects.  While services like Google Earth and Google Maps bring GIS capabilities to everyone, there are robust, heavy-hitting applications like ArcGIS and QGIS that include extensive data analysis and visualization tools for researchers across a wide variety of domains. There are many Geographic Information Systems (GIS) available for use.  More than can be listed here.  Support is offered for all with a focus on those systems listed below.  

ESRI ArcGIS software products include ArcMap, ArcPro, ArcGIS Online and Story Maps. The university has a site license for this software.  It is available in most Rutgers computing labs and through the Virtual Computer Labs.  See the university software portal for information regarding individual and departmental access and licenses.  Click HERE for instructions to create your account.

QGIS is a leading and robust open source GIS software.  It has a large and active community of support.

Google Maps is a robust GIS best used for navigation and light mapping.

Google Earth and Google Earth Pro present high resolution satellite data, aerial imagery and more.

Open Street Map is an open source project to create a free editable map of the world.  It is supported by a large and active community.

Do you need assistance with a GIS project?

Do you have a GIS related question?

Please contact us at gis-help@rutgers.edu

Request assistance using this GIS-Help form

The schedule for office hours may be found through the appointment button to the right.

Please find recordings of previously held workshop sessions here:

GIS Basics located in the Rutgers Kaltura Mediaspace

IPUMS NHGIS, International, GeoMarker, and Terra at the Rutgers Kaltura Mediaspace