Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS Day 11/18/2009
What is GIS?
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer software system that can be used to make maps and analyze geospatial data. Additional information on GIS is available from the U.S. Geological Survey and ESRI, a GIS software producer.
View a Power Point presentation with examples of maps produced with GIS.
GIS Software
The Government, Legal, Spatial, and Data Services Unit has two dedicated PC workstations with GIS software that can be used with spatial data to create maps and analyze data. GIS software is also available on computers in the Malpass Library 3rd Floor Computer Classroom. Geographic Information System (GIS) services are available during the day or by appointment.
The Government Information and Data Services Librarian can help users identify, select, access and format data for use with GIS, and assist with basic GIS functions and techniques. GIS software in the Libraries is available for research and instructional use only. Non-educational (i.e. commercial) use is prohibited by our site license. Individual users may not store data and project files or load software on GIS workstations in the Collection.
Learning about GIS
Software manuals and books on GIS are available in the Library stacks and Map Reference collection. Use WestCat to search for books about geographic information systems or GIS.
The Government Information and Data Services Librarian can introduce Geographic Information System technologies and strategies for spatial data acquisition and formatting in a classroom setting. Please contact the Government Information Unit (309-298-2722) for more information.
Formal GIS classes are offered in the Geography, Biology and Agriculture Departments. The GIS courses taught at Western Illinois University include:
- Biology 452 Biological Applications of GIS (3)
- Geography 208 Cartographic Design for GIS (3)
- Geography 308 Introduction to GIS (3)
- Geography 408 Environmental Geographic Information Science (3)
- Geography 409 Thematic Geographic Information Science (3)
- Geography GEOG 508 GIS and Cartographic Design (3)
- Geography GEOG 509 Fundamentals of GIS Analysis (3)
- Agriculture 530 Topics Relating to Physical Science in Agriculture
ESRI, the company that produces the GIS software available on campus, provides online training through their virtual campus web site. Contact Kathy Barrett in UCSS for information on signing up for online courses.
GIS Services
The Western Illinois University Libraries' Government Information and Data Services Librarian will:
- Help users identify, locate access, format and use geospatial and statistical data.
- Provide library users with GIS software, hardware and data.
- Identify, acquire and provide access to geospatial and statistical data of interest to WIU students, faculty, staff, administrators and local users.
- Teach students, faculty and staff about geospatial and statistical data available in the Libraries or from other sources.
- Assist with use of GIS software and geospatial data by providing hands on assistance or the development of guides to accessing and using GIS software and data.
People who need assistance accessing or using GIS software and geospatial or statistical data may need to make an appointment. Please call 309-298-2723 for more information.
