Library Guides: Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS Software & Tools

Helpful tools

BatchGeo
Upload a spreadsheet of addresses to get the coordinates of up to 250 places for free. Download files as KMZ, or use the platform to host a map.
Map Warper
Georeference maps online. Can export as GeoTIFF, KML, and even WMS layer to use in ArcGIS Online.
U.S. Projections
Find the correct projection for places in the U.S. Note: For Chicago and Cook County, use UTM ZONE:16N.
Geonames
A free database that provides a latitude and longitude for more than 11 million places worldwide. An essential tool for geocoding and finding accurate placenames.
Color Brewer
A helpful tool for choosing map colors.
Open Refine
A great open source tool for cleaning spatial data.

Virtual Lab (vLab)
The vLab has ArcGIS, GeoDa, and Google Earth Pro. To access vLab on your personal computer, see the instructions provided via the link above.
ArcGIS Online
Use your browser to find, explore, and analyze spatial data. Use the Enterprise login. When prompted for the URL enter uchicago.
ArcGIS for Desktop
The Research Computing Center provides student copies of ArcGIS for Desktop.

GeoDa
The premier free and open-source tool for spatial analysis.
QGIS
Free and open-source GIS for creating, editing, visualizing, analyzing, and publishing spatial data.
Google Earth Pro
Free desktop software for viewing, creating, and displaying spatial data and information.
ggmap for R
For those familiar with R/RStudio, install the ggmap package to visualize and analyze spatial data.

Popular online tools:

ArcGIS Online
Use your browser to find, explore, and analyze spatial data. Use the Enterprise login. When prompted for the URL enter uchicago.
Carto
Create maps and apps for business decision making.
Google MyMaps
A fun tool for getting started with web mapping.
OpenStreetMap
The world's leading map made from crowd-sourced, local knowledge. Sign up to start editing your hometown, or get involved with humanitarian mapping.
Scribble Maps
Like MS Paint for maps. Easy to make a simple map and export as an image.
StoryMap JS
From the creators of the popular TimelineJS, present a timeline on a map.

Programming libraries for creating web maps:

D3
A Javascript library following modern web standards. Use to create interactive, data driven web maps and charts.
Leaflet
A JavaScript library for creating web maps.

Virtual Lab (vLab)
The vLab has ArcGIS, GeoDa, and Google Earth Pro. To access vLab on your personal computer, see the instructions provided via the link above.
ArcGIS Online
Use your browser to find, explore, and analyze spatial data. Use the Enterprise login. When prompted for the URL enter uchicago.
GIS Hub in the MADD Center at Crerar Library
There are 7 workstations in the GIS Hub with ArcGIS, QGIS, and Geoda. The CSIL computers do not have ArcGIS.
Regenstein Library Map Collection
Located on the third floor of Regenstein Library, the Map Collection has ArcGIS on two computers. Check the website for hours.
Research Computing Center
Learn more about obtaining a license to ArcGIS at a discounted rate through the university.
Campus computer labs

Software at the GIS Hub in the Crerar Library has the software:

Contact:

773-825-6777
Text messages only at this time

Subjects: Help Guides, Music