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

Helpful tools

RCC Geocoder (UChicago Only)
Allows UChicago affiliates to take lists of street addresses or place names and convert them into latitude and longitude coordinates. The coordinate pairs can then be used in any sort of mapping application or spatial analysis method.
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 an appropriate projection for places in the U.S.
Understanding Map Projections
This site provides a comprehensive discussion of map projections and coordinate system basics.
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.

ArcGIS Pro
The Research Computing Center can provide copies of ArcGIS Pro to University of Chicago affiliated students, staff, and faculty for noncommercial research purposes
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.

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.
ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript
Create professional quality 2D and 3D interactive maps. Designed primarily as a web solution for Esri and ArcGIS data, the SDK also works with open datasets.
OpenLayers
OpenLayers offers a free and open source JavaScript library for making dynamic 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:

Send Email

Contact:

104H Regenstein Library
Center for Digital Scholarship