Helpful tools
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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.
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BatchGeoUpload 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.
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Map WarperGeoreference maps online. Can export as GeoTIFF, KML, and even WMS layer to use in ArcGIS Online.
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U.S. ProjectionsFind an appropriate projection for places in the U.S.
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Understanding Map ProjectionsThis United States Geological Survey site provides a comprehensive discussion of map projections and coordinate system basics.
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GeonamesA free gazetteer providing latitude and longitude for more than 11 million places worldwide. An essential tool for geocoding and finding accurate placenames.
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Color BrewerA helpful tool for choosing map colors.
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Open RefineA great open source tool for cleaning spatial data.
Access GIS software remotely
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ArcGIS ProThe Research Computing Center can provide copies of ArcGIS Pro to University of Chicago affiliated students, staff, and faculty for noncommercial research purposes. Please reach out to RCC staff directly to request a copy.
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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.
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ArcGIS OnlineUse your browser to find, explore, and analyze spatial data. Use the Enterprise login. When prompted for the URL enter uchicago.
Free desktop GIS software
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GeoDaThe premier free and open-source tool for spatial analysis.
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QGISFree and open-source GIS for creating, editing, visualizing, analyzing, and publishing spatial data.
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Google Earth ProFree desktop software for viewing, creating, and displaying spatial data and information.
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ggmap for RFor those familiar with R/RStudio, install the ggmap package to visualize and analyze spatial data.
Web GIS
Popular online tools that do not require coding
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ArcGIS OnlineUse your browser to find, explore, and analyze spatial data. Use the Enterprise login. When prompted for the URL enter uchicago.
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CartoCreate maps and apps for business decision making.
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Google MyMapsA fun tool for getting started with web mapping.
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OpenStreetMapThe world's leading map made from crowd-sourced, local knowledge. Sign up to start editing your hometown, or get involved with humanitarian mapping.
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Scribble MapsLike MS Paint for maps. Easy to make a simple map and export as an image.
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StoryMap JSFrom the creators of the popular TimelineJS, present a timeline on a map.
Programming libraries for creating advanced web maps
Most web maps involve specialized programming to allow users to interact with layers and data. JavaScript code "libraries" provide stable and predictable functionality to simplify web map design. Here are some common JavaScript libraries used for interactive maps:
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D3A Javascript library following modern web standards. Use to create interactive, data driven web maps and charts.
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LeafletA JavaScript library for creating web maps.
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ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScriptCreate 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.
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OpenLayersOpenLayers offers a free and open source JavaScript library for making dynamic maps
Access GIS software on campus
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GIS Hub in the MADD Center at Crerar LibraryThere are seven workstations in the GIS Hub with ArcGIS, QGIS, and GeoDa software, as well as supporting data processing and statistical analysis software such as Microsoft Excel and R Studio. Note that adjacent CSIL computers in the MADD Center do not have ArcGIS.
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Center for Digital Scholarship (CDS) WorkstationsCenter for Digital Scholarship (CDS), on the first floor of Regenstein Library, has six workstations that host a wide suite of tools and software to support digital scholarship. Each workstation includes ArcGIS, QGIS, and GeoDa software.
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Regenstein Library Map CollectionLocated on the third floor of Regenstein Library, the Map Collection has ArcGIS on two computers. Check the website for hours.
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ArcGIS OnlineUse your browser to find, explore, and analyze spatial data. Use the Enterprise login method (rather than using your individual account). When prompted for the URL enter uchicago. Then, sign in with your CNET ID.
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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.
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Research Computing CenterLearn more about obtaining a license to ArcGIS through the university.
GIS Software in the library
Software at the Center for Digital Scholarship, GIS Hub, and Regenstein Library Map Collection:
- ArcGIS Pro
- GeoDa
- QGIS
- Google Earth Pro
- Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- R and R Studio
- Stata
