Using GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer-based methodology for collecting, managing, analyzing, modeling, and presenting geographic, or spatial data. An overview of GIS is presented in Geographic Information Systems as an Integrating Technology: Context, Concepts, and Definitions, offered by the Gepgrapher's Craft Project, University of Colorado. Additional information about GIS and its applications is available from the U.S. Geological Survey and from ESRI—a GIS software vendor—and the GIS Lounge.

The University of Arkansas Libraries GIS web page links to a variety of spatial data resources, including GeoStor, the statewide spatial data warehouse for Arkansas. The GIS web page also provides links to information about training opportunities in the use of ArcGIS software. One GIS workstation is available for public use in front of Room 491, next to Government Documents on the 4th Floor of Mullins Library.

The web-based GIS resources are available for use on computers equipped with GIS software. The public-use GIS workstation is available when the Government Documents Unit is open (typically Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm). If another time is desried, make arrangements in advance by calling the Reference Desk at 479-575-4665 or toll-free 866-818-8115.

Sign up to use the GIS workstation at the Government Documents desk, and a staff member will assist in logging on to the workstation. Use of the GIS workstation is limited to 2 hours at a time; if no others are waiting, the initial 2-hour time slot may be extended. The software on the computers is available for research and instructional use only; non-educational (i.e., commercial) use is prohibited by our site license. Staff are available to assist with GIS, but will not digitize maps or produce customized products for individual users.

Before using the GIS workstation, users must be able to operate a PC, use Windows XP operating systems, and have experience using GIS programs. Users may teach themselves ArcGIS using the self-instruction modules available through ESRI's Virtual Campus (usually 20 to 40 hours to complete), or by enrolling in a GIS class offered through an academic department at the University.

GIS Consultation - Advise whether GIS is a suitable tool for solving your research problem; assist in identifying, selecting, and accessing spatial data, and/or to demonstrate the technical setting of the GIS Workstation (drives, access, file structures, data output options). The GIS staff is available to demonstrate the general functionality of GIS, and some of the possible ways in which GIS can be used. Schedule an appointment with the GIS staff at GISrefer@uark.edu. Requests for on-demand map production will not be taken.

GIS Technical Support - Technical support staff will attempt to fix software and hardware problems, diagnose the cause of error messages, assist with compressing, downloading, and managing files, and resolve general computer problems that are not specific to GIS. If no technical support staff is available, report a problem to GIS staff at GISrefer@uark.edu.