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Introduction
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer-based methodology for
collecting, managing, analyzing, modeling, and presenting geographic,
or spatial data. Additional information about GIS and its applications
is available from the U.S.
Geological Survey and from ESRI,
a GIS software vendor.
GIS User
Services in the University of Arkansas Libraries
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 Rm 491, Next to Government Documents on the 4th
Floor of Mullins Library.
GIS Use
Policy
The web-based GIS resources are available for use on computers equipped with
GIS software. The public-use GIS workstation is available at all times
the Government Documents Department is open. 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.
Users may reserve a 2-hour slot up to one work week (5 days) in advance in
person, or by calling the Government Documents office during office hours
at 575-5516. 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.
- Skills
Required / Training Requirements
Before using the
GIS workstation, users must be able to operate a PC, use Windows 98/2000/NT/ME/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.
- Staff
Assistance
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.
Last modified:
Thursday, March 29, 2007
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