Guide created by Maeve Pinto
Maintained by Ryan Womack
Data and Economics Librarian
rwomack@rci.rutgers.edu
Last updated March 23, 2009
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Research Resources:
Subject Research Guides:
An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems,
with ArcGIS Tutorials and Resources
Introduction
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful software
tools for the manipulation and analysis of spatial data, making maps into
dynamic objects. While services like
Google Earth (requires software download) and
Google Maps are bringing GIS capabilities to the masses,
having complete control
of the software and data helps researchers precisely study their subjects and
produce the exact outputs and displays needed.
The Rutgers University Libraries offer one of the leading
GIS software packages, ArcGIS (ArcReader and ArcMap), on the
Data Services workstations
in Alexander Library. Some GIS data, including Census TIGER files, is available
on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
(search
here for holdings). Additional information on GIS is available through the
Grant F. Walton Center for Remote
Sensing and Spatial Analysis at Rutgers.
ArcGIS Tutorials
These links will help you get started with ArcGIS. The Libraries do not offer instruction in GIS, but
courses are available through the
Office of Continuing Education
of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (for a fee).
Official Arc Tutorial Guides
The most thorough collection of ArcGIS
guides on the web. ESRI provides both video and traditional tutorial guides.
The topics range in complexity, from tutorials designed for beginners like
"Getting Started" and "The Quickstart Tutorial" to more advanced subjects like
"Geoprocessing" and "Interoperability".
GIS Dictionary
Translates all the acronyms and terminology used in
the ArcGIS system. It is good to keep open to learn the terminology.
USGS Introduction to GIS
An introduction to GIS in general as well as a history of Geographic Information Systems and the theory behind them,
prepared by the US Geological Survey .
University of Arkansas Libraries
ArcGIS Tutorial List
This tutorial is broken down into six Sections,
starting here [PDF].
It was designed for the library user in mind in order to "quickstart" without
having to go through the many ESRI exercises. The tutorial was created by
Stephan Pollard, M.A. Geography (University of Arkansas, 1997) and Ph.D..
Environmental Dynamics (University of Arkansas, 2006) and Sohayla Hamon, M.A.
Geography (University of Arkansas, 2002).
Harvard
University's GIS Tutorial and Introductory Exercises
This tutorial
is user friendly and combines learning the terminology with four Exercises to
learn ArcGIS in a "hands-on" way. Developed by Robert A. Rose, GIS Instructor
for Harvard University.
Introduction to GIS
This tutorial is designed by Kardi Teknomo for the person who
knows nothing about GIS. It begins with a general introduction to Geographic
Information Systems before introducing the ArcGIS system. Because this is a
personal page, it is a bit cluttered with Google advertisements.
The
Special Library Associations PowerPoint on GIS and Libraries
This page is designed by the Special Library Association's Map Division with the
intent of showing how libraries and librarians can use GIS.
Starting points for GIS data
The links that follow are a selection of the most significant collections of GIS data.
United States
Federal Geospatial Data Clearinghouse Search Engine
A collection of over 250
spatial data servers, with digital geographic data primarily for use in
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), image processing systems, and other
modelling software. These data collections can be searched through a single
interface based on their descriptions, or metadata.
GeoData.gov
The self-proclaimed "one stop for Federal, State, and Local Data", this portal
provides search capability across multiple government bodies producing GIS
data. You can search or browse by category, as well as save your searches and
datasets.
GeoFRED
Provides a map display for economic data, with download capability.
National Atlas
The easiest place to draw a customized map of the US on the web, but data is not downloadable.
National Geospatial Digital Archive
Tis project will Create a new national federated network committed to archiving geospatial imagery and data.
National Historical Geographical Information System
As implied, old Census boundaries and data, from 1790 on.
US Census TIGER Data
A collection of various Census shapefiles (boundaries and geographic features) in
TIGER form.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) provides many GIS data resources:
EarthExplorer
Allows browsing for GIS data and imagery.
GIS Data Map Studio
A new clearing house, but the left hand column has
useful links to the various USGS services and data sets.
The National Map
USGS's online, interactive map service. It also
includes data from partners such as the National Park Service, the US Forest
Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, as well as state datasets.
The National Map Seamless Server
Designed by the USGS as a public server
that houses both national and international data sets. Has a tutorial as well
as frequently asked questions regarding data use.
Water Resources Maps and GIS Data
The first link on the page includes a large list of various GIS data sets regarding water resources.
Regional
International
If these links do not provide what you need, there are
MORE LINKS from
the Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis.
