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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services and facilities in the Government Publications & Maps Department have been enhanced. This expansion of GIS in the Library was prompted by greater interest on campus and an increase in queries about GIS by both students and faculty. GIS is often referred to as a mapmaking tool, but the technology is far more versatile than that since it facilitates analysis of complex spatial data, relationships between phenomena, and statistics of all kinds. GIS is used by researchers and practitioners in a diverse set of disciplines including anthropology, criminal justice, education, history, public policy, marketing, and public health.
In Government Publications users will find robust computers loaded with ArcView, the most widely used GIS software, and other tools and resources useful in maximizing the potential of GIS. Output options include making color laser prints, burning information onto CD, or saving to a ZIP disk. Expertise in identifying appropriate and compatible data is provided by department staff, as is assistance in getting started with the ArcView software. Maps Librarian Mike Smith is available to provide in-depth assistance.
To learn more about this exciting tool, please stop by the Government Publications & Maps Department or contact Mike Smith at mls@northwestern.edu. Mike is also available to talk to classes about GIS and its applications.