GIS Software

Workstations in libraries are equipped with GIS software. This includes Esri ArcGIS Desktop, Esri ArcPro and Quantum GIS (QGIS). The Esri ArcGIS Desktop applications has additional extensions available which include: 3D Analyst, Geostatistical Analyst, Network Analyst, Spatial Analyst, Tracking Analyst, Publisher and Schematics.

We encourage you to reach out to GIS staff (gis@northwestern.edu) to consult on the use of a range of desktop and web based software solutions for making maps, transforming static tables into maps or performing geospatial analysis. Each library desktop has the following installed:

Esri software:
- ArcGIS Desktop: Is a geographic information software (GIS) for working with maps and geographic information. It allows for the creation, use, analyzation and compiling of geographic information. The software also has additional extensions installed. These include: 3D Analyst, Geostatistical Analyst, Network Analyst, Spatial Analyst, Tracking Analyst, Publisher and Schematics. Learn more about the software.
- ArcGIS Professional: Similar functionality but a different interface and takes advantage of ArcGIS Online integration and authorization. Learn more about the software.
- Esri Data: Workstations also have a selection of global and U.S. based GIS datasets to get users started.
Other software:
- QGIS: Cross-platform free and open-source desktop geographic information system (GIS) application that provides data viewing, editing, and analysis. Learn more about the software.

Use our Research Guide to learn more about GIS software, data and training. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact GIS Staff at gis@northwestern.edu.