GIS in Perry Library

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a set of technological tools and data resources that enable the analysis of information based on geographic location. A GIS extends the functionality of a data set through the unique capabilities of mapping for visualizing and understanding information. While often associated with geography and engineering disciplines, GIS technology is increasingly being used in many fields including business/marketing, public administration, criminal justice and health sciences.

Need Help?

GIS Services in the Library

The Learning Commons @ Perry Library offers 6 workstations equipped with ArcGIS software from ESRI for ODU students, faculty and staff working on GIS projects.

Staff at the Learning Commons Help Desk offer:

• assistance in locating and obtaining data sets for use with GIS.
• assistance with finding books on GIS -- search the catalog for the subject: geographic information systems for a listing.

GIS information from the ODU Office of Computing and Communications Services is also available.

Remember that GIS projects can take some time, so plan ahead.

Contact Karen Vaughan (kvaughan@odu.edu) for more information.

Visit other GIS locations in Virginia:

• Scholar's Lab (UVA) -- includes geospatial resources
• Norfolk City GIS site
• Radford University Spatial Data Analysis Lab: download DOQQs, DRGs, DEMs, etc.
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership -- GIS Department
• Virginia Geographic Information Network
• Virginia Tech Office of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing

Learn about GIS

• ESRI Training: includes free and fee-based online training modules.

There are several sites currently offering easy-to-use, web-based interactive mapping. Check out the USGS National Atlas of the United States, National Geographic MapMachine and ESRI's ArcData Online.