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Research Guides

GIS Services at the UW Libraries

What GIS services does the UW Libraries provide?

  • Access to GIS and desktop mapping software. The University of Washington has a site license with ESRI which governs who can install the software and how it can be used.
  • Help with determining your data needs and assistance with locating data to suit those needs.
  • Help with incorporating data into your GIS projects.

Have questions or need GIS help?

Please contact the Libraries' GIS staff at: uwlib-gisatlib@uw.edu

or

Stop by the Government Publications, Microforms & Newspapers, and Maps reference desk located on the ground floor of Suzzallo.

We can provide in person help either through an appointment with the UW Libraries' GIS staff or during the GIS lab drop in hours.

Data Related Library Units

Where can I get/use GIS software?

The UW has a site license with ESRI, the producer of ArcGIS and many other products. The site license requires that software be used only for educational purposes or non-profit research. This site provides information about how to get the software, how to install it, and how to connect with the GIS users at the UW.

 

Other ways to access ESRI software for current UW Students:

  1. ESRI offers a free, one-year license to students enrolled in GIS courses at the UW. Software must be requested by the faculty member of the course and can be installed on student-owned computers.
  2. Computer Labs at UW
  3. If your personal device has difficulties running ESRI software, Student Technology Loan Program is free for students and offers various loan periods on equipment that can successfully run ArcGIS software.

UW Campus ESRI Site License Info

For information on the site license click here.

The current list of site licensed software is available here.

Site licensed software can be installed on UW-owned equipment only.

If you are a student, you can obtain a 1-year timeout version of ArcGIS from your GIS instructor. No other ESRI software is available for installation on student-owned computers under the site license (though you can purchase student versions from ESRI).

How can I subscribe to the campus GIS mailing list?

UW-GIS-L is an open, unmoderated e-mail list for discussion of issues relating to Geographic Information Systems. Any issues related to GIS can be discussed, such as "How do I ...;" "Where can I find ...;" "What do I need to do ...;" "I would like to share ...." Topics may include discussion of hardware, software, data, etc. To subscribe to the campus GIS mailing list follow the instructions on the UW-GIS-L info page.  For general information about mailing lists at the University of Washington visit the Mailman List website.

Suzzallo Library GIS Lab

The GIS Lab is provided by the University Libraries to support the use of GIS for coursework and research by UW students, faculty, and staff.

For more information regarding the lab, including: hours, GIS assistance, and policies see the GIS Lab information page.

ESRI Software and Tutorials

Use the Acquiring GIS Software page to participate in the University's ESRI ArcGIS license (for any UW campus).

Use the Virtual Campus Courses to participate in the free online tutorials for special topics using the ArcGIS software (for any UW campus).