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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
UTSA Faculty, Students, and Researchers
UTSA Faculty and Researchers
UTSA faculty and researchers can request ArcGIS Pro Desktop and ArcGIS Online at no cost. Before requesting access, please consider whether ArcGIS fits your project. It’s intended for spatial analysis and GIS applications. If your project focuses on digital storytelling or presentations, tools like StoryMapJS or Omeka may be better alternatives.
If you're considering using ArcGIS StoryMaps but don't require geospatial data for your project, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with CEDISH at cedish@utsa.edu. Our team can help clarify how StoryMaps can best fit your needs and assist in selecting the right tools to ensure a smooth and effective digital storytelling experience.
For those who decide ArcGIS is the best option, please email Diane López at diane.lopez2@utsa.edu to set up your profile. Briefly describe your project in your email to ensure access to the appropriate tools.
UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design Students
ArcGIS software is available on all the Engineering Computers on the 2nd Floor of the John Peace Library. A list of software loaded on these computers is found on the College of Engineering site.
Engineering computers are available at the AET Library.
UTSA Students
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Computers at UTSA LibrariesSoftware available on computers in the libraries!
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Schedule a GIS ConsultationTo learn about available GIS Software or send me an email at diane.lopez2@utsa.edu
GIS Software
There are 3 major desktop GIS software applications widely used:
- ArcMap
- ArcGIS Pro
- QGIS
These are designed for individual users on desktop/laptop computers.
- ArcMap:
- Part of ArcGIS Desktop suite by Esri, released in 2000.
- Long dominant in the US but losing ground to newer options.
- Proprietary software.
- Support until March 1, 2026.
- No new releases beyond ArcMap 10.8.1.
- ArcGIS Pro:
- Released in 2015, the future of ArcGIS suite.
- Flagship desktop GIS software by Esri.Expanded functionality and tight integration with ArcGIS Online.
- Gaining popularity due to exclusive capabilities.
- QGIS: Free and open-source GIS software.
- An increasingly popular alternative to proprietary options.
- Compatible with MacOS, unlike ArcGIS.
- Not as common in the US industry, widely used in Europe and globally.
All three applications are powerful for:
- Managing geospatial data.
- Performing geospatial analysis.
- Producing maps.
Mapping Databases
Mapping Databases
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PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
Use PolicyMap to bring sophisticated data, mapping and analytics to fields beyond traditional GIS and planning departments. From public health to sociology and law, students can use PolicyMap to create maps, reports and analyses to enable a deeper understanding of crucial areas in their fields.
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SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new windowThis web-based mapping and data analysis application enables users to develop interactive thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data variables by state, county, city/place, ZIP code, census tract, block group, or custom area. Additional modules include:
1. SimmonsLOCAL, a targeting and profiling system that provides insights into consumer behavior for all of America's 210 media markets drilled down the block group level.
2. Claritas PRIZM, a consumer segmentation system which combines demographic, consumer behavior, and geographic data into 66 consumer segments to help marketers identify, understand, and target their customers and prospects.
3.Claritas ConneXions, a consumer segmentation system which classify U.S households into 53 consumer segments based on the technology and communications purchasing and usage preferences.
4. Claritas P$YCLE, a consumer segmentation system which classifies U.S. households into one of 58 consumer segments based on the income-producing assets.
Only a few people can use this database at one time.
These databases are good places to start searching for journals and articles about geography-related topics.
Free GIS Viewers
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ArcGIS ExplorerArcGIS Explorer is a free, downloadable GIS viewer that gives you an easy way to explore, visualize, and share GIS information. ArcGIS Explorer adds value to any GIS because it helps you deliver your authoritative data to a broad audience. (Description from ArcGIS Explorer homepage.)
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TatukGIS ViewerDesktop GIS Viewer - a free application for viewing and querying GIS data and creating projects. The Viewer is a slimmed-down version of TatukGIS Editor, without the data editing and programming features. (Description from TatukGIS products homepage.)