Top Recommended Data Sources
- The Big Ten Academic Alliance GeoportalThe resources in the portal are selected and curated by librarians and geospatial specialists at ten research institutions in the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
- Natural Earth DataPublic Domain reference data for the entire world. This is a great place to start gathering data.
- IndianaMAPStatewide geospatial data for Indiana
- Indiana Spatial Data PortalAdministered by IU's University Information Technology Services Research Technology team, the Indiana Spatial Data Portal (ISDP) includes LiDAR and elevation data, orthophotography, and other raster imagery covering the state of Indiana. Requires a free login.
- SimplyAnalyticsWeb-based mapping application that lets users create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data. PLEASE NOTE: Users may "sign in as guest," or register for an individual account if they would like to save their work.
- Social ExplorerProvides access to data maps, profile reports, demographic data, and data elements and variables. Includes interactive tools that allow users to create and share maps, presentations and tables, or compare and analyze data.
Map and Spatial Data Librarian
About GIS
GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is a way to organize, analyze, store, manage, and view spatial data. GIS Services for the IUB Libraries are based out of the Herman B Wells Library Scholarly Communication Department. The GIS Librarian offers one-on-one assistance with finding and managing data, GIS applications, and classroom instruction. The library also offers GIS Workshops in the Scholars' Commons throughout the spring and fall semesters. For more information, research assistance, or to suggest a workshop topic, email theward@indiana.edu.
Herman B Wells Library Map Collections
Indiana University is home to the largest map collection in the state of Indiana. Collection geographic strengths are Indiana, Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the African continent. More information about this vast collection can be found on the map collection homepage and the Map Collections Research Guide. Links to online resources for scanned print maps can be found under the "Online Map Collections" tab to the left.