Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data

Geographic Information Systems/Science (GIS) is a tool for displaying, storing, and analyzing spatial data, often in the form of digital maps or models. GIS is used in a wide variety of disciplines, including but certainly not limited to Geography, Public and Environmental Affairs, Public Health, Anthropology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Business, History, and the Digital Humanities. 

IU Libraries supports the use of GIS via the Map and Spatial Data Librarian (hi!) who offers research support, collection development, and programming on the topic of GIS and spatial data. As the librarian for this interdisciplinary and widely used tool, I strive to offer discipline-agnostic support for GIS and spatial data for faculty, staff, and students across the university. You can read more about me and my work on my libraries profile page.

Some things I can help with: 

• Find data for GIS research or spatial analysis. Spatial data is abundant, but can be difficult to access. I can help you locate appropriate data and evaluate metadata to determine appropriate use.
• Learn digital mapping and GIS tools. I can direct you to tutorials and learning materials and help you think through which tool is the most appropriate for your project. 
• Manage your data. Data management is hard! I can consult with you to develop sustainable data management practices for your spatial data.
• Acquire data. Use this form to request a purchase of data or other relevant materials for the library.
• Support Pedagogy. If you are an instructor wanting support for designing a mapping assignment or exercise for your course, please email me at libmaps@iu.edu.

This guide contains recommended data sources from our library collections and elsewhere on the internet. Explore the tabs on the left to find data, access GIS tutorials, and explore some of our digitized map collections. More information about the Herman B Wells Library Map Collections can be found at the Map Research Guide below.