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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — Home

Welcome to the GIS guide!

NOTE: This guide is still in development. Please feel free to send feedback to: kathryn.fiducia@uconn.edu

Welcome to the UConn Library GIS guide. The aim of this guide is to provide you with everything that you need to get started on your GIS journey here at UConn. Here you will find:

  • Information on how to access geospatial data resources and repositories currently currently available at UConn. 
  • How to access and use common GIS tools, such as ArcGIS and ESRI software.
  • Resources availble to those conducting geospatial research at UConn.
  • Ways that you can get started with GIS and learn more about GIS and geospatial technologies. 

Quick links and Resources

 

  • If you are interested in GIS research, or need troubleshooting support, you can schedule a GIS research consultation with Katie Fiducia, the geospatial research services librarian, at katie.fiducia@uconn.edu, or schedule an appointment with her using her appointment link: s.uconn.edu/meetwithkatie

 

  • If you have questions about UConn's geospatial resources, including the physical map collection, GIS data, and digitized historical maps, email Katie at katie.fiducia@uconn.edu, or visit UConn Library's Map and Geographic Information Center website at http://magic.lib.uconn.edu/

Research Services Librarian

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Katie Fiducia
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What is GIS?

GIS, or Geographic Information Systems are computer-based technologies used to create, manage, visualize, and analyze spatial data.

What is spatial data? 

Spatial data contains information that correspond to a location, or locations on the earth. Examples include: 

  • The location of grocery stores in Hartford, CT
  • Rivers in Mansfield, CT
  • Tree cover in Boston, MA

Using GIS, we can ask and answer spatial questions such as: 

  • What is the shortest path to the Dairy Bar from Homer Babbidge Library?
  • Where do UConn Avery Point students commute from and how long is their daily commute?
  • How many cows live within 5 square-miles of the UConn Storrs campus?

 

An illustration of a GIS compiling several layers of spatial data from National Geographic: GIS (Geographic Information System)