Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) : GIS at UW-Madison
- What is GIS?
- GIS at UW-Madison
- GIS Software
- Other Mapping and Visualization Software
- Online Spatial & Mapping Tools/Tutorials
- Online Map Resources
- Finding Geospatial Data: Wisconsin
- Finding Geospatial Data: United States
- Finding Geospatial Data: International
- Additional Numeric/Statistical Data Resources
- Aerial Imagery Resources
- Robinson Map Library This link opens in a new window
- GeoData@Wisconsin This link opens in a new window
- B1G Geoportal This link opens in a new window
UW's Geospatial Community
Visit the UW Geospatial Science website from the State Cartographer's Office for more information on connecting with the geospatial community at UW-Madison.
Technical Support and Training Resources
UW-Madison does not have a physical GIS "helpdesk" for answering technical questions regarding GIS software and procedures. There are, however, several ways to get basic assistance.
GIS Software and Technical Support Email
For GIS software support, technical questions, or guidance using GIS software for a research project beyond the basics/introductory level, you can send questions to the GIS Support List
(geospatial-helpdesk@datascience.wisc.edu) A team of campus geospatial science volunteers will be happy to help, or refer you to someone on campus who can!
The UW-Madison GeoDesign Collaborative
The Geodesign Collaborative is a new departmental working group seeking to foster and improve interactions between academia, industry, and communities at large. Email: esri@dpla.wisc.edu
Current Activities
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Providing technical and learning support
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Connecting Academia, Industry, and Community
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Deploying emerging geospatial technologies
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Geodesign Workshops
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International project on carbon-negative future
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Exploring drone, 3D, and tabletop technologies
Robinson Map Library
Students, faculty and staff can contact the Robinson Map Library for assistance with the following:
- Brief introduction to GIS software (also available online)
- Basic understanding of geospatial data types and formats
- Where to find reliable sources of geospatial data
- Using and understanding metadata
Contact the Map Library via e-mail at askmap@library.wisc.edu. Or contact Jaime Martindale directly.
The Introduction to GIS Workshop is available online
This introductory workshop provides students with the fundamentals and basic concepts of GIS. A 45 minute lecture gives an overview of the technology and offers examples of applications. Following the lecture/video, students can access materials to work through a hands-on exercise, with three software options available. The exercise provides training in the basic functionality of working with geospatial data using GIS software.
ESRI Resources/Software at UW-Madison
Information on the UW-Madison ESRI Campus Site License and access to software downloads can be found here: https://esri.wisc.edu/ For questions, contact esri@dpla.wisc.edu
UW-Madison Courses in GIScience
Overview of Geospatial Science
Geog 170: Our Digital Globe - An Overview of GIScience
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geog 377: Introduction to GIS
Geog 378: Introduction to Geocomputing
Geog 574: Spatial Databases
Geog 576: Spatial Web and Mobile Programming
Geog 578: GIS Applications
Geog 579: GIS and Spatial Analysis
Geog 970: Seminar
Domain-specific GIS Courses:
Environmental/Natural Resources
PLA 695: Applications of GIS in Natural Resources
Zoology
Zoo 504: Modeling Animal Landscapes
Planning
PLA 622: GIS for Planners
PLA 841: Planning for the Ecological City
PLA 969: GIS and Planning Applications
Landscape Architecture
PLA 262: Landscape Inventory & Evaluation Methods
PLA 462: Regional Design
PLA 695: Applications of GIS in Natural Resources
Cartography
Geog 370: Introduction to Cartography
Geog 572: Graphic Design in Cartography
Geog 575: Interactive Cartography and Geovisualization
Geog 970: Seminar
Remote Sensing
F&W ECOL 371:Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing
Civ Engr/Envir St/Forestry 556: Remote Sensing Digital Image Processing
GeoSci 118: Monitoring the Earth by Satellite
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GeoSci 444: Practical Aspects of GPS Surveying
Contact Information
GIS Labs On Campus
UW Campus Computing Labs
- DoIT Computing Labs with a variety of available software
Robinson Map Library
- 310 Science Hall, 550 North Park St.
- Hours
- 5 workstations with GIS software (requires UW-Madison login)
Forest and Wildlife Ecology Computer Lab
- A120 Russell Labs
- Access: Reserved for use by undergraduate and graduate forest and wildlife ecology classes, and students who are enrolled in FWE courses.
Geography Drop-in Lab
- M376 Science Hall (located on the 3rd floor mezzanine), 550 North Park St.
- 16 PCs
- Access: Geography students, or students enrolled in Geography classes
Geography Geospatial Teaching Lab
- 380 Science Hall, 550 North Park St.
- 20 PCs plus one teaching station
- Access: Teaching Lab for Geography courses
PLA Computer Lab
- Old Music Hall - 1st Floor
- PLA students or affiliates