Librarian
GIS programs
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SimplyAnalyticsSimplyMap is now SimplyAnalytics. Mapping application that allows users to customize interactive maps & reports using thousands of data variables. To save your searches, you need to sign up for an account using your UIC email address. Access restricted to 5 concurrent users.
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Social ExplorerSocial Explorer provides access to current and historical census data and demographic information. Create maps and reports to better illustrate, analyze and understand demography and social change.
Note: Social Explorer has developed a new libguide. To see the new libguide, you can go this link here -
PolicyMapPolicyMap is an data and mapping tool for accessing data about communities across the U.S. to make better-informed decisions without any prior experience.
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LinkedIn Learning with UICLinkedIn Learning features tutorials in ArcGIS and QGIS as well as integrating other programming languages with GIS.
GIS Data Files
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TIGER GeodatabasesA limited set of TIGER/Line Shapefiles are available pre-joined with demographic data in geodatabase and shapefile format.
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Geospatial Data GatewayA natural resources and environmental data portal based on geospatial attributes. Data can be downloaded as ESRI shapefiles for use in ArcGIS.
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The National Historic GIS Census WebsiteThis website provides GIS shapefiles and census data corresponding to the level of the geographic information that you request. So it is a one-stop center for basic GIS and demographics for all census years down to block group level where available. Free registration is required.
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The National Map Seamless ServerOffers: Free Data Downloads, User Defined Datasets and Area, Acquire Data From Different Hosts, Elevation Point and Profile Tools, and Tutorial
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Illinois Free GIS dataPortal to links for data at USGS, ESRI, EPA, Fish and Wildlife Wetlands, Agriculture's Soil conservation, FEMA flood and coastal barriers, Census Bureau, and assorted other links to Illinois data. You are directed to original data sites.
Chicagoland GIS files
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City of Chicago GIS dataIn additon to maps and interactive mapping, this site has a variety of GIS files (base files, transportation, community areas, etc.) that can be downloaded and used freely. Note that no metadata is available.
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MetroChicagoDataMetroChicagoData.org brings interactive information and data from the City of Chicago, Cook County and the State of Illinois into one single, citizen-friendly interface. Search for keywords or browse a unified set of topics and categories.
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Illinois Natural Resources GIS Data ClearinghouseAccess Illinois GIS data sets and documentation (metadata) for ArcIMS Interactive Map Services, USGS digital topographic maps, aerial photography, orthoimagery, orthophotography, geology, land use, natural resources, and infrastructure. Illinois data sets and map data layers are available for download free of charge
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Natural Connections: Green InfrastructureGreen infrastructure is the interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas that provides wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities and maintains the sustainability of the region.
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CMAP (Chicago Metro Area Planning) Data HubCMAP can provide GIS and geodatabase information from the Chicagoland area.
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Lake County (IL) GIS ProductsDigital GIS products available online from the Lake County Government.
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DuPage County GIS InformationWhile there are GIS data available it appears that it is only by purchase and not freely available.
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Will County GIS InformationWill County has GIS products and information but it requires purchasing the GIS data to obtain copies.
Free Software Available Online
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GRASS GISCommonly referred to as GRASS, this is a Geographic Information System (GIS) used for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics/maps production, spatial modeling, and visualization.
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Quantum GISQuantum GIS (QGIS) is a user friendly Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS) licensed under the GNU General Public License. QGIS is an official project of the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo). It runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, and Windows
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Saga GISSAGA - short hand for "System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses" - is a free, hybrid, cross-platform GIS software.
Geocoding
Often data has address information but needs to be georeferenced or geocoded. This means that you need to add spatial coordinates to a data base to use it in GIS programs.
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Texas A&M University GeoservicesTAMU GeoServices offers a number of geographic information processing services. These services are provided to the greater geospatial community to assist in geospatial-related research and data processing, analysis, and visualization.
Texas A&M University Geoservices offers direct access to the latest cutting edge research on geocoding, address parsing, normalization and standardization, and open source geospatial mapping and visualization.
Help with GIS Terms
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Syracuse University Working with GIS GuideGuide to working with GIS Data, including guide to terminology.