Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Resources on GIS

Plenty of self-learning resources for GIS are freely available. These cover both basic GIS concepts as well as user guides for specific GIS tools.  

• Introduction to Geospatial Concepts - This 75-min lesson from Data Carpentry introduces core concepts required to understand GIS and is suitable for those with no previous experience with geospatial data. 
• A Gentle Introduction to GIS - An introductory guide on GIS with topic overviews, short exercises and further reading. Created by QGIS as a supporting resource. 
• ESRI Academy - ESRI's training site contains various web learning tutorials and material. Introductory videos for ArcGIS Online are free to view. 
• Working with GIS Data? Librarians can help with that

Need help with GIS? 

If you have a query on how you can apply GIS in your projects, a librarian may be able to help. Contact melodychin@smu.edu.sg or your Research Librarian for your school. 

There are many different types of GIS desktop software available, some proprietary and some open source. Depending on your need, open source tools are usually sufficient and can be donwloaded for free. 

Open Source GIS Software

• QGIS - A user-friendly and free GIS software supported by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation. Works on Mac OSX, Windows, Linux and Unix. *Recommended Software*
• GRASS GIS - GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) GIS is another powerful and free software for geospatial analysis and visualisation. 
• OpenJUMP - A GIS software based on Java, maintained by a group of volunteers.
• uDig - An open source desktop GIS that aims to be user-friendly and internet-oriented. Compatible with Windows, Mac OSX and Linux. 
• ArcGIS Online - A free version of software from ESRI. Free public accounts are available with limited mapping features for non-commercial personal use, although sign-up is required. Sign-up for a free account here. 
• gvSIG - An open source desktop GIS software. A gvSIG mobile app is also available to download from Google Play.