Image Credit: Der geographischen Anstalt von J.J. Arnd in Leipzig [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons
ArcGIS Workstations at the MRC
ArcGIS is a powerful mapping software developed by the company Esri. UCI Libraries holds 2 licenses for ArcGIS 10, available at the Multimedia Resource Center (Science Library).
Get in touch with the MRC for the best hours and access information.
More GIS
Need more information about GIS? Check out the GIS Research Guide.
Many of UCI Libraries data and mapping databases are designed for researchers in the social sciences, but may be highly relevant to digital humanists. Note that most of the resources on this list require authentication through UCI and are marked with an (*). If you are off-campus, you will need to use the VPN to access.
Maps and GIS are an important part of digital humanities research methods, especially in the context of spatial and network analysis. A map can be an excellent way to present data visually, as either an alternative, or supplement to, narrative text.
Geographic information systems include tools (such as software) and related data used to in spatial analysis.
Want more?
Free Tools
Fee-Based Tools ($$$)
Many of UCI Libraries' digital primary source collections contain historical maps, geographic search interfaces, and/or interactive and other built-in tools that may be of interest to digital humanists. There are more tools and collections than could possibly be listed here. The following is a selection only.
Please contact Madelynn Dickerson, the Digital Humanities and History Librarian (mrosed@uci.edu) before engaging in any data mining, and/or if you have questions related to copyright when seeking to use these materials in projects.
Note that most of the resources on this list require authentication through UCI and are marked with an (*). If you are off-campus, you will need to use the VPN to access.
See the Primary Sources Research Guide for more!
Maps and GIS are used in diverse disciplines. UCI Libraries has multiple guides to help with identifying maps, geographic data, and related tools that may be helpful to digital humanists.
Architecture and Planning Guide
Census Guide (includes Census Geography) Guide
Criminology, Law & Society: Data Guide
Earth System Science: Maps and Aerial Photographs Guide
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Guide
Geography: Quick Reference Guide
GIS Resources for Environmental Sciences Guide
Orange County Region and Government Information: Maps, Aerial Photos, GIS Guide
Many libraries curate lists of tools for DH and mapping. You many find some of the following to be particularly helpful.
Intro to DH: GIS Mapping Guide (Temple)
DH Tools & Software (includes a nice section on GIS Apps & Sites) (NYU)
DH: GIS and Other Mapping Tools (with links to tutorials) (Dickinson)
Access ArcGIS through UCI OIT's Virtual Computer Lab
UCI's Office of Information Technology (OIT) allows anyone with a UCINet ID to access specialized software, including ArcGIS, through a virtual computer desktop that runs through your internet browser. Read more about this virtual service, including detailed instructions, on OIT's website.
Note: Esri also offers some versions of its software for free. Learn more about free versions of ArcGIS here.