Research Guides: Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Quick Start

Quick Start - Data Sources

Social Explorer
Current and historical demographic and social data, plus online tools to create custom maps and reports. Optional personal login account required to save and share projects online.
SimplyAnalytics
SimplyAnalytics (formerly SimplyMap) is a web-based mapping application to create professional quality, interactive thematic maps and reports using thousands of U.S. demographic, business, and marketing variables. Select, sort, and compare data across multiple geographic locations and create custom reports exportable to spreadsheets
PolicyMap
GIS mapping services from PolicyMap captures data in visually powerful ways through custom demographic maps, tables, reports and an analysis tool, Analytics. Available data includes demographics, home sale statistics, health data, mortgage trends, school performance scores and labor data like unemployment, crime statistics and city crime rates.
LandScan Global Archive
LandScan is a global population database that shows geographical distribution of population at one-kilometer resolution over an average 24-hour period. The LandScan algorithm uses spatial data and imagery analysis technologies and the most up-to-date census data within an administrative boundary.

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LandScan data licenses are in effect for a 12-month period. As long as ORNL continues to license the LandScan Dataset, licensees will have access to the dataset(s)s they have licensed. After the 12-period expires for a specific dataset, that dataset is removed from the download site and archived
Cal-Atlas Geospatial Clearinghouse
The Cal-Atlas site facilitates the sharing of geospatial data and web map services by California government agencies, partners and stakeholders. Includes links to physical and cultural geospatial data from the California Spatial Information Library(CaSIL).
EarthWorks
Stanford's EarthWorks allows you to search the digital data and scanned map libraries of several different institutions.

PLATFORMS

ArcGIS Free [ESRI]
With a public account you can create, store, and manage maps, scenes, layers, apps, and other geospatial content.
Share content with others. Access content shared by Esri and GIS users around the world.
Google Earth
Fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings and even explore galaxies in the Sky. You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places and share with others.

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Google Earth 5.0
Google Maps
Provides directions, interactive maps, and satellite aerial imagery of the United States. On May 25, 2007, Google released Street View, which provides 360° panoramic street-level views of various U.S. cities.

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Free web mapping service application and technology that powers many map-based services. It offers street maps, a route planner, and an urban business locator for countries around the world. A related product is Google Earth, a standalone program for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux which offers enhanced globe-viewing features.
MapED
MapED provides geographic context to NCES, Census, and other education demographic datasets.
National Map (USGS)
The National Map, the USGS' online, interactive map service. You can view The National Map by using your Web browser (no special software or download required).

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"The National Map is a consistent framework for geographic knowledge needed by the Nation. It provides public access to high-quality, geospatial data and information from multiple partners to help support decisionmaking by resource managers and the public. The National Map is the product of a consortium of Federal, State, and local partners who provide geospatial data to enhance America's ability to access, integrate, and apply geospatial data at global, national, and local scales..."
PolicyMap*
Online U.S. national data and mapping tool and analytics platform with multidisciplinary applications.
SimplyAnalytics*
SimplyAnalytics is a web-based mapping application that lets users quickly create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data for the United States.
SocialExplorer
Social Explorer provides easy-to-use tools for visual exploration of demographic information, from census and economic data to election and religion data, and more. With these interactive online tools, users can visually explore change over time and understand the patterns behind the raw numbers.