GIS @ Reed
The two most common desktop GIS software systems are ArcGIS (proprietary, Windows-only) and QGIS (open source, free, cross-platform).
QGIS access
QGIS is what we recommend you start with at Reed. Unless you are an advanced GIS user, most of the things you can do in ArcGIS, you can do for free with QGIS. Reed also offers more help support for QGIS with online guides and trained student workers in the DataLab.
You can download QGIS for both Mac or Windows.
ArcGIS software options and access
ArcGIS is available via the Virtual Computer Lab. For access to ArcGIS training materials and/or full access to ArcGIS Online, contact Instructional Technology Services.
Faculty -- and students conducting research projects for faculty -- may access ArcGIS in the mLab in the ETC. For faculty, CUS can install a keyless copy of ArcGIS on your Windows computer (or the Windows side of your Mac computer using Bootcamp).
Students are eligible for a free copy of ArcGIS for one year while they are enrolled in classes. (Non-students can purchase ArcGIS software through the ArcGIS for personal use program.)
GIS support and more information
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about GIS at Reed, please contact Instructional Technology Services.