What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data about the world around us. Rooted in geography, GIS integrates spatial location with layers of information. Early work in the field of GIS started in the 1960s to manage natural resources. Today, GIS is used in almost every field to aid decision making by visualizing and exploring data patterns, trends, and relationships.
GIS at Lehigh
Here at Lehigh, students, faculty, and staff, have access to a suite of tools designed by Esri to build and work with GIS data. These tools, collectively known as ArcGIS, include desktop and cloud-based software, and mobile applications. For ArcGIS desktop software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro), users can either download and install the software directly onto their machine, or they can access the programs through LUapps, a virtualized software system where users can run programs through a web browser. LUapps can be accessed both on campus and off-campus and no longer requires VPN access. Cloud-based programs (e.g., ArcGIS Online) are available by visiting Lehigh’s enterprise site and logging in with your Lehigh credentials. The video below, demonstrates logging into Lehigh’s ArcGIS portal:
For more information about how to set up your ArcGIS account, or for details on installing software, please see the Knowledge Base documentation provided by Library & Technology Services.