GIS & Spatial Literacy

GIS (geographic information system) connects data to maps, allowing researchers to view, understand, question, and interpret geographic relationships. Spatial literacy is the ability to use maps and spatial thinking to understand the world and solve problems. GIS team members offer instruction and consultation on finding GIS data, using GIS software, and applying spatial thinking to research projects. We host workshops with invited GIS experts on a range of topics.

GIS Research Support

We support researchers at any level of GIS experience.

Getting Started

We offer introductory GIS workshops throughout the academic year, including Introduction to ArcGIS Online, Introduction to Survey123, Introduction to StoryMaps, and Introduction to ArcGIS Pro. Esri also offers tutorials at Learn ArcGIS.

GIS Data and Applications

We instruct on a range of GIS applications. View our full list of GIS applications and get help choosing the right one for your project.

• ArcGIS Online - sign in with your SMU ID and password.
• ArcGIS Pro - available on computers in Fondren Library Red 106, 109 and 323 and for download on personal devices. Log in with the organizational URL prefix smudallas and your SMU ID and password.
• Google Earth Engine

GIS data storage is available for course instruction. Contact us for more information. Find GIS data and learn more about finding maps on research guides.

Projects and Assignments 

Drop-in consultations are available during GIS Lab hours in the Research & Scholarly Initiative Studio in Fondren Library for help with ongoing GIS projects and assignments, including locating spatial data, using and choosing GIS applications, and more. Researchers can request extra ArcGIS credits for advanced projects.

To learn full analysis with GIS, we recommend semester-long courses offered at SMU:

• CEE 5324/7324: GIS & Mapping
• GEOL 5356: Principles and Application of Remote Sensing
• GEOL 3359: Computer Methods in Earth Sciences
• HIST 4340: Big History Text Mining: Seminar in Digital History

GIS Consultation 

The Research & Scholarly Initiatives Studio offers in-person and online drop-in consultations for help with GIS projects and assignments. The Studio, located in in Fondren Library 106, has eight computers with GIS software, a projector, whiteboards, seating, and worktables.