Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Across
Disciplines: A Resource Guide for the Sciences
Created by Nicole Nawalaniec for INF2102: GIS in Libraries
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Table of Contents
Introduction to GIS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 2 Purpose of this resource guide ………………………………………………………………………….. p. 2
What is GIS? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 2
How is GIS used in the sciences? ……………………………………………………………………….. p. 2
General GIS resources ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. p. 3
Reference materials …………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 3
Finding geospatial data ……………………………………………………………………………….……. p. 4 Citing data sources …………………………………………………………………………………..……….. p. 4 GIS Software ………………………………………………………………………………………..……………. p. 5
Help ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………. p. 6 Archaeology and Paleontology .…………………………………………………………………………………. p. 7
Field surveys ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 7 Remote sensing …………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 8 GIS tools …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 8 Finding Archaeological and Paleontological data ……………………………………………….. p. 8 Publications ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 9 Books ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 9
Help resources …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 11 Epidemiology …………………………………………….………………………………………………………………. p. 12
Health and disease mapping ……………………………………………………………………………… p. 12 GIS tools ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 12 Finding Epidemiology data ………………………………………………………………………………… p. 13 Books ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 13
Help resources …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 15 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ……………………………………………………………………………… p. 16
Field analysis ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 16 Species distribution modelling …………………………………………………………………………… p. 16 GIS tools ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 17 Finding Ecological data ………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 18 Books ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 18 Help resources …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p. 20
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Introduction to GIS
Purpose of this resource guide
This guide aims to provide students and those involved in academia with information and
resources that will help them incorporate GIS into their scientific research. The guide begins
with an overview and introduction to GIS in the sciences and goes on to provide general a list of
resources such as reference materials, GIS software, and tutorials. Resources specific to the
fields of Archaeology and Paleontology; Epidemiology; as well as Ecology are subsequently
presented.
What is GIS?
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems that have the ability to capture,
manage, manipulate, analyze, and display data that has been referenced to locations on Earth.
GIS applications allow users to visualize geospatial information in many ways, allowing for the
analysis and interpretation of data patterns and trends.
(Definition of GIS adapted from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and U of T’s
Map and Data Library)
How is GIS used in the sciences?
GIS can be used in a number of ways in scientific disciplines to visualize, analyze, and create
new information. The use of GIS connects research data and spatial analysis. Specifically, GIS
can be used during or after field research to identify the characteristics of certain areas on the
surface of the Earth. In cases where researchers are not able to physically collect data from a
location, GIS software can also be utilized for remote sensing. Furthermore, scientists can track
species, diseases, and landscape changes over time as well as make statistically sound
predictions. These techniques can be used to conduct research in Ecology, Epidemiology, or
Archaeology and Paleontology in order to help researchers gain insight into patterns and trends
associated with spatial locations. This allows scientists to ask and answer important questions
about our world.
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General GIS resources
Reference materials
The following reference materials (dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and atlases) may be useful at
the start of your research if you would like to learn more about geographic concepts, terms, or
specific locations.
Dictionaries
A Dictionary of Geography
This dictionary encompasses terms from all major fields of geography and includes the
most recent information available.
ESRI`s GIS Dictionary
This dictionary includes numerous commonly-used GIS terms, including those related to
data, modelling, analysis, and more.
National Resources Canada: Mapping Terminology
This resource contains a number of terms and concepts related to cartography, many of
which are accompanied by very detailed descriptions.
Encyclopedias
Europa World Plus
This resource provides information about over 250 countries, including economic,
political, geographic, as well as statistical information. The resource also provides
detailed information on the history and development of countries over time.
World Fact Book
This resource contains geographical, political, social, economic, and much more
information. Also included are regional maps, flags, and statistical information. This is a
publication of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Atlases
Atlas of Canada
This Atlas houses a comprehensive collection of Canadian maps, encompassing
geographic, social, and historical information.
National Atlas of the United States
This Atlas houses an up-to-date collection of maps of the United States.
World Maps
This resource contains a collection of maps from countries all over the world and
includes physical as well as political maps.
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Finding geospatial data
There are several ways in which you can find geospatial data for use in your research:
1. U of T’s Map and Data Library Geospatial Inventory
Search and download geospatial data made available to faculty and students through the
University of Toronto.
Need help? This tutorial demonstrates an effective way to search U of T’s geospatial inventory.
2. Scholars GeoPortal
This resource is an interactive way to search, visualize, and download geospatial data. The
GeoPortal contains data that is also available through the University of Toronto Geospatial
Inventory, but provides users with a different way to search. In addition to a different interface,
users have the option to download entire datasets, or select a specific area of interest to
download. In order to use this resource, you must log in through your institution if you are not
already on campus. U of T researchers should be advised that the GeoPortal does not contain
all of the geospatial data offered through the Map and Data Library Inventory. Furthermore,
download limitations may exist depending on the type and size of the data itself. For more
information on download limits, please see the Scholars GeoPortal Downloading FAQ.
Need help? This guide provides a description of how to search using the GeoPortal.
3. Open data portals
Thanks to global and Canadian open data movements, more geospatial data has become freely
available online. The above link provides a list of open data repositories and contains many
sources of Canadian data, including Geobase, Geogratis, and Open Data Toronto.
Citing data sources
Just as it is necessary to cite all written sources used in your research, it is also imperative to
cite all data sources. Citing geospatial data can be difficult, but provided here are some
resources that make the process easier.
University of Waterloo outlines best practices from Association of Canadian Map
Libraries and Archives for citing cartographic materials
University of Regina guidelines for citing maps and geospatial data
Scholar’s Portal guide to citing geospatial data generated from the GeoPortal
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Ryerson University lists several examples of citation formats for geospatial data
Statistics Canada provides many examples of citing maps and geospatial products
GIS software
The following is a list of some popular commercial and open source GIS software. Free trials of
commercial software may be available. All software packages listed are available for use on
campus in the Map and Data Library’s computer lab (Robarts 5th floor) and in the Centre for
Teaching Support and Innovation computer lab (Robarts 4th floor).
1. ArcGIS desktop
Powerful commercial GIS software that allows you to visualize, analyze, model, and
manage geospatial data as well as create and share maps. ArcGIS is customizable
through the use of ArcGIS Engine, which allows users to embed and create mapping
applications and scripts
Available for Windows only. Mac users must install VMWare, BootCamp, or Parallels in
order to install and run ArcGIS desktop
A free license may be obtained through the Map and Data library for students and
faculty members of departments or faculties that are members of the ESRI Consortium.
A list of eligible departments can be found here. Instructions for downloading a student
license are available here.
2. Google Earth Pro
Commercial GIS software allowing users to visualize, analyze, and share geospatial data
Available for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux operating systems
Download a 7-day free trial
3. Quantum GIS (QGIS)
Open source GIS software that allows users to visualize, analyze, and manage geospatial
data as well as create maps. QGIS can also be customized with API documentation and
Python
Available for Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac OSX devices
Download QGIS for free
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Help
Tutorials
ArcGIS:
UTM Library video: A Basic Introduction to ArcMap
UTM Library tutorial: Using ArcGIS 10
ESRI training module: Using ArcMap in ArcGIS Desktop 10 (note: you must sign up for a
free ESRI Global Account to utilize this module)
Getting to know ArcGIS desktop (3rd ed.), by Tim Ormsby et al.
Google Earth Pro:
Google tutorial: Google Earth User Guide
Quantum GIS (QGIS):
Jarrett Totton QGIS video tutorial series: Introduction to QGIS
QGIS tutorials from SpatialThoughts Blog: Beginner to Advanced level QGIS tutorials
A full list of QGIS tutorials can be found via the QGIS website here
More:
View a full list of U of T’s self-help sheets and tutorials
Still need help?
The Map and Data Library provides GIS reference services, instruction, and workshops for staff,
faculty, and students:
Check out the Map and Data Library’s hours of operation
Contact a librarian directly with your question
Sign up for a GIS workshop
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Archaeology and Paleontology
Field surveys
Archaeological and Paleontological research usually begin by conducting field surveys of a
particular site of interest. This requires the recording of GPS coordinates in order to determine
significant artifacts, remains, and characteristics of the area. Understanding the spatial
distribution of these features can ultimately help archaeologists determine appropriate sites of
excavation. The following is a list of tools that will aid in the collection of field data for use with
GIS applications.
(Information obtained from B. Tomaszewski (2006) in ArcNews Online)
Mobile GIS
Geocollector for ArcPad: Hand-held, mobile GIS unit for data collection that allows real-
time integration of data with GIS
ArcGIS Apps for smartphones and tablets: Allows users to run GIS on mobile devices,
compatible with Android, Windows, and Apple platforms
gvSIG Mobile GIS: Open source GIS software ideal for capturing field data that works
with Windows Mobile platforms
GPS Applications
BaseCamp: Free software available for Windows and Mac OSX that enables users to
geotag photos as well as export data, maps, and satellite images between their
computer and Garmin GPS device
DNR Garmin Application: Open source software that allows for the direct transfer of
coordinates from Garmin GPS devices to and from GIS software, including ArcMap 9,
10, and Google Earth
EasyGPS: Free software allowing users to organize and transfer data between Garmin,
Magellan, and Lowrance GPS devices and Windows computers
GarminCustomMap: Free plugin for QGIS that allows users to export their map canvas
to a Garmin custom map
GPS Babel: Freely available software enables the transfer and conversion of data
between GPS devices and mapping applications that is compatible with Windows (XP,
Vista, 7), Mac OSX, Linux, and other POSIX operating systems
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Remote sensing
Remote sensing techniques are used by Archaeologists and Paleontologists to collect
information about the environment without physically conducting a field survey. This is usually
done via aerial photography, radar, or satellite images. GIS capability for complex analysis
makes predictive modelling of potential excavation sites fast and efficient.
(Definition of remote sensing adapted from ESRI’s GIS Dictionary)
GIS tools
The following is a list of tools, including specialized software, extensions, and add-ons that will
support the types of analysis conducted in Archaeology research.
Software
LandSerf: Freely available GIS software specializing in the analysis of land surfaces. This
software is available on Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and Unix.
Ocean Data View: Freely available GIS software with specific functionality for visualizing
and analyzing geo-referenced oceanographic data. This software is compatible with
Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and Unix platforms.
ArcGIS extensions
ArcGIS 3D Analyst: This ArcGIS add-on allows users to have a more realistic perception
of surface data. You can request a 60-day free trial of all ArcGIS extensions here.
ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst: Provides a number of statistical tools for analyzing spatial
data, such as prediction models. You can request a 60-day free trial of all ArcGIS
extensions here.
ArcGIS Spatial Analyst: Allows users perform advanced analysis of spatial relationships.
You can request a 60-day free trial of all ArcGIS extensions here.
Finding Archaeological and Paleontological data
Digital Archaeological Record: International repository containing archaeological data
from the past and present
Global Landcover Facility: Contains landcover data and satellite imagery from around
the world
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Publications
Journal of GIS in Archaeology
International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information
Sciences
Books
The following is a list of books that contain information about the application of GIS in the fields
of Archaeology and Paleontology. Click on the image to find a particular book within the
University of Toronto Libraries catalogue.
GIS and archaeological site location modeling, edited by Mark W. Mehrer, Konnie L. Wescott
Practical applications of GIS for archaeologists: A predictive modeling toolkit, edited by Konnie L. Wescott and Joe Brandon
Spatial technology and archaeology: The archaeological applications of GIS, by David Wheatley and Mark Grillings
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Winding Dali's clock: The construction of a fuzzy temporal-GIS for archaeology, by Christopher Thomas Green.
New technologies for archaeology: Multidisciplinary investigations in Palpa and Nasca, Peru, edited by Markus Reindel and Günther A. Wagner
Between dirt and discussion: Methods, methodology, and interpretation in historical archaeology, edited by Steven N. Archer and Kevin M. Bartoy
Geographical information systems and landscape archaeology, edited by Mark Gillings, David Mattingly and Jan van Dalen
Interpreting space: GIS and archaeology, edited by Kathleen M.S. Allen, Stanton W. Green, Ezra B.W. Zubrow
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Help resources
3D Visualisation and Analysis of archaeological vector and raster data using open source
geospatial software
Archaeological maps from QGIS and Inkscape: A brief guide (3rd ed.)
Case study on integrating open-source GIS software into Archaeological research
Data analysis using ArcGIS
Manually importing/converting coordinate data into ArcGIS shapefiles
Open source survey and GIS manual
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Epidemiology
Health and disease mapping
When combined with GIS, public health and medical data can be easily analyzed in order to
discover the patterns and trends of health and disease over geographic areas. This information
is invaluable both for decision-making in the public health sector and for generating new
avenues of scientific research. Through the use of GIS, quality data and statistics can be
produced in order to inform health practitioners, decision-makers, researchers, and the public
about the health needs of populations. The following is a list of tools that will aid in the analysis
of data and the visualization of health trends.
(Information from ESRI)
Epi Info: Simple open source software package allowing users to create questionnaires,
databases, as well as analyze and visualize the results.
Flow Mapper: Freely available program for mapping the movement of geographic
movement.
Geospatial Modelling Environment (GME): Open source software with specific
functionality allowing users to model and analyze species data. Note, GME requires both
ArcGIS and R statistical software in order to function.
Maptitude: Proprietary GIS software specifically designed for epidemiology and disease
mapping
Spatial Analysis in Macroecoogy: Free program for statistical and spatial analysis, with
specific functionality to support ecology, biogeography, demography, and epidemiology
research.
GIS tools
The following is a list of tools, including specialized software, extensions, and add-ons that will
support the type of analysis conducted in Epidemiology research.
Software
GeoDa: Open source software allows users to perform exploratory spatial data analysis
of point and polygon data. This application also has the capability to manipulate spatial
data and therefore create point shape files from text files.
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PySAL: Is an open source Python library containing tools for customizing spatial analysis
functions.
R: Freely available statistical software that has the capability to analyze spatial
information. Here is a list of R add-ons, many of which provide functionality of analyzing
biological and demographic data.
ArcGIS extensions
ArcGIS Spatial Analyst: Allows users perform advanced analysis of spatial relationships,
including demographic analysis. You can request a 60-day free trial of all ArcGIS
extensions here.
ArcGIS Tracking Analyst: Advanced functionality allows users to view and analyze time-
based spatial trends. You can request a 60-day free trial of all ArcGIS extensions here.
Finding Epidemiology data
There are many sources of health-related data available online and through the Map and Data
Library’s collection. Provided here are a few examples of Canadian and International health
resourcecs.
Canadian Census Analyzer: Provides data and geospatial data about Canada’s geography
and population
Canadian Health Trends: Statistics Canada data providing information on the health
status of Canadians
Demographic Health Surveys: Provides survey and GPS data from global health surveys.
(Note: you must register (no cost) to gain access to these datasets)
Diseases and Health Conditions: Statistics Canada tables on diseases and health
conditions in Canada
Gapminder: This resource contains global health and demographic data
Much more data is available through the Map and Data Library
Books
The following is a list of books that contain information about the application of GIS in the field
of epidemiology. Click on the image to find a particular book within the University of Toronto
Libraries catalogue.
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GIS and health, edited by Anthony G. Gatrell and Markku Löytönen
GIS tutorial for health, by Kristen S. Kurland and Wilpen L. Gorr.
Spatial analysis, GIS, and remote sensing applications in the health sciences, Edited by Donald P. Albert, Wilbert M. Gesler and Barbara Levergood.
GIS in public health practice, edited by Ravi Maheswaran and Massimo Craglia.
GIS and public health, by Ellen K. Cromley and Sara L. McLafferty.
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Essentials of medical geology: Impacts of the natural environment on public health, edited by Olle Selinus et al.
Cartographies of disease: Maps, mapping, and medicine, by Tom Koch.
Spatial epidemiological approaches in disease mapping and analysis, by Poh Chin Lai, Fun Mun So and Ka Wing Chan.
Spatial analysis in epidemiology, by Dirk U. Pfeiffer et al.
Help resources
Case studies of GIS use in the public health sector
GIS and Public Health: Benefits and challenges
How to display rural survey data in GIS without compromising privacy?
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Ecology
Field analysis
Ecologists may produce data through field research, either by tracking wildlife or surveying
ecological habitats. The following is a list of tools that will aid in the collection of environmental
data for use with GIS applications.
Mobile GIS
Geocollector for ArcPad: Hand-held, mobile GIS unit for data collection that allows real-
time integration of data with GIS
ArcGIS Apps for smartphones and tablets: Allows users to run GIS on mobile devices,
compatible with Android, Windows, and Apple platforms
gvSIG Mobile GIS: Open source GIS software ideal for capturing field data that works
with Windows Mobile platforms
GPS Applications
BaseCamp: Free software available for Windows and Mac OSX that enables users to
geotag photos as well as export data, maps, and satellite images between their
computer and Garmin GPS device
DNR Garmin Application: Open source software that allows for the direct transfer of
coordinates from Garmin GPS devices to and from GIS software, including ArcMap 9,
10, and Google Earth
EasyGPS: Free software allowing users to organize and transfer data between Garmin,
Magellan, and Lowrance GPS devices and Windows computers
GPS Babel: Freely available software enables the transfer and conversion of data
between GPS devices and mapping applications that is compatible with Windows (XP,
Vista, 7), Mac OSX, Linux, and other POSIX operating systems
Species distribution modelling
Species modelling involves the estimation, analysis, and identification of the relationships
between environmental conditions and the geographic distribution of wildlife. Modelling the
dispersion of species requires both biological (species distribution) and environmental
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(landscape features) data. GIS offers an ideal system in which to store, analyze, and visualize all
of this data. The following is a list of freely available GIS software applications that will allow
users to create predictive models and analyze their ecological information.
(Information provided from the Biodiversity Informatics Facility)
Biomapper: a GIS tool that can be used for modelling ecological niches and examining
habitat suitability
DesktopGarp: Freely available software allowing users to predict and analyze
DIVA-GIS: Free software that provides users with the ability analyze and create species
distribution models
Geospatial Modelling Environment (GME): Open source software with specific
functionality allowing users to model and analyze ecological and species data. Note,
GME requires both ArcGIS and R statistical software in order to function.
Maxent: Freely available software that allows users to create models of species habitats
openModeller: Open source software with the capability for creating niche models and
projections for environmental scenarios
SEEK: Open source infrastructure for ecological research comprised of analytical tools
and an integrated data grid for accessing relevant data.
GIS tools
The following are useful tools, including specialized software and extensions that will support
the types of analysis conducted in Ecology research.
Software
Ocean Data View: Freely available GIS software with specific functionality for visualizing
and analyzing geo-referenced oceanographic data. This software is compatible with
Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and Unix platforms.
R: Freely available statistical software that has the capability to analyze spatial
information. Here is a list of R add-ons, many of which provide functionality of analyzing
biological and demographic data.
Spatial Analysis in Macroecoogy: Free program for statistical and spatial analysis, with
specific functionality to support ecology, biogeography, demography, and epidemiology
research.
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ArcGIS extensions
ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst: Provides a number of statistical tools for analyzing spatial
data, such as prediction models. You can request a 60-day free trial of all ArcGIS
extensions here.
Marine Geospatial Ecology Tools (MGET): Open source toolkit for ArcGIS that has the
ability to help users perform marine ecology-specific tasks such as mapping habitat
models and identifying relevant features from remotely sensed imagery.
Finding Ecological data
FishNet: Portal containing global fish specimen data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility: Download geospatial data and information
about
Global Landcover Facility: Contains landcover data and satellite imagery from around
the world
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Provides access to climate data from past
and present
Mammal Networked Information System: Data portal comprising containing mammalian
research data from Universities and Museums in North America
National Oceanographic Data Centre: Choose from several global oceanographic
datasets
NatureServe: Provides data on plant and animal species and ecosystems within the
Western Hemisphere, mostly in North America
Ocean Biogeographic Information System: Contains global marine species datasets
World Climate Data: Download global climate data layers
Books
The following is a list of books that contain information about the application of GIS in the field
of ecology. Click on the image to find a particular book within the University of Toronto
Libraries catalogue.
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GIS for ecology: An introduction, by Richard Wadsworth and Jo Treweek.
Spatial uncertainty in ecology: Implications for remote sensing and GIS applications, edited by Carolyn T. Hunsaker et al.
GIS and remote sensing applications in biogeography and ecology, edited by Andrew C. Millington, Stephen J. Walsh and Patrick E. Osborne.
Landscape ecology and geographic information systems, edited by Roy Haines-Young, David R. Green and Steven Cousins.
Amphibian ecology and conservation: A handbook of techniques, edited by C. Kenneth Dodd, Jr.
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Remote sensing and GIS in ecosystem management, edited by V. Alaric Sample
Models for planning wildlife conservation in large landscapes, by Joshua J. Millspaugh and Frank R. Thompson, III.
Help resources
ArcGIS tutorial: Accessing MGET
GIS in Ecology: ArcGIS Tutorial
Guide to GME
Information about Environmental modelling algorithms
Training manual on spatial analysis of plant diversity and distribution
Strategic commands for GME