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