Geographic Information Systems

What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems that aid in the management and analysis of geographically referenced data. In other words, GIS is an information system that is designed to work with data referenced by spatial or geographic coordinates.

What WTAMU Has

WTAMU relies on data acquired through the Federal Depository Library Program (such as the Census Bureau, Department of Interior, etc.) for its data sets. Use the Cornette Library Catalog or search online to find data sets to use. Cornette Library has some proprietary GIS software which includes: Microsoft MapPoint, DeLorme Topo USA, and Global Mapper. Also available are the products ArcReader, Google Earth, and NASA World Wind.

Microsoft MapPoint
features help you turn large amounts of location-based information into maps that are practical and easy to understand. Just import spreadsheet information into MapPoint, and it is displayed in a meaningful way.
DeLorme Topo USA
features a topographic map, a shaded relief map, a 3-D shaded relief map, a trail map, and a road map, and lets you route automatically for all of them. Topo USA 5.0 combines the best features of detailed topographic maps with road-routing software so you have a versatile mapping solution.
Global Mapper
features a viewer capable of displaying the most popular raster, elevation, and vector data sets. It converts, edits, prints, tracks GPS, and allows you to utilize GIS functionality on data sets. Global Mapper also includes the ability to directly access the entire TerraServer database of USGS satellite imagery and topographic maps free of charge and to view elevation data in true 3-D.

Frequently Asked Questions