GIS Certificate: Laboratory and Software

Technology Overview

• Dedicated GIS laboratory to assist students and faculty in GIS related research and education.
• Access to GIS librarian can assist students' learning with regard to GIS related software and research.
• Use of ArcGIS 9.2, relational databases and spatial analysis techniques.

GIS Laboratory

The Urban Studies and Environmental Sciences programs maintain a state-of-the-art facility for GIS instruction. A computer laboratory is equipped with computers and several output devices including laser and inkjet printers. Other peripheral equipment include large format color plotter, CD-ROM readers, scanner, printers, and a digitizer are available for use. UW Tacoma's GIS Certificate Program utilizes ArcGIS 9.2 created by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), as well as ArcView GIS, ESRI, and ERDAS. The lab is linked to UW's network to facilitate access to data sources on the internet.

What is ArcGIS?

ESRI® ArcGIS® is a family of software products that forms a complete geographic information system (GIS) built on industry standards that provide exceptional, yet easy-to-use, capabilities out of the box. ArcReader™, ArcView®, ArcEditor™, and ArcInfo™ are a scalable suite of desktop software products for geographic data creation, integration, and analysis. ArcIMS® provides data and application services via the Internet. ArcSDE® is an application server that facilitates storing and managing spatial data in a database management system (DBMS). And ArcPad® is a mobile technology that extends GIS to the field.

Key Advantages of ArcGIS

• Easy to use
• Exceptional functionality
• Scalable
• Web enabled

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