WVU students across all disciplines will have free access to one of the world’s most widely used geographic information system platforms, thanks to a collaboration between the Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia GIS Technical Center, Information Technology Services and ESRI, the company behind the ARCGIS Pro software.
The commercial software suite, a powerhouse for digital mapping and spatial analysis, includes the desktop application ArcGIS Pro and the web-based ArcGIS. The online tools are used by universities, research institutions, government agencies and businesses worldwide.
Undergraduate and graduate students can now access professional grade mapping and analysis tools to support coursework, class projects, research and independent learning on both University-owned lab computers and personal devices by using their WVU credentials.
“This is a phenomenal step forward in giving our students access to the same technology used by leading researchers and industry professionals,” said Aaron Maxwell, director of the West Virginia GIS Technical Center. “Students can now build critical geospatial skills that will give them a competitive edge in their future careers.”
WVU maintains a site license for ArcGIS software, managed by G&G and the West Virginia GIS Technical Center.
ArcGIS software is widely used in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, John Chambers College of Business and Economics, Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, School of Medicine and other academic units.
While this expanded access applies to students only, faculty and staff who already have ArcGIS access may continue using it.
Those who wish to request access should contact Abe Johnson, business and academic operations professional, at abjohnson1@mail.wvu.edu.