Trent > Library > MaDGIC > GIS Software

What Is GIS Software?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software links geographic information (where things are) to descriptive information (what things are like). The power of this technology lies in its ability to link multiple pieces of information about a geographic place; to store, manage, display, disseminate, analyze and query this information, and in so doing to draw regressions, correlate, and model outcomes. A key research tool for anyone interested in describing geographic space, GIS is multidisciplinary in nature and can be used for understanding our past, present and future.

Campus Site License For ESRI Software

There are many different GIS software packages available including both commercial and open source products. ESRI (founded originally as Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc) is a leading commercial vendor of GIS software including desktop and server products.

As part of its mandate to bring spatial information and supporting technologies to you, Trent Library’s Maps, Data and Government Information Centre is pleased to adminster the University’s site license for ESRI GIS software. In this capacity, we work closely with Trent IT, which coordinates all aspects of campus installations of ESRI’s ArcGIS (ArcINFO desktop software), one of the main software products received under our campus license agreement.

Terms of Trent University’s ESRI Campus Site License

Trent’s site license permits us to use ESRI software products on an unlimited number of the institution's computers provided they are located on campus and linked to the university’s local network. The software may be used for teaching, research, and administrative purposes by registered members of the university. Any form of commercial use is prohibited.

Contact Information

Contact MaDGIC

Maps, Data and Government Information Centre (MaDGIC)
4th Floor, Thomas J. Bata Library
1600 West Bank Drive
Trent University
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 7B8

For appointments, ESRI software information, GIS support and requests for geospatial or statistical data sets, please send us a request to MaDGIC: dataimage@trentu.ca