• DESKTOP SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE •
A geographic information system is an array of specialized database files, often quite large and complicated. Most GIS work is done using a desktop approach. High-end PCs and locally-installed computer programs are used to view, edit, analyze and display the contents of the databases. The math intensive nature of typical GIS tasks and ever-changing user demands require software tools that are both flexible and powerful. GIS users at UWGB have access to world-standard software tools and our office and lab computers have enough horsepower for many routine GIS tasks.
ArcGIS Software Suite From Environmental Systems Research, Inc. (Esri)
The fourteen four-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin system have joined together to obtain an Educational Site License from Esri more info. The products described below are among the software modules made available via this arrangement.
ArcGIS for Desktop
ArcGIS for Desktop is the product that most everyone thinks of when they hear the term "GIS". This is true across the world, not just at UWGB. ArcGIS for Desktop is activated on all lab machines on the campus. Additional installations (faculty offices, grad students, etc) are made via the CIT work order system. Just call the Help Desk - it's fast and painless.
It should be noted that Esri products are marketed in a variety of flavors over a wide range of price points. In general, our Educational Site License includes the most robust and versatile versions of each product. For example, ArcGIS For Desktop is licensed to us at the ArcInfo level.
ArcGIS for Desktop Student Edition
Students in courses that use ArcGIS in class can obtain a copy of the software to use at home. The Student Edition includes the same program modules described above for campus PCs. Faculty wishing to obtain this benefit for their students should contact Esri directly.