Frequently Asked Questions:

The following questions and answers have been posted to assist new and experienced GIS users at Washington University find solutions to common problems. Please let us know if you have other questions that might be included. This page will be updated regularly and expanded as necessary to address new issues.

  • What is GIS?

    Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful concept of data visualization. GIS is the philosophy that location is important whether it is an absolute geographic location or a relative location. It also embodies the idea that the spatial attibute of any data should be recorded, tracked and leveraged in downstream activites.
    The term GIS is also used generally to refer to any computer hardware or software system that is designed to facilitate the collection, manipulation, and presentation of geospatial data. ESRI offers a free online course introducing GIS concepts.

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  • What is ArcGIS and can I install it on my computer?

    ArcGIS is a family of GIS software products made by ESRI, an industry leading GIS software company. ArcGIS consists of desktop applications (ArcInfo, ArcEditor, ArcView), server software (ArcSDE, ArcIMS, ArcGIS Server), developer kits, and other components. Find more information at ESRI's ArcGIS product page.

    The University has licensed ArcGIS for use by departments, faculty, staff, and students. Users can install ArcInfo on systems connected to the WU network, and ArcEditor on systems that will operate off-network. Refer to the ESRI ArcGIS System Requirements page to ensure your computer is properly configured to run the application. There are 2 options to install the appropriate ArcGIS version on your system. Users who are comfortable installing their own software can check out a flash drive containing the installation files and step-by-step instructions. Those who would prefer to avoid the technical details can arrange to have the installation done by the GIS Coordinator's Office. Contact Bill Winston with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

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  • What is the difference between ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo?

    ArcGIS Desktop is a collection of GIS software that is built to run on standard desktop (or laptop) computers. Probably the most visible programs within ArcGIS Desktop are ArcMap and ArcCatalog, but there are a variety of other programs and extensions included. ArcGIS Desktop provides all the tools needed to perform extensive GIS functions, from creating maps to importing, querying, and editing data.

    ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo refer to three different levels of licensing for the ArcGIS Desktop suite. ArcView is the most basic level, but it provides a fairly complete set of features for simple mapping projects. ArcView was also the name of an early version of ESRI GIS software. ArcEditor provides many advanced functions and is available for installation on a laptop or personal computer that is not connected to the WU network. ArcInfo is the full function licensing of ArcGIS Desktop and is available for installation on computers connected to the WU network. For a complete comparison of functionality between the three levels of licensing, see the Functionality Matrix Poster found in ESRI's ArcDesktop product page.

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  • What is ArcCatalog?

    ArcCatalog is installed as part of both the ArcInfo and ArcEditor software packages and is primarily used as an organizing, browsing, and management tool for GIS data. It provides a file tree interface for quickly accessing and previewing GIS data, and contains functions for creating new geodatabases and other GIS data types. Additionally, many other GIS functions, including reprojection and metadata editing, are accessed within ArcCatalog.

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  • Where can I find data?

    This is the next logical question after a user begins to learn about and use GIS. Your project will certainly focus on an area of interest to you but finding appropriate data can be a difficult task. The first step is to compile a list of all the layers you would like to add to your project, this could include layers such as transportation networks (street centerlines), county boundaries, hospital locations, etc. A simple web search can turn up many possibilities but finding exactly what you need depends upon carefully defining your search. Looking for "maps" will likely yield lots of hits but little in the way of usable data. More effective search strings include terms like "GIS" and "shapefile" along with a narrow description of what you are looking for to return the most pertinent links.

    Visit the GIS Links page to find a listing of some common data sources. Many states have a clearinghouse for spatial data and the one in Missouri is a fine example. The Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS) provides free access to digital versions of USGS topographic maps (DRG's), digital elevation data (DEMs), orthophotographs, roads, railroads, geology, hydrology, and demographic data along with many other basic features that could enhance your project.

    Members of the Washington University community can access GIS data files through the GISPUBLIC server. Please be aware, these data layers are compiled from several sources and are made available for your convenience. The layers may have different creation dates or geographic projection parameters. No alteration of original data has been performed except for some layers that were clipped to smaller extents to reduce file size. See the Accessing Data tutorial for connection instructions.

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  • How can I use a file with an ".e00" extension?

    As you browse the web for data you may encounter files with an ".e00" extension. These are ArcInfo interchange files and this format is sometimes used to facilitate the transfer of geospatial data between computers. For large datasets the interchange files can be further processed by some compression routine and may appear when your original download package is unzipped. Detailed instructions for importing ArcInfo interchange files can be found in the ArcGIS online help topic "Importing an ArcInfo interchange file (E00)".

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  • Can ArcGIS run on Apple Mac OS?

    ESRI discontinued producing Mac OS ArcGIS software after version 3.0, and currently only ships ArcGIS for Windows operating systems. However, for Intel-based Macintosh computers, there are two options available for installing and running ArcGIS. Each option requires a working copy of Windows XP or Vista.

    The first option is to install Boot Camp for Mac OS and operate your Macintosh as a dual-boot system. This method requires a restart every time you wish to switch between Mac OS and Windows XP. Additionally, files on the hard drive cannot be shared between the two systems, and some hardware functionality is limited. Boot Camp is a free download, but you must purchase a license for Windows.

    Another option is to purchase a virtual machine environment such as VM Ware Fusion or Parallels Desktop. These third-party applications enable Windows XP (as well as other operating systems) to run within Mac OS, eliminating the need to restart the computer to use another operating system. Virtual Box, is an open source (free) virtual machine environment application. These products are fairly easy to install, configure, and use; and have been positively reviewed by users.

    Stories of users successfully running ArcGIS on Macintosh can be found by searching for terms like "ArcGIS on a Mac" in the ESRI online user's forum. A general web search would likely turn up current information from other users describing their experiences and methods. Contact Bill Winston to find out how his Fusion based system is working on a MacBookPro.

    We are currently compiling a list of other GIS applications that will run on Mac OS and other platforms and will post the results when available.

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  • What are GoogleEarth and GoogleMaps?

    Google has developed two online tools for working with geographic information that may be the first exposure that many people have to GIS. GoogleEarth is an interactive program that allows you to explore the planet's geography, and GoogleMaps is a mapping site, viewable through any web browser. Both of these applications are available as a free download from Google for both Windows and Mac OS.

    With its availability, simple interface, and stunning visuals, GoogleEarth has become a widely popular download worldwide. GoogleEarth can be considered a GIS, as it provides a range of geographic information, from aerial imagery to transportation networks, census data, and many other layers of data. The free version does not offer any of the typical analysis tools found in professional GIS software, but Google does offer more advanced versions of the software that can perform some geographic data processing. Many GIS applications (including ArcGIS) are now able to export data into KML or KMZ formats, which can then be displayed in Google Earth.

    GoogleMaps is a web-based mapping site, viewable through any web browser. The site offers a simple interface for finding addresses and obtaining driving directions between locations. It also offers a search for businesses, landmarks, and other features, assisted by Google's web search engine.

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  • How can I get help with...?

    Soon after you begin working with GIS you will likely encounter a problem or question that will require assistance. The GIS community has a long tradition of helping new users build their skills. There are a number of sources for advice and instruction on basic GIS concepts and how to accomplish specific GIS tasks.

    The first and most immediate source of assistance is the built in help system that is included with all ESRI products. This system is accessed through the "Help" tab located on each application's upper menu bar. The local help system includes Contents, Index, Favorites, and Search tabs that will guide you to detailed descriptions of GIS concepts, step-by-step instructions for common GIS tasks, and links to related topics.
    ESRI maintains an online version of the help pages that is regularly updated to reflect new content or features. Click on the "Web Help" icon located on the menu bar of the ArcGIS Desktop Help window.
    Another online source for assistance is the ESRI Resource Center where you have access to current software documentation, tutorials, and video demonstrations. Access to an active online community can be found at the ESRI User's Forum where you may search discussion archives and post new questions.

    The GIS Coordinator's Office is also available to assist with questions. Please contact us if you have problems installing and running the software, or with specific questions about GIS techniques.

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