GIS, in a nutshell, is system that layers a database on a map. GIS software can help users combine data that has spatial information and overlay that on one or more maps. This information might be related to the history of people and events, where researchers collected animals, plants, or water, or using large datasets such as government information. The possibilities of using GIS to help analyze data with a spatial element are vast. This software can help identify new areas to investigate and visualize patterns for a wide audience.
There are also many open source GIS software options that are user friendly and intuitive to use. You will need to provide your own data to upload into the system. You should explore the software help documentation to make sure you are formatting your data correctly.
Mary Baldwin users have access to ArcGIS Online and several computers in the Grafton Library language lab (Grafton 105) have ArcGIS Desktop downloaded to them. Users interested in using this software should contact Beverly Riddell (briddell@marybaldwin.edu) for access.