University of Wisconsin–Madison

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Have a technical GIS question? Email the GIS Support List

Find out more about GIS services, resources, & events at UW-Madison from the UW-Madison GIS Library Research Guide

GIS Services at the Robinson Map Library

While many geospatial data requests arrive at the library via the GIS Data Request Form, we can also accommodate in-person appointments for more in-depth research questions for data needed in courses or projects.  Use the robust UW-Madison Mapping and GIS Research Guide to get started!

We generally support:

  • Basic understanding of geospatial data types and formats
  • Where to find reliable sources of geospatial data

To make an appointment for geospatial data assistance, contact Jaime Martindale

GIS data example image showing elevation

GIS Support and Training on the UW-Madison campus

  • Introduction to GIS Workshop – Online
    This introductory workshop provides students with the fundamentals and basic concepts of GIS. The 45 minute lecture gives an overview of the technology and offers examples of applications. Following the lecture/video, students can access materials to work through a hands-on exercise, with three software options available. The exercise provides training in the basic functionality of working with geospatial data using GIS software.
  • Introduction to GIS Workshop – In-Person
    The Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office, Robinson Map Library, and the UW Digital Scholarship Hub present introductory GIS training at Memorial Library in Rm 231. Training is offered to UW-Madison affiliates during the fall and spring semesters.
  • The Map Library provides initial consultation for GIS projects and an introduction/overview to software and tools. Requests for assistance in making maps or performing detailed analysis can be provided elsewhere on campus, like the Data Science Hub.  Students seeking detailed assistance or in-depth project consultation are advised to consider formal training. Visit the Geospatial Alliance website for more information.
  • The UW GeoDesign Collaborative offers some assistance with GIS project collaboration and training, and access to software.  Visit the UW-Madison GeoDesign Collaborative for more details
  • Academic Courses:
    UW Geography Department: G377: Introduction to GIS
    UW Geography Department: G578: GIS Applications
    UW Planning and Landscape Architecture (PLA): Applications of GIS in Planning
    UW PLA/Nelson Institute: Applications of GIS in Natural Resources

Software in the Map Library: ArcGIS Pro | ArcGIS Desktop | QGIS

There are six public GIS workstations in the map library available for browsing geospatial data and/or using GIS software. ArcGIS software is also now installed in all general access computer labs (InfoLabs).