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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

This guide provides a simple starting point, with fundamental information about GIS and related resources to help beginners.

Getting Started with ArcGIS Online

Instructions

 

1. Click here to access ArcGIS Online and to be authorized as a DU member  

2. After clicking the link, click on the blue banner that says "University of Denver" and log in with your DU credentials.

Login Page

3. Click your account icon in the upper-right corner and select "My settings." On the settings page, confirm that your User Type is set to "Professional Plus" and your Role is set to "Publisher." 

 

Getting Started with ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Pro Download and Installation (for Windows Users)

1. Access to ArcGIS Pro requires you to first log in to your ArcGIS Online account.

2. Go to my settings

3. Navigate to the Licenses section. Find ArcGIS Pro by either:

  • Using the search bar, OR

  • Scrolling down the list.

4. Download it, and follow the Installation Wizard to finish the installation. Tips for installation setup

 

ArcGIS Pro Login

1. Choose and use the Organization's URL to log in, not your personal account.

2. Input DUGIS (case-insensitive) and click Continue. For easier access in the future, you may check "Remember this URL".

3. Use your DU email account and password to log in.

3. Click the blue banner to log in. 

Access ArcGIS Pro for Non-Windows Users

Please note that ArcGIS Pro is only compatible with the Windows operating system. If you use a Mac or Linux, you may access the software using one of the following methods.

1. Remote Access via VMware Connection 

Access may be restricted to certain user groups. If you are unable to get access, please contact the IT Help Desk by submitting a ticket, as they are responsible for managing virtual machine permissions.

2. Access the lab computer 

Open to students with access to Boettcher Center West with a DU ID, the GIS Labs house a broad spectrum of geospatial software and hardware. To enter Boettcher Center West and the Labs through door 125, tap your student ID card on the door access card reader. Upon arrival in a lab, you will need to log into a computer using your DU System credentials and PioneerWeb password, which should have been established upon enrollment with the University and first access to PioneerWeb. 

*Access may be restricted to students enrolled in a Geography course or program and may only be available during certain time periods.

3. Set up a Parallel Windows Environment on Your Machine

This method installs Windows in a separate partition, requiring you to restart your computer to switch between operating systems. For Mac users, this is done using the built-in Boot Camp Assistant.

  1. Purchase a Windows license. A valid license is required for the installation.

  2. For Mac users, open the Boot Camp Assistant application (found in the Utilities folder) and follow Apple's on-screen instructions to partition your drive and install Windows.

  3. For Linux users, you will need to manually partition your drive and install Windows, a process that varies by distribution.

  4. Once installed, you can boot directly into Windows to use your software.

Software Choice

Based on the detailed instructions, here is a summary to help you decide how to access ArcGIS, depending on your device and how you plan to use it.

Support and Contact Information

On-Campus Support

  • IT Help Center

Anderson Academic Commons, Room 270

2150 E. Evans Ave.

Denver, Colorado 80208

Other Software

Please note that GIS software support at DU is limited to ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro. For downloading and installing other GIS software, please follow the official guidelines listed on their respective websites.