At IU, how can I access free GIS software?

Many free GIS and spatial data viewers are available to the public. This is a small list of applications UITS recommends. If you are interested in purchasing GIS or remote sensing software (such as ArcGIS and ERDAS IMAGINE), see At IU, how can I obtain GIS and remote sensing software?

GIS applications

• ArcGIS Evaluation Software, available by request from ESRI, is for visualizing, managing, creating, and analyzing geographic data. This trial software includes 11 analysis and productivity ArcGIS extensions at no cost for 60 days. Tutorials and sample data are also provided.
  
  
• ArcGIS for Indiana University faculty: IU faculty can request free ArcGIS software for students in their GIS or GIS-related class. For more information, see At IU, how can faculty request ArcGIS software for students?
  
  
• AccuGlobe is an easy-to-use tool designed for developing, editing, and viewing GIS data. Custom extensions to expand upon the core and plug-ins that add functionality to the core application are also available.
  
  
• GeoView-3D provides an object-oriented approach to 3D visualization, process modeling, and simulation.
  
  
• Geographic Resources Analysis Support System, commonly referred to as GRASS, handles geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics/maps production, spatial modeling, and 3D visualization.
  
  
• Open Source Software Image Map (OSSIM) is a high-performance software system for remote sensing, image processing, geographical information systems, and photogrammetry. It is written in C++, employing the latest techniques in object-oriented software design. A number of command-line utilities, GUI tools and applications, and integrated systems have been implemented with the baseline. Many of those tools and applications are included with the software releases.

Data viewers

• ERDAS ViewFinder, a free viewing tool with basic image viewing and manipulation capabilities, includes the ability to display .img files, .tiff files, GeoTIFs, and MrSID image files. This application permits image enhancement, spatial queries, and image reprojection.
  
  
• ArcReader, a free, easy-to-use mapping application, allows users to view, explore, and print maps and globes. ArcReader is a great way to deliver interactive mapping capabilities that access a wide variety of dynamic geographic information. ArcReader views Published Map Files (.pmf), created using the ArcGIS Publisher extension from ESRI, similarly to the way Adobe Reader displays PDF files created with Adobe Acrobat.
  
  
• ArcGIS Explorer is a free ESRI application designed to help you view and share geographic information. After you have downloaded ArcGIS Explorer, you can start using a variety of maps and layers, including imagery, topographic maps, physical features, shaded relief, historical maps, and street maps, provided free by ESRI. Layers can be combined with local data or with other services to create your own custom maps, which can easily be shared within your organization and beyond.
  
  
• Brava Reader, a free viewer for Windows desktop, allows users to view PDF, .tif, .tiff, .sid, .csf, and .xdl images. After installation, from the Options menu, select Set as Default Viewer. Next to Imaging Formats, check .sid, .tif, and .tiff, so you will be able to view these files.
  
  
• Google Earth, a free application developed with Keyhole technology, combines satellite imagery, maps, and the power of Google Search. You can search for an address, view terrain in 3D, and share your searches with others.

Also see:

• At IU, where can I get help with GIS or remote sensing?
• At IU, in which STCs can I use GIS software?
• Why do I need a password to download some GIS data from the Indiana Spatial Data Portal?
• At IU, how do I obtain ESRI tutorials?