Outlined below is a selection of software that pertains to various components of spatial analysis and visualization. While not an exhaustive list, these can get you started and select software platforms are featured in the geospatial classes taught here at the University of Colorado, Denver. Many of these applications can work together to complete a robust analysis and sophisticated visualization. All software is available to students either to download onto their personal computer or to use via remote desktop.
Software Endorsed by FAST Lab
Esri ArcGIS Pro
proprietary - compatible with PCs only - student licenses available
ArcGIS Pro is a desktop mapping application that allows the user to visualize and analyze data, create 2D maps and 3D scenes, and connect to ArcOnline, Esri's cloud-based web mapping counterpart. ArcGIS Pro is the industry standard for organizations that use proprietary software, and is used in most GIS classes offered at the University of Colorado, Denver.
QGIS
open source - compatible with PCs and Mac - free to download here - installation guide
QGIS is a desktop Geographical Information System (GIS) used for creating, visualizing, editing, and analyzing spatial data. It is a well-supported free and open software alternative to other proprietary GIS software. QGIS is showcased in the class GEOG 5091: Open Source Software for Geospatial Applications.
Esri ArcMap
proprietary - compatible with PCs only - desktop license available
ArcMap is ArcGIS Pro’s predecessor and has many of the same basic visualizing and analysis capabilities. While still fully functional and found in a few geospatial industries, most organizations have made the transition to a more sophisticated ArcPro.
Esri CityEngine
proprietary – compatible with PCs only – desktop licenses available
CityEngine is a 3D modeling software intended for urban environment application. It is part of the ArcGIS platform and operates as such.
ENVI
proprietary – compatible with PCs and Macs – available on lab computers; student discounted license available for purchase
ENVI is an imagery-analysis software. Its main use is to take remotely sensed imagery – gathered by satellite, airplane, or other platform – and extract meaningful information from values stored in each pixel.
Opticks
free and open source – compatible with PCs only – free to download here
Opticks is the free and open source imagery analysis software alternative to ENVI. Its latest release was in 2014 and its current version supports multiple extensions available to make the program more robust. The website provides basic information and tutorials.
PostgreSQL
free and open source - compatible with PCs and Macs - free to download here
PostgreSQL is an object-relational database management system. It enables users to explore, compare, and analyze data easily, quickly, and efficiently because of its back-end organization through tables that relate to one another. It operates through SQL commands.
PostGIS
free and open source - compatible with PCs and Macs - free to download here
PostGIS adds a spatial capacity to PostgreSQL, making it of use for geospatial application. It is a counterpart to PostgreSQL, so both must be downloaded to create a spatially-informed relational database.
PgAdmin
free and open source - compatible with PCs and Macs - free to download here
PgAdmin is a development environment that enables a user to interact with databases they connect to. Its button and menu interface provides the user options otherwise executed through command-line prompts. Utilize Structured Query Language (SQL) to explore, manipulate, or extract from databases.
DataGrip
free and open source - compatible with PCs and Macs - free to download here
DataGrip is another development environment that connects to many different databases. It provides an alternative to command-line operations and uses Structured Query Language (SQL) to explore, manipulate, or extract from connected databases.
R
free and open source – compatible with PCs and Macs – free to download here
R is a bare-bones statistical software used for spatial analysis and mapping. It operates with its own programming language to upload, explore, and analyze data with some geovisualization capabilities.
R Studio
free and open source – compatible with PCs and Macs – free to download here
R Studio is the development environment for R. It is a bit more beginner-friendly than R, but has the same analytical and graphics capabilities.
Python
free and open source – compatible with PCs and Macs – free to download here
Python is a programming language that enables systems integration and GIS automation. The version a user downloads is dependent upon the development environment one chooses to use.
Spyder
free and open source – compatible with PCs and Macs – free to download here
Spyder is one of many development environments a user can choose to interact with python code. Its notable capabilities include editing, analysis, debugging, and profiling.
Anaconda
free and open source – compatible with PCs and Macs – free to download here
Anaconda is a package install that includes R, R Studio, Spyder and the appropriate version of Python that interacts with Spyder, the chosen development environment for this package.
Adobe Illustrator
proprietary – compatible with PCs and Macs – available on FAST desktop
This vector-based design platform provides the user with more robust design capabilities than that of a basic GIS program, and is used to enhance cartographic products. A geospatial user can import components of a map they created in a GIS program into Illustrator to fine-tune details.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
proprietary – compatible with PCs and Macs – available on FAST desktop
Adobe Acrobat is a program that works with PDFs, a file type many users chose to export a final map layout to for ease of distribution. Of interest to geospatial users is Acrobat’s georeferenced PDF capability. When a user exports a map appropriately into this format, a viewer can use Acrobat to open the map, identify coordinates, make measurements, and click layers on and off.
Adobe InDesign
proprietary – compatible with PCs and Macs – available on FAST desktop
InDesign provides layout options to present GIS products and its associated material in a design-minded way.
Adobe Photoshop
proprietary – compatible with PCs and Macs – available on FAST desktop
A raster-based design and editing software, Adobe Photoshop provides a platform for producing graphics to enhance any deliverable.
SketchUp
proprietary – compatible with PCs and Macs – available on FAST desktop
SketchUp is a vector-based 3D model building software of particular interest to users interacting with urban environments.
Inkscape
free and open source - compatible with PCs and Macs - free to download here
Inkscape is the free alternative to proprietary vector graphic editing programs. With it a user can create, edit, and export graphics to enhance cartographic products.
Duo
provided by the University of Colorado, Denver - to download and register, click here
Duo is the University’s chosen security app that students must download and register for to authenticate their username. This multi-factor authentication adds another level of security necessary as technologies develop and cyber-security concerns build. You will need to have this downloaded and registered to your University username to initiate the remote desktop process.
VMWare Horizon
This app allows UCD-affiliates to access an open FAST Dell Precision workstation that is physically located on-site. Once connected, the user will be able to use software available on those workstations, though they must save their work through personal means (OneDrive is recommended). This option is reserved for students not able to download needed software on their personal computers and depends on a strong, reliable internet connection. To get remote access, seek information from your geospatial class. If not enrolled in a class, email FAST@ucdenver.edu for options and availability.
Data Repositories
The following repositories are Colorado-specific with varied thematic data:
Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)
Denver Open Data Catalog: City and County of Denver
Colorado Information Marketplace
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (State of Colorado demographic information)
Colorado Department of Transportation Open Data Portal (This expanded site includes a connection to CDOT's OTIS portal)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
The following repositories include varying thematic data that extends beyond Colorado:
US Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA - NRCS)
EarthExplorer: US Geological Survey image gallery
Natioanl Map: US Geological Survey thematic data
University of Colorado GeoLibrary
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find more at the Auraria Library's Geospatial Data Hub