GIS stands for Geographic Information System and allows users to collect, present, manipulate, analyze and manage geographic data. GIS is used across a multitude of disciplines including sciences, social sciences and humanities. 

There are countless applications for using geographic data to better understand our world. Some common uses include: 

Public health, Mapping, Demographic analysis and change over time, Urban planning, Transportation planning, Crime analysis, Environmental impact analysis, Agricultural applications, Disaster management and mitigation, Monitoring land use/land cover changes (natural, deforestation, etc.), Navigation, Wildlife Management, Land administration, Economic development, Advertising, Election analysis, Traffic density analysis, Tourism information systems, Energy use tracking and planning, Property management, Defense industry, and Geologic mapping.

Check here for the latest available version of ArcGIS as well as the version currently available on the library computers. While recent, previous versions should work without a problem, you might consider upgrading to the current version, which will be available in the shared ArcGIS folder.

Myrin Library computers are currently running ArcGIS Desktop 10.7.1 and ArcGIS Pro 3.3.  While it is possible to save files to be opened in an earlier version, it is simplest to not switch versions. If you plan to use both Ursinus computers and your own computer, install the latest version to your machine.

Want to know more about what can be done with GIS? Check out the gallery at ArcGIS Online.