Getting Started & Software Access
This section provides essential information on accessing GIS software at Harvard, distinguishing between key platforms, and guiding you towards the best tools for your spatial projects.
Software Access & Selection: QGIS vs. ArcGIS Pro
The Harvard Map Collection primarily provides in-depth instructional support and custom tutorials for QGIS, a powerful and versatile free and open-source desktop GIS software. Our focus on QGIS ensures accessible, reproducible, and adaptable geospatial workflows for academic research.
We also understand that ArcGIS Pro, a leading proprietary GIS software, is widely used in academic courses and professional settings. While the Harvard Map Collection facilitates access information for ArcGIS Pro, detailed step-by-step tutorials for this software are primarily managed and maintained by the Harvard Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA) due to licensing and specific software version requirements.
Whether you choose QGIS or ArcGIS Pro, our GIS Librarians are available for consultations to help you determine the best software for your project needs, navigate data, and apply spatial methodologies.
QGIS Software: Download & Installation Tutorial
- Instructions for downloading and installing QGIS.
- Tips for understanding the QGIS interface and troubleshooting common initial issues.
ArcGIS Pro: Access at Harvard Guide
- Instructions for downloading and installing ArcGIS Pro on your own computer.
- Guidance on whether ArcGIS Pro is the right software for your needs.
- A list of campus locations where ArcGIS Pro is available on public computers.
- Information on borrowing laptops with ArcGIS Pro.
- Resources for GIS technical support and tutorials.
About "Featured Updates & News"
Please note that the "Featured GIS Projects & News" tab (at the top of this guide) links directly to our external blog, offering the latest updates, project spotlights, and news from the Harvard Map Collection. You will be redirected to a new browser tab or window.
