There are multiple locations across Harvard's campus where you can access the software and hardware necessary for data analysis, whether quantitative or qualitative.

For a complete list of qualitative hardware and software across campus, as well as a comparison chart of various qualitative software, see this Guide to Qualitative Research from Lamont Library. Additional qualitative resources can be found on this page via Harvard Library.

For a complete list of spatial computing and GIS software across campus, see this guide from the Center for Geographic Analysis.

Software, Computing & Technical Resources by Location

Location:
Library & Research Services
Harvard Kennedy School
79 John F. Kennedy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
View on Google Maps
Located on the ground floor of the Littauer building (entrance from JFK Street or JFK Park)
 

If you need guidance in using any of these software programs, visit our Software Support page to find in-person and online resources.

HKS Library computers come equipped with the following data-handling software programs. These computers are available only for use by HKS affiliates.

  • ArcGIS (PCs only): geographic information system used to create and manipulate maps, compile and manage geographic data, and analyze and share mapped information (PCs only).
  • nVivo: qualitative data analysis program designed for working with rich text-based and multimedia information on levels of deep analysis and in large volumes. 
  • Open Refine (Macs only): open source program used for data cleanup and wrangling.
  • R and RStudio: programming language and software environment for statistical computing, data analysis, and graphics.
  • Stata: statistical software program used for data management, statistical analysis, graphics, simulations, regression, and custom programming.
  • Tableau: data visualization program that queries relational databases, spreadsheets, and more to generate graph-style visualizations.

Location:
Center for Geographic Analysis
1730-1737 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
View on Google Maps

Software
 

CGA offers site licenses for Harvard affiliates on a number of spatial analysis and geographic information system (GIS) software, including:

  • Agisoft Photoscan
  • ArcGIS (Desktop, Enterprise, Online, Pro, and Pad)
  • CARTO
  • ENVI
  • ERDAS Imagine
  • ESRI Business Analyst
  • Google Earth Pro
  • TerrSet
  • Timble


Hardware
 

CGA maintains a variety of handheld GPS devices for training and field research that Harvard affiliates can check out. They also offer plotting and printing services with an HP DesignJet Z5400, at $5/foot for regular paper and $10/foot for glossy paper.

Location:
Harvard Map Collection
Pusey Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
View on Google Maps

The Harvard Map Collection offers Harvard affiliates access to a number of mapping and geographic information systems tools, installed on workstations in the Map Collection Reading Room (just down the hall from the Lamont Multimedia Lab). These tools include:

  • ArcGIS (available for Harvard affiliates to download)
  • QGIS
  • Google Earth
  • Carto
  • Online interfaces

Location:
Institute for Quantitative Social Science
CGIS Knafel Building, Room 350
1737 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
View on Google Maps

IQSS houses a computer lab with free access to workstations that have a full array of statistical, GIS, and other desktop applications, as well as printing, fast document scanning, and item checkout.

Location:
Lamont Multimedia Lab
Lamont Library, Level B
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
View on Google Maps

The Lamont Multimedia Lab is your one-stop shop for media creation and data visualization, including editing and production for audio and video. It offers equipment available for circulation and/or in-house use, and houses computers with data-handling software including:

  • STATA
  • Tableau
  • QGIS
  • NVivo (Mac only)
  • OpenRefine
  • Gephi
  • RStudio

Location:
Visualization Support
Lamont Library, Level B
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
View on Google Maps

Visualization Support at Harvard Library offers access to desktop computers with Tableau already installed, and free Tableau downloads for all Harvard affiliates.