GeoMapping: Mapping Software

GIS software

There are several Geographic Information Systems that are used at the University of Plymouth. We encourage you to use QGIS because it is open source. ArcGIS Pro is also encouraged because it uses a named user system linked to your university sign in (although you will need to know plymunigis is the ArcGIS organisation's URL). ArcGIS online is also a good starting point for your GIS journey.

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QGIS: A free, open source GIS program

The open source GIS, QGIS, can run on Apple, Windows, Linux and Android computers. Installation files can be accessed from here

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ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Pro is a desktop GIS product that is closely integrated with ArcGIS online.

Licences are provided through your ArcGIS online account.

• Currently, ArcGIS Pro requires a two stage installation process -  

1.  ArcGISPro_29_179927.exe Download and install ArcGIS Pro 2.9
2.  ArcGIS_Pro_295_181689.msp Download and install the ArcGIS 2.9.5 service pack to ensure compliance with recent .net updates.

• ArcGIS Pro can only be installed on Windows operating systems.
• If you haven't already created an ArcGIS online account for using ArcGIS Pro, read this guide: https://dle.plymouth.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/2448522/mod_resource/content/3/ArcGIS%20Pro%20and%20Online%20Sign%20Instructions.pdf

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ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Online is Cloud-based software used to create and share interactive web maps. It is a good entry point to start exploring the power of GIS.

Become a member of Plymouth University's ArcGIS Online community, by creating an ArcGIS Online account here: https://www.arcgis.com/index.html#  You are encouraged to sign-in using Your ArcGIS organisation's URL, using plymunigis .maps.arcgis.com

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Non GIS Mapping Software: Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Powerpoint

Adobe Illustrator is a vector drawing package that can be used to draw maps, especially for simpler maps, where analysis is not required. Maps produced in Adobe Illustrator (or CorelDraw or open-source equivalents such as Inkscape) are not geo-referenced, and therefore you can't match-up locational information automatically - it has to be done manually. The approach to mapping using a vector drawing package is different than to GIS - choose a background map you are happy with, and manually add some symbology on the top. We wouldn't recomment this approach if you have the locational information of 100 sample points in a spreadsheet and want them all located on a map (this really needs GIS), but if you have a handful of points you need to add, it might be quicker and easier to add those points manually onto a pre-existing basemap.

Microsoft Powerpoint can also be used for bespoke mapping, when a basemap exists as an image, and you want to add symbology and text on top of this image. Powerpoint is not really suitable for editing the basemap, but if you have a base you want to add to, it can do the job well, as long as a few tips are followed.

Helpsheets for Mapping in both Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Powerpoint are available below.

For very simple background maps for use in Illustrator or Powerpoint, take a look at d-maps. These maps can be downloaded as Adobe PDF files and opened in Adobe Illustrator or as a WMF to be Inserted into Powerpoint. Information can then be manually added on top to create bespoke mapping. Good for Inset maps.

For larger scale basemaps in Great Britain take a look at Digimap, and use the 'Print' Feature to download a PDF/PNG file of your choice to work with, inside of Adobe Illustrator or Microsoft Powerpoint.

For advice on using Adobe Illustrator or Microsoft Powerpoint for mapping, first read through the relevant helpsheets below, but if you need further help or encounter any problems email Jamie Quinn (james.quinn@plymouth.ac.uk).