New Library Resource: GIS Data Finder
In order to create maps or perform spatial analysis using a Geographic Information System (GIS), you need spatial data. UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries actively collect spatial data from governmental sources (federal, state, and local) and commercial vendors. The GIS Data Finder is a finding aid created to provide information about our spatial data. This resource is intended to help library patrons find and evaluate our spatial data holdings to use in their research.
The GIS Data Finder allows patrons to look for spatial data in a variety of ways. For those patrons who would like to browse our collection to see what types of data are available, the "Browse data layers by thematic category" option would be appropriate. This option provides a listing of thematic categories such as "States", "Roads", or "Soils." After a category is selected, a listing of data that falls into that category will be displayed. Each data record can then be expanded to provide a comprehensive description of each data layer.
Patrons who are looking for a specific data layer may prefer the "Search the GIS Data Finder" option. This option allows for keyword searches of spatial data. Data holdings can also be searched by Geographic Area of Interest. After a search is performed, a listing of data that meets the search criteria will be displayed. Each of these data records can also be expanded to provide a comprehensive description of each data layer.
The GIS Data Finder provides detailed information about our spatial data holdings. This information should be used when evaluating possible data to be used in GIS projects. For more information about the GIS Data Finder, see the Frequently Asked Questions on the GIS Data Finder webpage.
