GIS Software

A variety of GIS software tools are available for creating, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data. University of Idaho students, faculty, and staff have access to Esri products through a higher education site license but there are also many open source options.

Esri Software Open Source Software

Have questions? Stop by the Data Hub or contact GIS Librarian Bruce Godfrey.

Esri GIS Software

The University of Idaho participates in the Education Institution License Program with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri). Many products are available for teaching, research, and administrative uses; others are available only for teaching and research. Commercial use of the software is not a permitted use under the License.

Along with software, U of I students, faculty, and staff have access to Esri no-cost, self-paced online learning opportunities (Sign in using your U of I account).

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Online is a web-based collaborative platform (hosted by Esri) that enables members to use, create, manage, store, document, and share maps, apps, and data.

Sign into U of I's Teaching and Scholarly Research Portal

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Pro is Esri's Windows-based desktop GIS.

Download Version 3.6 System Requirements Version 3.6 Download Version 3.5 System Requirements Version 3.5 Authorize ArcGIS Pro Remote Access Lab - Connection Guide Run ArcGIS Pro on a Mac ArcGIS Pro and OneDrive

ArcGIS CityEngine

ArcGIS CityEngine is desktop 3D modeling software for creating interactive and immersive urban environments.

Windows Linux Authorize ArcGIS CityEngine

ArcGIS Drone2Map

ArcGIS Drone2Map is a desktop app for your geographic information system (GIS) drone mapping needs.

Download ArcGIS Drone2Map Authorize ArcGIS Drone2Map

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Enterprise is an on-premises deployment of ArcGIS Online by the U of I Library.

Contact Bruce Godfrey for more information about, and access to, ArcGIS Enterprise.

All Esri GIS Software Products

Esri offers many mapping and spatial analytics software products. Browse and learn more about all Esri Products.

Open Source GIS Software

There are numerous desktop GIS software programs such as QGIS. There are also many web-based options such as Mapbox and Carto. Take a look at the OSGeo projects to help you find an open source technology to meet your needs.

Also, take a look at a list of Open-Source GIS Software put together by Syracuse University or The History of Open Source GIS by makepath.