The University of Manchester Geospatial Blog

Where can I get help?

(for University of Manchester students and staff)

• Questions related to coursework should be directed to your lecturer.
• Technical questions, e.g. software installation, should be directed to IT Services.
  Please do not contact ESRI or other software manufacturers for technical support: they provide the software at a huge discount to the education sector, provided we do not bother them with technical support issues.
• All questions can also be directed to the University’s GIS specialist Karl Hennermann (Tel. 0161 275 3655).

What geospatial software do we have?

Some GIS software products are purchased through IT Services, these products are covered on the IT Services Software Applications site.  Other software and equipment is purchased by faculties, schools or departments, for these licenses there is not central repository, meaning we simply don’t know what is available.

How can I get GIS software?

Please see the IT Services Software Applications site.

Does the University offer ArcGIS courses?

No, but if you are a member of staff or a student at the university we can sign you up for online training. Please see here for details.

Can I have a Google-Maps-like background map in ArcMap?

Yes: There are two services available, both provided by ESRI:

• ArcGIS online services. To connect: ArcCatalog > GIS Servers > Add ArcGIS Server > Use GIS Services > Enter http://services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services
• Geography Network services. To connect: ArcCatalog > GIS Servers > Geography Network Services hosted by ESRI > Right-click > Connect

I need detailed map data that I can download and modify.

For UK locations please see the EDINA service. For locations abroad please contact the respective country’s national survey organization.

I need a printed map of location X , showing content Y.

Please see the JRUL map library. Morag and Donna will help you find the right map.

Is there a catalog of all GIS data at the University?

No.  There are vast amounts of data holdings in various schools and departments, and on individual researchers PCs.  This data is not cataloged and impossible to find.

I want to be kept up to date with GIS at the University!

You should sign up to the  GIS and Remote Sensing (GISRS) mailing list.  This also is a good starting point to find someone with specific expertise.  See http://listserv.manchester.ac.uk/archives/gisrs.html for details.

I am a student, can you help me with my GIS related coursework or dissertation?

If that help would give you an advantage over other students, no. If in doubt please consult your supervisor.