Software for Digital Scholarship

ArcGIS is the leading Geospatial analysis software. There are also free and open source GIS tools such as QGIS.

Mason has a site license for ArcGIS, which means it is available in most computer labs on campus. Students may also be able to get a copy (see more information). There is also a web-based version called ArcGIS Online.

See the Geospatial Data & GIS Infoguide (from which the below boxes are duplicated) for more information on finding and preparing geospatial data and other software you can use.

Access to ArcGIS

GMU has a site license for ESRI ArcGIS software, a powerful mapping software that enables analyzing and visualizing geospatial data.  Mason owned computers on campus can have ArcGIS desktop software installed. Mason students can get a student copy of ArcGIS on their own computers. See the various ways to access the software below: 

• ArcMap (ArcGIS) Desktop: A most comprehensive ArcGIS analysis tool. This runs only on Window platform. Users of Macs or other operating-system must install virtual machine software (i.e. Window Parallels on Mac) to install the desktop version on your computer.   Currently, a free one-year student edition (ArcGIS 10.x) is available for Mason students. 

Access the software:

• Visit the Libraries' Digital Scholarship Lab (8 computers loaded with ArcGIS Desktop Software),  2nd floor (Room 2700) of Fenwick or  Innovation Room 301-----The lab is closed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Check datahelp@gmu.edu or visit this page for more information.
• Go to https://mygmu.maps.arcgis.com and log in with your Mason credentials (with 2 Factor Authorization).  Then follow the guideline to download and install the software.  Check the system’s requirements before downloading the software on your computer.  If you want to extend the license after use of the first year, follow the guide for updating the student evaluation license.  Check "ESRI ArcGIS Information" provided by Mason COS (July 2020) for more information.
• Access through Mason Virtual Campus Lab. See also the steps to follow to get access to the software via VCL  
• Download a 60 days free trial version from ESRI ArcGIS Desktop.

• ArcGIS Pro:  It offers 3D visualization and its' integration with ArcGIS Online. Please check the computer requirement system before downloading (requires 64 bit Window operating systems).

Access the software: 

• Go to https://mygmu.maps.arcgis.com  and log in with your Mason credentials (with 2 Factor Authorization). Contact Na Liu (nliu1@gmu.edu) if you don't have your authorization (your ArcGIS Online account) to use the Pro. Then follow the step by step instructions (a guide written by Na Liu, GIS Manager at Mason) on downloading, installing, and licensing ArcGIS Pro on your computer.
• Access through Mason Virtual Campus Lab.   See the steps to follow to get access to the software via VCL  

• ArcGIS Online: Online (Cloud-based) GIS mapping and analysis program

Access the software:

• Go to   https://mygmu.maps.arcgis.com  and click on "George Mason University", then log in with Mason NetID (with 2 Factor Authorization). Then you can access ArcGIS Online (arcgis.com) with extended functionalities as default since July 2020.  If you don't see the "Analysis' option when you open the Map tab with the Online, please contact Na Liu (nliu1@gmu.edu) in COS or Joy Suh (hsuh1@gmu.edu) in Digital Scholarship Center, Mason Libraries.   

• ArcGIS Business and Community Analysts Online: Submit your request to Na Liu (nliu1@gmu.edu) to access additional mapping software and applications available with a site licensing.  Visit also ESRI 
  GIS Information provided by Mason COS to find out more.