GIS Lab Facilities

The University of Chicago offers various lab facilities that support GIS and spatial analysis across campus. These facilities provide access to specialized software, high-performance computing resources, and expert support.

Available Facilities

Biological Sciences Division

• Committee on Evolutionary Biology
  Location: Culver Hall, Room 402
  Access: Department members and collaborators
  Resources: ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, RStudio, Python
  Special Features: High-resolution displays, large-format printing

Social Sciences Division

Anthropology GIS Lab

• Location: Haskell Hall, Room M101
  Access: Department members and approved researchers
  Resources: Full Adobe Creative Cloud, NVivo, statistical software
  Special Features: Collaborative workspace, presentation equipment

Economics Research Computing

• Location: Saieh Hall, Room 001
  Access: Economics department members
  Resources: Stata, R, Python, specialized econometrics software
  Special Features: Secure data enclave for restricted data

Political Science Computational Lab

• Location: Pick Hall, Room 503
  Access: Department members
  Resources: GIS software, text analysis tools
  Special Features: Data visualization wall

Sociology Research Lab

• Location: Social Sciences Research Building, Room 402
  Access: Department members
  Resources: Statistical and qualitative analysis software
  Special Features: Interview rooms, focus group facilities

Undergraduate Research

• College Research Computing
  Location: Regenstein Library, 1st Floor
  Access: All UChicago students
  Resources: GIS software, 3D modeling, VR equipment
  Special Features: Makerspace, 3D printing

Specialized Research Centers

• Center for Spatial Data Science
  Location: 5735 S. Ellis Ave
  Access: By appointment
  Resources: High-performance computing, big data tools
  Special Features: Research support services

• Oriental Institute - CAMEL Lab
  Location: Oriental Institute
  Access: By arrangement
  Resources: Archaeological mapping tools, 3D scanning
  Special Features: Artifact digitization equipment

Software Available

• ArcGIS Pro and Extensions
• QGIS
• R and RStudio with spatial packages
• Python with geospatial libraries
• Google Earth Pro
• ENVI/IDL
• GRASS GIS
• Open-source geospatial tools

Equipment

• High-performance workstations
• Large-format plotters and printers
• 3D printers and scanners
• GPS units
• Drones (restricted use)
• VR/AR equipment

Access Policies

• University ID required for all facilities
• Some labs require prior authorization
• Training may be required for specialized equipment
• Data storage and backup policies vary by location

Getting Help

• Lab assistants available during open hours
• Email support for technical issues
• One-on-one consultations by appointment
• Workshops and training sessions

Reservations

• Some facilities require advance booking
• Check individual lab websites for reservation systems
• Group project spaces may be available

After-Hours Access

• Limited facilities offer after-hours access
• Special authorization required
• Security protocols must be followed

Data Security

• Secure storage for sensitive data
• Data backup procedures
• Secure disposal of confidential information
• Compliance with university policies

Contact Information

For general inquiries about GIS lab facilities, please contact:

• Email: gis-support@uchicago.edu
• Phone: (773) 123-4567
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM