GIS Software Access

Here I outline GIS software access from home for UofT students. Each campus may have additional options, but these will be available to all students. 

QGIS

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. 

Download is available: https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html

I suggest choosing the Long term release repository (most stable).

 

ArcGIS

Students with a Windows PC

***I encourage all students with windows to install their own personal copy***

Hardware requirements: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/system-requirements/10.7/arcgis-desktop-system-requirements.htm#ESRI_SECTION1_4D839759F08146819E273A6DDD01DCBB

  1. Request a licence through UofT at this link: https://mdl.library.utoronto.ca/technology/gis-software/esri-software-request
  2. A Map & Data Library staff member will respond to your message with installation and authorization instructions as soon as possible.

 

Students with a Mac 

A few options exist; however, it will be a choice for ease of installation vs. performance

  1. [UTM Students] Citrix, easiest to install. However, performance varies based on users. Students tend to have issues with file uploads etc. Access details: https://uoft.service-now.com/utm_iits?sys_kb_id=cc307253db55d050d5a1d7795e96193e&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=de98d633db26dc50f0d18d6d13961952

 

Performance Based Options:

A few options to run the ArcGIS Desktop on you own machine, but it will require the purchase of a Windows license. I suggest this option for people with a good technical background. If you are less computer savvy, it is probably easier to use a Azure virtual machine see  4.

1. Apple's Boot Camp, which provides the most compatibility with Windows software. Essentially you can allow your computer to start-up into either Mac or Windows mode. You can only access applications from one of the operating systems at a time. Here are comprehensive instructions on installing bootcamp and then installing Windows: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201468

  1. Follow instructions to installing ArcGIS on a Windows PC 

2. Running a virtual machine on your computer, which is an application that mimics an entire computer. It will allow you to run Windows applications alongside your Mac applications. You have three options here:

Here is an article outlining these options in more detail: https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/mac-software/best-virtual-machine-software-3671133/

Follow instructions to installing ArcGIS on a Windows PC

3. Virtual Machine on Microsoft Azure

  1. This is a pay per use option after free credits expire, but eliminates the need to install windows or ArcGIS and can be up and running in under an hour without much technical knowledge. 
    1. Sign-up for Microsoft Azure for Students, which includes $100 USD credit: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/free-account-students-faq/
    2. Request a licence through UofT at this link for either : https://mdl.library.utoronto.ca/technology/gis-software/esri-software-request
    3. Follow this tutorial by Dr. Michael Leahy, Higher Education Developer / Analyst from ESRI on set-up and installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBIdGoB90ak&feature=emb_logo
    4. Unless you are doing 3D analysis, I would suggest B4MS machine size, which will be capable for all other analyses. There is a per-hour cost for using this machine, so make to shut it down from the Azure portal to save money when not in use.
    5. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the Mac App Store to access your machine.

ArcPRO

­­No citrix option

1. Apple's Boot Camp, which provides the most compatibility with Windows software. Essentially you can allow your computer to start-up into either Mac or Windows mode. You can only access applications from one of the operating systems at a time. Here are comprehensive instructions on installing bootcamp and then installing Windows: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201468

  1. Follow instructions to installing ArcPro on a Windows PC

2. Running a virtual machine on your computer, which is an application that mimics an entire computer. It will allow you to run Windows applications alongside your Mac applications. You have three options here:

Here is an article outlining these options in more detail: https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/mac-software/best-virtual-machine-software-3671133/

  • Follow instructions to installing ArcPro on a Windows PC

3. Virtual Machine on Microsoft Azure

  • This is a pay per use option after free credits expire, but eliminates the need to install windows or ArcGIS and can be up and running in under an hour without much technical knowledge. 

 

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