Software

The Right Software for Every Stage of Your Research

U-Spatial manages the University's entire geospatial software ecosystem. This includes a number of GIS tools, each with their own capabilities and advantages.

Whether you're mapping your first dataset or running advanced spatial models, we'll help you find the right tool for your research.

Browse all software

Compare Our Core Tools

While we offer access to 11 tools (and counting), most projects start with ArcGIS Online, a web-based tool that’s easiest for those new to GIS.

Here are how our four most popular tools compare.

ArcGIS Online

Best for: Quick web maps

Cloud-based mapping in your browser: no install. The friendliest on-ramp to GIS.
  • Zero setup, works anywhere
  • Easy sharing & dashboards
  • Great for teaching
Explore ArcGIS Online →

ArcGIS StoryMaps

Best for: Interactive narratives

Combine custom maps, multimedia, and text to share your research through engaging visual stories.
  • No coding required
  • Embed maps, video & audio
  • Perfect for presentations & reports
Explore ArcGIS StoryMaps →

ArcGIS Pro

Best for: Advanced desktop analysis

The industry-standard desktop software for heavy-duty spatial analytics, 3D modeling, and publication maps.
  • Deep analytical toolsets
  • 3D visualization & raster processing
  • Full Esri ecosystem integration
Explore ArcGIS Pro →

QGIS

Best for: Open-source GIS

A free desktop platform backed by a global developer community. Ideal for custom extensions and open workflows.
  • 100% free & open-source
  • Cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux)
  • Extensive plugin library
Explore QGIS →

Getting Access Is Easier Than You Think

Thanks to the University's site license with Esri, most of what you need is already covered. So, no purchase orders and no waiting on approval chains.
For Esri software access

For Esri Software

Body

ArcGIS Online, Pro, StoryMaps, Field Maps, and more
Sign in with your UMN Internet ID. That's it, no separate account to create. From there, follow the quick-start guide for your specific tool, linked on its individual page below.

For open tool access

For Open Tools

Body

QGIS, Google Earth Engine, and other open tools 
Some tools are open-source and ready the moment you download them, QGIS included. Others, like Google Earth Engine, require a short application (and an .edu email address) before you're up and running. We'll tell you exactly what each tool needs on its individual page.

For trouble accessing

Account Support

Body

Having trouble logging in or managing your account?
We manage more than 20,000 ArcGIS accounts across the University of Minnesota. So, if something's not working, there's a good chance we've already solved it once. 

Contact the Help Desk for support.

Browse the Full Software Catalog

Our ecosystem covers far more than the basics. Search by name or filter by category to find your fit.
  • Analysis
  • Programming
  • Remote Sensing
  • Web GIS

Google Earth Engine

Use Google Earth Engine's satellite imagery archive and cloud analysis, free for UMN academic research and teaching. Setup steps and access requirements.

  • Analysis
  • Desktop GIS
  • Programming
  • Remote Sensing

LAStools

Process lidar and point cloud data with LAStools, licensed for academic and research use on University-owned computers through U-Spatial.

Not sure which tool is right for your project?

Software decisions shouldn't slow down your research. Tell us what you're trying to accomplish, and we'll point you to the right tool.

Software FAQs

Quick answers to the questions we hear most about accessing and using GIS software.

Expand all

Is this software really free?

It’s free for the UMN community, with a few exceptions.

Most software on this page — including the full Esri suite and QGIS — is free for University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff, covered either by our site license or by open-source licensing. A few specialized tools, like eCognition, are managed by individual departments and may have limited access. Esri software specifically is licensed for academic, research, and outreach use only, not for commercial projects.

Can I use ArcGIS Pro on my Mac?

Yes, with a workaround.

ArcGIS Pro is built for Windows, so Mac users will need to run it through Boot Camp or a virtual machine. If you're not sure how to set that up, the Help Desk can walk you through your options — including whether a lab computer might be the simpler path for your project.

What happens to my software access after I leave the University?

It depends on the tool.

Esri licenses are tied to your UMN affiliation, so that access ends when your affiliation ends. QGIS is completely free and open-source forever. We love recommending it so you can take your GIS skills into your post-graduation career without licensing barriers.

I don't see the software I need. What now?

Ask us! We manage more than what's listed here.

This page covers our most commonly used tools, but U-Spatial supports access to a much wider range of geospatial software. Contact the Help Desk and we'll help you find, license, or troubleshoot the right tool for your project.

How long does it take to get access?

Usually instant, but you’ll sometimes need to submit a short application.

For Esri products, access is immediate: sign in with your UMN Internet ID, and you're in. A few tools, like Google Earth Engine, require a brief application (and a .edu email address), which typically takes a few days to process. We'll let you know what to expect for any tool you're setting up.