Maps and georesources

Find the tools, collections, and guides you need

Student looking at colorful maps on large computer monitors

GIS resources and GIS Depot

Thinking about incorporating cool maps with data to analyze patterns, relationships or situations for your class, project, research or thesis/dissertation? Contact the Earth Science, GIS and Maps Librarian to discuss options for your research,  schedule a workshop for your class, or one-on-one assistance. 

Schedule a Workshop or Consultation

Campus ESRI ArcGIS access

Campus computer labs

The GIS Depot

The GIS Depot is located in the DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library, Basement level, inside the Mary B. Ansari Map Library and is dedicated to providing access and services to help students and faculty with GIS instruction, tutoring, consultations, and more. The computer lab offers 10 computers and GIS walk-in hours for assistance. Walk-in tutoring hours are now being offered via Zoom.  Check out the GIS Library Guide for details and times.  

List of GIS Software available at the GIS Depot computer lab:

  • ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcGlobe, and ArcScene)  
  • QGIS 
  • Grass 
  • Google Earth Pro 
  • R 
  • R Studio     
  • Anaconda Navigator (Python and R) 
  • Envi (Remote Sensing) 
  • Microsoft Suite 
  • Adobe Creative Cloud 
  • Additional software packages 
ArcGIS software is also available via:

Student ESRI licenses

Current students are eligible to receive a 1-year ArcGIS Desktop or Pro License.

  • Single-use licenses for personal computers only
  • License includes advanced software and extensions, and can only be used for educational purposes
  • Contact the Earth Sciences, GIS, and Maps Librarian Chrissy Klenke (cklenke@unr.edu) to learn more

Keep up to date with GIS news and learn more

Sign up for the University's ESRI community list

View the GIS Guide
Aerial view of Reno in black and white with the Truckee river showing houses and streets from the top

W.M. Keck

Earth Sciences and Mining Geosciences Data Repository

The W.M. Keck site hosts GIS imagery and maps specifically for the state of Nevada and surrounding areas. Availability includes NAIP, DOQ, CIR, DRG, Topographic Maps, SPOT, NED, DEM, Aster, Landsat, and Geologic Maps.

Visit the W.M. Keck Open Data Repository
Historical map Mt. Diablo and surrounding area

Mary B. Ansari Map Library

Located in the DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library, the collection contains over 200,000 maps including topographic maps and earth science themes, for local, state, national and around the world. Search in the library catalog or come on in to see what we have.  Many of the maps are not represented in the catalog, so come on in and see us. We are happy to help you find what you are looking for. 

Search the Digital Maps collection
Historic multicolored map of Goldfield, Nevada

Nevada and the Great Basin Maps Collections

This digital collection consists of maps related to historic Nevada and the Great Basin, including historic aerial photos, historic maps of Nevada and the Great Basin, Sanborn maps, and State Land Office maps.

Visit the Nevada and the Great Basin Maps Collections
Selection from map of a gold deposit from a thesis

The Mackay School Theses

The Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering Theses Collection offers geologic, hydrological, geothermal, mining, and metallurgical information distinct to Nevada and the surrounding environs. The dissertations and theses found in this collection are unique research tools created by Nevada masters students and doctoral candidates but many of the physical volumes exist as single copies and contain hand-drawn maps and tables that are becoming fragile with use and age.

Learn more about the Theses
Geography This guide lists some of the best resources for getting started with research in Geography. You'll find information about books, article/research databases, journals, websites and more.
View the Geography Guide
Three students looking at large roll-out maps on a table in the map room
Geological Engineering and Sciences Find out more on Geological Sciences and Engineering.
View the Geological Engineering & Sciences LibGuide
Archival photo of the Kimberly mine with a variety of large mining equipment
GIS This guide will help you with GIS application, learning, research, and tools.
View the GIS Guide
GIS map with different colors showing geological features in the greater Reno area
Metallurgical and Mining Engineering Get started with research in mining and metallurgy engineering.
View the Metallurgical & Mining Engineering Guide
Statue of Mackay outside of the Mackay Mines building