What is Scholars GeoPortal?

The Scholars GeoPortal is a hardware and software infrastructure that provides access to large scale geospatial datasets, as well as sophisticated search, discovery and analysis tools to make the data readily available to Ontario researchers. Resources include data licensed by Ontario academic libraries, such as land-based vector data (water, cultural features, etc.), census geography, and orthophotography.

Who should use Scholars GeoPortal?

Anyone who is affiliated with an Ontario university interested in using geospatial data for mapping or GIS analysis will find the GeoPortal a useful resource.

The portal has been created for the academic community for teaching and research, including educators, researchers, students, faculty, and staff. The geospatial data available from the portal can be downloaded and imported into Geographic Information System (GIS) software for mapping and analysis purposes. The portal provides many options for selecting data by location and feature type, as well as file type and projection. Mapping tools allow users to create map images “on the fly”.

The power of geographic information for teaching and learning is found in its multidisciplinary nature. From this perspective, we believe the GeoPortal will help enrich university curricula and broaden the appeal of geographic information across disciplines. The GeoPortal incorporates much of the functionality found in commercial mapping software and will help introduce GIS to new users. Ultimately, the portal allow access to geospatial datasets and tools for use both inside and outside the classroom, allowing for the embedding of spatial literacy concepts in the curriculum, and enriching the research process for all scholars.

Getting Started

• Getting Started Guide (English)
• Getting Started Guide (French)