GIS Resources
Getting the software is easy and now getting your GIS program off the ground is even easier with all of the resources available to teachers. For information on online GIS, free downloads, data providers, books and training check out the links below.
Brochures
Introductory Materials
See what GIS can offer your school
Examine some articles and white papers on a range of GIS related topics.
- Exploring Common Ground: The Educational Promise of GIS: The potential benefits of bringing GIS into the classroom, and the educational characteristics that effective use of GIS relies on.
- GIS Best Practices - Informal Education: A set of stories about particularly effective and successful users of GIS in educational settings, both formal and informal.
Free GIS
Download and enter the world of GIS
The ESRI Education Community is a one-stop portal for educators who are using GIS. There are two downloads that are most applicable to Australian teachers: the first is ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education (AEJEE) and the second is the ArcGIS Explorer; both can be accessed for free via the Education Community (look under the Software tab).
Datasets and Online GIS
Get your GIS program off the ground
ESRI Australia produce and distribute datasets for teachers to use in class. Our Kickstart CD comes with lessons as well as data to get you going. You can also access a huge range of Geoscience Australia's Australian data here. Email us for more information on either of these free resources at schools@esriaustralia.com.au.
Your local council can also provide you with data if they are using ESRI software. Get in touch with someone in council (they are usually very happy to assist schools) and you could even begin to work with them on solving local issues.
Online GIS are free and easy to use - a perfect starting point for your school's GIS program. Give your students the chance to experience success using online GIS by clicking here.
Instructional Media
For visual learners!
There are plenty of videos online to help you get the most out of ArcGIS.
Lessons
Classroom Activities
Look at what other teachers are doing with GIS in the classroom for support or inspiration by downloading the lesson below or requesting a copy of our Kickstart CD for more lessons and data.
- Ecosystem Monitoring Activity
- Request a Kickstart CD here.
You can also access the ArcLessons page where you can find teacher-submitted lessons covering a wide range of year levels and topics by clicking here.
Books
For those who prefer something a little more tactile
Sometimes you need something to refer back to; have a look at the wide range of support books available from ESRI Australia.
Communities
Connect with other educators
Connect with other teachers who are using GIS in the classroom.
- The ESRI Education Community is a great portal for educators of GIS to access a range of resources.
- Join the ESRI GIS Education Community on Facebook
- The Australian Geography Teachers' Association also supports the inclusion of GIS in schools. Find out more on their Resources page.
Competitions
Showcase your students' work
The Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) runs the annual Spatial Technologies in Schools competition for all primary and secondary students around the country.
For more information, visit the Spatial Technologies in Schools page on the SSSI website and get those dates into your diary.
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ESRI Australia Connect
Request more information about introducing GIS into your classroom