What is ESRI?
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) is a premier GIS software company located in Redlands, California. ESRI is the maker of ArcView and ARC/INFO software which map, query and analyze most forms of spatial data.  Other ESRI GIS software includes Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, 3-D Analyst, MapObjects, and Internet Map Server.

What is GIS?
GIS is much more than making maps on a computer.  A map can tell you where something is.  GIS can not only tell you the "where", but also the "why", "how", "how much", and "what if".  In other words, GIS is an analysis tool, using spatial relationships and associated descriptive data, to answer and address questions about our every-day world.

Our Mission:

  • The mission of the ESRI University Site License is to provide: An Understanding of GIS using ESRI software products. 
  • State-of-the-art GIS Products at low cost to university departments and programs.
  • Training and Support in ESRI ARC software products through campus workshops and E-mail  support.


These services are provided at Utah State University by the RS/GIS Laboratories and the Office of the Vice President of Research