ESRI-GIS Development Center at the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign

About the Center

Introduction

ArcGIS is the world's leading software in geographic information systems, developed by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). ESRI has created the ESRI-GIS Development Center program to foster ArcGIS application development at college-level teaching institutions.

The ESRI-GIS Development Center (EDC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, hosted by the Prairie Research Institute, (originally the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability), is designed to advance the use of ArcGIS technology across campus. Placement of the EDC within the Institute allows the entire campus community to more readily take advantage of 25 years of experience with ArcGIS, the terabytes of ArcGIS data collections, and custom ArcGIS application expertise that Institute staff and computer systems have to offer.

Specifically, the EDC is designed to:

• Promote the use of ArcGIS software as a tool for advanced spatial analysis and modeling and for custom spatial data management solutions,
• Target undergraduate and graduate students with a goal of creating a knowledge base sufficient to significantly increase custom application development,
• Increase communication about GIS training and course options, student availability, and campus job opportunities,
• Increase collaboration among participating campus units with excellence in GIS technology, such as geography, applied sciences, engineering, information technology, and social sciences. Any campus units with research and teaching interests in developing and/or applying this technology are welcome to join us.

Students, scientists, and faculty affiliated with the EDC have the capabilities to further apply their area of expertise in customizing GIS for core GIS software adaption, system integration, computer science, information technology related to GIS, and application development for a particular domain.

Objectives

• Offer University-wide assistance in coordinating GIS user communities and resources,
• Leverage extensive GIS expertise within the Institute and promote multidisciplinary collaborations,
• Focus on students' career networking, education, and practical training,
• Help match faculty/staff research needs with qualified students,
• Create web resources to help with networking, simplify training, and share expertise and codes.

Administration

The EDC is hosted by the Prairie Research Institute (originally the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability) and administrated by the operation team based on advice from the EDC Advisory Board.

Benefits

• Free student access to ESRI software
• Opportunity to develop state-of-the-art applications in a prototype lab
• GIS training focused on practical applications and skill building to complement 16-week courses available though individual University departments
• Community web site access for discussions, document sharing, and expertise exchange
• Student recognition through an annual development/achievement award
• Paid registration for two students, scientists, or faculty to the ESRI Developer Summit
• Internship opportunities and career networking

Under the EDC program, students will receive special access to ESRI software and other benefits. More information about the EDC can be found at http://www.esri.com/industries/university/edc/index.html

Join Us

Faculty and Staff: Please contact your departmental representative from the list of Advisory Board members. For new departmental applications, please contact the operation team.

Students: Please contact your departmental EDC advisor from the list of Advisory Board members for application.

Contact Us

Updated 10/11/11 AW