Background CSCAR is a service and research unit of the University of Michigan, administratively located in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). The unit provides free statistical, Geographic Information Science (GIS), and spatial analysis services to faculty, primary researchers, graduate students and staff of the University.
In 2000, the University launched the UM Spatial Analysis and GIS Initiative, an aggressive campaign to unite the various departments on campus using GIS, and to expand GIS into other research fields throughout the University.
GIS Software
As part of the Spatial Analysis and GIS Initiative, OVPR purchased campus-wide site licenses for a few major GIS computer packages, including ArcGIS, ArcView, and PCI Geomatica. The ESRI ArcGIS packages are still available for use and download to University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students at no cost. Terraseer software, including Clusterseer, Boundaryseer, Spacestat, and STIS are currently only available for purchase from ITCS software licensing at ITCS Licensing. In addition, ERDAS Imagine software is available for use in the SAVi Lab and IDRISI Andes is available in all Campus Computing Sites labs. PCI Geomatica is no longer supported on campus.
GIS Software from CSCAR/OVPR
Spatial Analysis and Visualization Lab
In October of 2003, CSCAR celebrated the opening of the Spatial Analysis and Visualization Laboratory. The new facility includes powerful workstations, overhead projection capabilities, high-speed network connections, wireless internet access, color laser printing, and a GIS consultant for assistance.
Spatial Analysis and Visualization Laboratory
Workshops
CSCAR offers workshops on spatial analysis and GIS. GIS workshops, such as Using ArcGIS and Exploring Spatial Statistics in ArcGIS are offered year-round. Training sessions may be customized for specific applications upon request. Visit the UM-GIS web page for current offerings and availability.
GIS Workshops at CSCAR-SAVi
Consultation
CSCAR provides free spatial analysis and GIS consultation to all University of Michigan researchers, including graduate students, research scientists/assistants, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty. GIS software consulting is available by phone, drop-in visit, or e-mail. More detailed consulting is available by appointment.
Collaborative Research
For research projects that require more statistical or spatial analysis services than CSCAR can offer without charge, our staff is available to submit joint, collaborative research grant proposals or to enter into subcontract agreements. Such agreements might cover some or all of the various analysis aspects of the research, including non-University work. Collaborative and joint research should be arranged with the CSCAR Director, Edward D. Rothman, or Associate Director, Brenda W. Gillespie.
