Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become an essential tool for understanding the environment. It follows that the GIS software has become an invaluable resource for both Architects and Planners in conceptualizing the built environment. Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) has recognized the ability of this technology, and has focused on developing infrastructure and research that explores new possibilities of GIS.

GSAPP’s GIS infrastructure includes classes and a collection of GIS data pertaining to the urban environment. This web site provides information on how to use GIS, a summary of data on the GIS server, and information about current projects being conducted at the school. The Spatial Information Design Lab (SIDL), directed by GSAPP professors Sarah Williams and Laura Kurgan, has become a focus of GIS research within Columbia.  Examples of current research include; Geography of Buzz, developed with Elizabeth Currid (2009), Million Dollar Blocks, exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art's Design and the Elastic Mind Exhibit (2008), and Air Quality Tracks: Beijing Olympics (2008).

Data - Common data sources and updates

How To - Tutorials on the most frequently used techniques in ArcGIS

People - Contacts for information and instruction on GSAPP's GIS resources

Software/Hardware - Information on GSAPP's GIS tools

Tips and Tricks - Quick fixes for common problems using ArcGIS

SPATIAL INFORMATION DESIGN LAB - SIDL website and project information

   Data Visual - Info on the Fall 2009 Symposium run by Ed Schlossberg of ESI Design and hosted by SIDL

   Data Visual Blog - Blog for the events and research of the Spatial Information Design Lab