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Geospatial Data: Scholars Geoportal

This research guide provides information on how to access Geospatial (GIS) data at York University.

About the Scholars Geoportal

Scholars Geoportal provides access to large scale geospatial data sets, as well as sophisticated search, discovery and analysis tools to make the data readily available to Ontario University researchers. Resources include data licensed by Ontario academic libraries, such as land-based vector data (water, cultural features, etc.), census geography, and orthophotography. 

Anyone who is affiliated with an Ontario university interested in using geospatial data for mapping or gis analysis will find the GeoPortal a useful resource. The geospatial data available from the portal can be downloaded and imported into Geographic Information System software for mapping and analysis purposes. The portal provides many options for selecting data by location and feature type, as well as file type and projection. Mapping tools will also be available for creating map images "on the fly". Data includes census boundaries, road network, orthophotos land use, geology, soils, points of interest and more.


Please note that at this time, not all geospatial data held by the York University libraries is available for download (eg. data from City of Toronto, York Region data, and satellite imagery). You can browse our datasets by selecting your geographical area of interest, and go "Ordering Geospatial Data" section of this website. 

Accessing the Geoportal

To access the Geoportal on campus, simply go to http://geo.scholarsportal.info/ .

For off-campus access, go to: http://www.library.yorku.ca/e/resolver/id/1948733.  Once in the Geoportal, use the Login tab from the menu. Select York University from the drop down list and sign in with your university credential. 

Getting Help with the Geoportal

Do you need help using the Geoportal? There are several resources available to you:

  1. Quick Tips for searching the portal successfully. These include searching by geographic location or data topic, downloading data.
  2. Scholars Geoportal Research Guide.  This is a one-stop site for help on: off-campus access, searching, downloading, citing geospatial data and maps produced in the Geoportal, and a brief introduction to Understanding Maps and GIS.
  3. If you are a York University student, faculty member, and/or researcher, and you need additional help with the Geoportal (searching, viewing, downloading or citing data), please e-mail gislib@yorku.ca with your inquiry or to book an online consultation appointment.

New Data in Scholars Geoportal

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