GIS (Geographic Information System) is a software package capable of managing and processing geographically-referenced data.
The GIS and Computing Services Center account provides accounting support for the following activities within Columbia University:
- management of GIS software site licenses
- provision of computing equipment to projects in support of GIS and related computing
- technical and administrative assistance in support of GIS and related computing
The Service Plan describes the services associated with an account, how the services are carried out, and how fees are established. After reviewing the Service Plan, return to the main page for the steps involved in participating.
Services
Organizational Chart
Fees
Sub-license agreement
Contacts
Services
The GIS Service Center offers the following support services to the Columbia community:
Licensing/distribution of GIS software and data.
The Fees section of the Service Plan describes the levels of service available.
Interested parties should complete and email CIESIN the Software Sub-License Agreement indicating the rate of participation in the program. Once payment has been submitted, request software authorization.
Limited technical support services for GIS.
Technical support is provided via email, expert referrals, and follow-up with Esri on selected issues.
Organizational Chart
The GIS Service Center is operated by CIESIN on behalf of Columbia University users of GIS and related computing services.
Services are executed by four types of specialists:
- Administrator. Oversees the execution of services and tracks the assets managed by the Service Center, with the support of a clerical staff person.
- GIS Specialist. Provides technical support on specific GIS technologies to contributing members of the Columbia community. Also interacts with GIS vendors on technical support issues.
- Computer Specialist. Provides basic systems administration support for the Service Center. Helps troubleshoot installation problems with GIS software and maintains computer equipment managed by the Service Center.
- Web Specialist. Provides support for design and implementation of Web-based services delivery of GIS data. If the Service Center were to host GIS-related Web sites, the Web specialist would provide support.

Fees
The annual fee schedule corresponds with the Columbia University fiscal year. If you join after the fiscal year has begun, fees are pro-rated on a monthly basis. Licenses of ESRI software and associated services may be purchased through CIESIN at the following rates:
Name |
License Rate |
Packages Available |
Deployment |
Service Unit |
$6,000 |
All |
All Labs |
Department/ Research Center |
$3,000 |
ArcView & all Extensions |
1 Lab
25-seat license |
In addition to these services, each licensee gets access to limited technical support via an applications specialist, system administrator, and GIS specialists.
Sub-License Agreement
Email sub-license agreement to Mark Becker (mbecker@ciesin.columbia.edu)
Contacts
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