GIS is a digital platform that consumes digital datasets. We've assembled a number of curated data sources that should kickstart your projects:
These sites are a good first stop when looking for GIS data, from a global to a local level:
The Living Atlas of the World is a curated collection that has been compiled by Esri to share authoritative maps, apps, and geospatial data for use in the ArcGIS ecosystem. Users can add regularly updated Living Atlas data layers to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online projects without the need to download or manage source data. Types of data included in the Living Atlas include:
30+ non-interactive reference layers (basemaps) to provide spatial context to your data layers, including Open Streetmaps.
Most recent high-res aerial/satellite/drone imagery from best available sources.
Vector layers with extractable data that can be downloaded to the shapefile or .json format.
US Census demographic and socio-economic data
Hydrology
Flood risks
Sentinel-2 land use/cover (current and historical)
Earthquakes, hurricanes, and weather
Limited (but growing) 3D datasets for viewing, not extraction.
If you are using ArcPro or AGOL, check if your data is available on the Living Atlas before looking outside of the ecosystem. Living Atlas data is ready to use, avoids duplicating effort, is well-documented, and frequently updated.
As one of the cornerstones of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Geospatial Program, The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. It has many uses ranging from recreation to scientific analysis to emergency response.
The National Map supports data download, digital and print versions of topographic maps, geospatial data services, and online viewing. The geographic information available includes boundaries, elevation, geographic names, hydrography, land cover, orthoimagery, structures, and transportation.
