GIS Data and Resources

The Geospatial Data Collection (GDC) is a shared network drive that requires WashU network or VPN access. This drive contains geospatial data that have been shared with the Data Services group from various sources. Most of these datasets have been obtained from outside agencies or groups and the WashU Libraries is not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur.

Check out the Geospatial Data Collection directory structure diagram for assistance in navigating the network drive.

Step 1: Request

Fill out the WashU Libraries Geospatial Data Request Form.

Step 2: Wait

You should receive an email with access confirmation from a Data Services staff member within two business days.

Step 3: Connect to Network

Connect to WashU WiFi on campus or use the VPN for off campus access.

Step 4: Map Network Drive

Map network drive (WashU network connection or VPN required) to \\storage1.ris.wustl.edu\libraries_gdc.  For instructions on how to map a network drive, see Mapping a Network Drive below.

All data on gispublic has been moved to the new network storage location described above or to a read-only Box location.

Looking for a file that was previously available on gispublic?

See the GISPUBLIC to Geospatial Data Collection location mapping document.

Having trouble connecting to the Geospatial Data Collection? Try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Confirm that you have received an email from a Data Services staff member confirming your access to the collection.
2. If attempting to map the drive from an off-campus location, confirm that you have successfully signed in to a WashU VPN.  If you have questions about the WashU VPN options, see WashU IT's Connect page.
3. If attempting to map the drive from an on-campus location, confirm that you are using a wired network or a WashU wireless network that requires credentials (not a guest network).
4. Confirm that you have followed the steps for mapping a network drive for your operating system (see below sections if you need guidance).

5. Attempt to map the network drive using the IP address (10.25.16.8) instead of the name (storage1.ris.wustl.edu).  To do this, follow the instructions in the "Mapping a network drive" guides above, but replace the server name with the IP address:

   \\10.25.16.8\libraries_gdc

   Enter the rest of your credentials in the same way as before.

   If this step fixes the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Cisco AnyConnect application that is used to sign in to the WashU VPN.  After uninstalling and reinstalling Cisco AnyConnect, attempt to map the network drive with the name  storage1.ris.wustl.edu again.

6. If you continue to experience issues accessing the drive, please contact the Data Services staff person referenced in Step 1 above.

Mapping a network drive will allow you to get to it from File Explorer in Windows without having to look for it or type its network address each time.

1. Connect to the WashU network, either on-campus (encrypted, not guest wireless) or via a WashU VPN.
2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E.
3. Right click on This PC > Map network drive
   
4. Select the desired drive letter using the "Drive" drop down menu
5. In the "Folder" text box, type \\storage1.ris.wustl.edu\libraries_gdc
6. Check the "Reconnect at sign-in" box if you wish to create a persistent link
7. Check the "Connect using different credentials" box
8. Click Finish
   
9. Enter the phrase "accounts\<your wustlkey>" (replace <your wustkey> with your own WashU Key) and your WUSTL password to log in.  For example, if your WashU Key is jsmith, you would enter accounts\jsmith in the username section.
   
10. After connecting successfully, navigate to the Geospatial Data Collection by clicking through the "Active" and "geospatial_data" directories.

​Create a folder connection to the GDC in ArcGIS Pro

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro application (Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > ArcGIS Pro)
2. In the Catalog Pane, right click on Folders > Add Folder Connection
   
3. In the Add Folder Connection window, navigate to This PC and then click on the connection the "libraries_gdc"
   ​

​Add the GDC as a favorite folder in ArcGIS Pro

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro application (Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > ArcGIS Pro)
2. In the Catalog Pane, click on the Favorites tab, then Add Item>Add Folder
   f
3. In the Add Folder Connection window, navigate to This PC and then click on the connection the "libraries_gdc"

Create a folder connection in ArcMap (Soon to be discontinued)

1. Open the ArcMap application (Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > ArcMap)
2. Open the Catalog window (Icon located in the Standard toolbar)
   
3. In the Catalog window, right click on Folder Connections > Connect to Folder
   
4. In the Connect to Folder dialog, navigate to the mapped network drive "libraries_gdc" and click OK
5. The libraries_gdc drive is now mapped in the Catalog window.  Expand the drive to view its contents.
   

1. Connect to the WUSTL network, either on-campus (encrypted, not guest wireless) or via a WashU VPN.
2. Open Finder > Go > Connect to Server
   
3. Enter the server address: smb://storage1.ris.wustl.edu/libraries_gdc
   
4. When prompted, connect as Registered User.  Enter your WUSTL credentials:
   • Name: accounts\<WashU Key> (Replace <WashU Key> with your own WashU Key)
   • Password: your WUSTL password
     
5. The shared drive 'libraries_gdc' will now appear as a mounted drive in Finder and on the Desktop
   

Note: If you do not see 'libraries_gdc' as a mounted drive, open Finder and go to Finder > Preferences... Under the General tab, under Show these items on the desktop: make sure that Connected servers is checked. You will then be able to see the 'libraries_gdc' mounted drive on your desktop.