As a UVM Affiliate (student, faculty, staff) you have access to ArcGIS Pro. There are two main ways to access this software:
1) A designated computer on Campus (Howe Media Lab and Aiken Lab)
2) Your own computer and desktop. Download the software through the UVM software portal follow this guide to download the software https://www.uvm.edu/it/kb/article/arcgis/
QGIS
"Create, edit, visualize, analyize and publish geospatial information on Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD and mobile devices"
Get Started: https://qgis.org/en/site/index.html
Google Earth Engine
Google Earth Engine "combines a multi-petabyte catalog of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets with planetary-scale analysis capabilities. Scientists, researchers, and developers use Earth Engine to detect changes, map trends, and quantify differences on the Earth's surface. Earth Engine is now available for commercial use, and remains free for academic and research use."
Get Started: https://earthengine.google.com/
Tableau
Tableau is a visual analytics platform that helps people and organizations use data to solve problems. It's known for its visualizations and embedded analytics, and is used by business decision-makers, analysts, and supply chain leaders.
How to guide: https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/buildexamples_maps.htm
R Studio
Free Statistical Software that can preform statistical analysis, plotting, and graphing
Get Started: https://www.r-project.org/
Data Wrapper
You have probably seen their charts in the NYTimes, this is a free mapping software that allows you to upload excel sheets to create engaging visuals.
Get Started: https://www.datawrapper.de/
