Technology Recommendations

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) encourages faculty, staff, and students to examine the hardware and software requirements for research and academic projects prior to purchasing technology. Classes, laboratories, contract and project work may have unique or peculiar requirements which are not compatible with all technologies.

EES provides GIS and remote sensing software to students at no-cost.

Students should be advised software is not available for the Apple Macbook or MacOS.

Chromebooks are not suitable for a college or university environment.

Computers | Laptops and Desktops

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) teaches geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing using industry-standard, commercial software. EES, through the Mapping Applications and Resource Center (MARC), supports Esri's ArcGIS products for academic and research activities. Hexagon's ERDAS Imagine is used for remote sensing activities. Esri and Hexagon both support software for Intel/Microsoft Windows computers.

Computer Requirements

- - Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise (Home will probably work but Home versions are not supported)
  - Intel Core i7 or better
  - 16GB RAM or more
  - A separate, "dedicated," graphics card with 4GB RAM or more
  - 1TB hard drive, or larger
  - Wired or wireless network adapter
  - Display or monitor capable of 1080P resolution or greater

A good "rule of thumb" for purchasing a desktop or laptop for GIS or remote sensing applications is to consider gaming computers. GIS and remote sensing applications require very good graphics, a lot of RAM, and a very good processor - much like many of today's most popular games. If a good Windows/Intel-based gaming computer is purchased, chances are the computer will handle GIS and remote sensing applications just fine.

Apple and Macbook Users

GIS and remote sensing software typically does not natively support Apple Macbooks or MacOS, for historical reasons. GIS and remote sensing software can be installed on an Apple Macbook if one is willing to setup a Macbook to run both MacOS and Windows 11, also known as a "dual-boot environment." A dual-boot environment is created using Apple's Boot Camp product, or similar app like Parallel. A person who prefers this route can find resources at Apple's support website for complete instructions.

Murray State Bookstore

The Murray State Bookstore offers some technology solutions which meet the above computer system requirements. Computers purchased via the Murray State Bookstore Laptop Purchase Program can be charged against student financial aid.

Other Technology Recommendations

1 TB External Hard Drive

EES recommends a 1TB external hard drive, larger is possible. Geographic Information System/Science (GIS) and remote sensing data manage very large datasets and rapidly consume hard drive space. When other classes are considered, and courses taken over multiple semesters, a large external hard drive is pretty convenient.

USB thumb drives

EES recommends smaller thumb drives for moving files, folders, and perhaps software installs

Other Software

Google Workspace

Murray State University supports Google Workspace for all faculty, staff, and students. Google Workplace includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. Access for faculty, staff, and students is achieved by signing in to Google.

Microsoft office 365

Murray State University provides Microsoft Office 365 at no-cost to all faculty, staff, and students. Access to the software suite is provided on RacerNet.

Tech Recommendations