Software and Technology Access

MaDGIC provides access to various software programs, tools and equipment to collect, process, analyze, visualize and manage qualitative and quantitative research data. Our team can help you 

  • decide which analysis tools and software are best suited to help you achieve your learning, teaching and research goals 
  • create and manage ArcGIS Online accounts for you and your students
  • install, set up and use various GIS and statistical software packages 
  • find online training and resources based on your needs and goals 
  • develop, run, and troubleshoot geospatial and statistical workflows in select software packages.

Our Data Visualization Lab provides access to 11 workstations to support advanced data processing and analysis in specialized software packages. Find more information about our spaces and supported technology using the menus below. 

Symons Campus

The Data Visualization (DV) Lab, part of the Moore Innovation Hub, is a facility for registered students, staff, and faculty to use advanced computing power and specialized software for spatial, quantitative, and qualitative data analysis and visualization. 

The DV lab offers access to upgraded computers and a range of open-source and proprietary software programs for working with complex data sets, including technologies to support 3D and virtual reality (VR) work. Click here for more details about the software available for use in the DV Lab.

Additional details about this space, including lab use guidelines and layout, are available in the DV Lab Guide. 

Data Visualization (DV) Lab Access 

The DV Lab is in room 402 in Bata Library and is open to all current Trent students, staff and faculty to conduct spatial and statistical research and analysis. 

You can access the lab by contacting us via e-mail at madgichelp@trentu.ca to request an appointment or by dropping by our office in Bata Library room 415 while MaDGIC staff are on site. Click here for our current hours of operation. 

Note that the lab is closed to drop-ins and appointments during scheduled workshops and information sessions. Click here for our current workshop schedule. 

Graduate students and researchers who require after-hours access to the DV Lab can submit a request to madgichelp@trentu.ca. 

Trent Durham Library & Learning Centre 

MaDGIC also supports a Data Visualization workstation at the Trent Durham Library & Learning Centre (LLC) in Oshawa. This workstation provides access to many of the same software packages available in the DV Lab at Bata Library in Peterborough. 

Durham users can drop by the Library & Learning Centre to access the DV Workstation. Click here for information about Trent Durham LLC hours and location.

Durham users can also request a virtual help appointment with our team by emailing madgichelp@trentu.ca.  

The VR and Digitization workroom, located in room BL 413, is a space where students, staff, and faculty can use our Oculus headset to explore scenes and applications built using virtual reality software. This is also where you can make use of our large format scanner.  

  • Oculus: A virtual reality headset used to experience immersive environments, scenes, models, and applications. The headset has a high-resolution display and precise motion tracking technology to facilitate a deep dive into virtual labs, historical recreations, and 3D models built in virtual reality software. 
  • Large Format Scanner: A digital imaging device capable of scanning large documents like maps, architectural plans, and artwork. It is particularly useful for digitizing and studying detailed large-scale documents or creating high-quality digital archives of work for analysis, presentation, or preservation. 

Contact madgichelp@trentu.ca or drop by our office (BL 415), to discuss your needs or schedule an appointment to use these technologies. 

  • NVIDIA 3D Vision Wireless Glasses: Use these glasses to view stereoscopic data and imagery.  
  • Trimble GPS: A high-precision location tracking GPS unit to collect data in the field with accuracy within centimeters. Trimble's data management and analysis tools can significantly enhance research quality by providing reliable and precise geographic information. 

Statistical Software 

  • RStudio - an integrated development environment (IDE) for the R programming language, which is a free, open-source statistical software and programming language used for data analysis, visualization, and data cleaning. RStudio enhances the R programming experience with features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, and graph and table previews. 
  • SPSS - a powerful software that helps with complex data analysis, machine learning, and making sense of text. It provides tools to analyze data, mine for information, and conduct surveys. The software is user-friendly and can handle both small and large projects. 
  • Python - a versatile programming language widely used in research for its extensive libraries such as NumPy and SciPy. It is useful for tasks like scientific computation, data analysis, and visualization, making it ideal for working with large datasets. 
  • Beyond 20/20 - A small software package designed specifically for viewing Statistics Canada and other numeric data. 

Qualitative Analysis Software 

  • NVivo - a qualitative data analysis software that has been widely used for over 30 years. It is designed to help researchers and students organize, analyze, and gain insights from unstructured data such as interviews, open-ended survey responses, articles, social media, and web content.  
  • Taguette - A free, open-source qualitative research tool that enables users to import research materials, highlight and tag content, and work collaboratively online. Created to address the high costs and limitations of existing qualitative research software, Taguette offers an equitable solution for researchers across various fields to conduct detailed studies without financial constraints. 

GIS Software 

  • ArcGIS Pro - a geographic information system (GIS) software that offers tools for mapping, visualizing data, and spatial reasoning. ArcGIS Pro can be incredibly useful as it allows users to visualize data from different sources, revealing patterns and relationships between people and places, and providing actionable intelligence.  
  • ENVI - a widely used image processing and analysis software used by image analysts, GIS professionals, and scientists to extract reliable information from geospatial imagery. ENVI is known for close integration with Esri's ArcGIS platform.  
  • QGIS - a free and open-source geographic information system (GIS) that runs on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, and Android; allows users to perform spatial analysis, create digital maps, and manage geographical data; and supports numerous vector, raster, and database formats and functionalities. 
  • GRASS GIS - A free and open-source compatible geographic information system (GIS) compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows environments. It offers a range of features commonly used in GIS software including vector, raster, terrain, point-cloud, and 3D analysis, image processing, and spatial statistics. There are over 300 extensions or add-ons, custom-built by users, that increase the capabilities of the software. 

Game Engine Software 

  • Unity - a versatile platform that provides access to the latest in 3D development, offering tools and training in areas like game design, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. 
  • Blendr - a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, virtual reality, and computer games. 
  • Oculus - A specialized platform for creating, developing, and deploying virtual reality (VR) games and experiences. It offers tools for 3D graphics rendering, physics simulation, input handling, audio integration, scene management, scripting, and VR device compatibility. This software simplifies the development process by providing a framework for implementing VR-specific features and allows developers to focus on designing engaging content and interactive gameplay within the virtual realm. 

Photogrammetry Software 

  • Autodesk ReCap - a software that allows users to create 3D models from photographs. It can be useful for  documenting research sites or artifacts in 3D, creating visualizations for presentations or publications, and preserving cultural heritage through 3D reconstructions of historical sites or objects. 
  • Meshlab - an open-source 3D mesh processing software system that offers a range of tools for editing, cleaning, and rendering 3D triangular meshes. 

Design Software 

  • Adobe Illustrator - a leading software for creating professional scientific figures and diagrams, widely used for developing high-quality visual content for academic posters, infographics, and other educational materials, as well as for designing logos, icons, and other elements for academic and research-related purposes. 
  • Adobe Photoshop - software used by photographers, graphic and web designers, and videographers, offering creative control for image manipulation, compositing, and video editing. It can be useful for editing and analyzing images, creating visual content for presentations and publications, and enhancing the overall quality of visual materials for academic and research purposes. 
  • Adobe Premiere Pro - professional video editing software offering a wide range of features for editing, splicing, and enhancing audio and video clips. 
  • Adobe Lightroom Classic - A powerful desktop photo editor that offers a cloud-based service for editing, organizing, storing, and sharing photos across devices. Designed for photographers, Lightroom provides advanced features for editing and managing photographs efficiently.