Using Course Software

There are 4 methods for students to run the software used in Geography lab classes. Each method has unique requirements.

Installing Course Software On Your Personal Computer

Can be used anytime.
Students must provide their own, well-functioning computer.
Students must have access to a network with reasonable speed.
Users can download software from .
For R, RStudio, or Python, consult with your instructor or TA on how they want you to install this software.
To download ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro, see . To use ArcGIS Pro on a student-owned PC, students need to request an ArcGIS Online account from OIT using the . Note: ArcGIS is Windows-only software. It does not run natively on a Mac. To use it on a Mac, you would first need to install Windows in a virtual machine or use Bootcamp.
To download ENVI/IDL and fill out the form for the fee, see . The $30 fee is contractually required by the vendor.

Accessing KESDA Remotely

Requires authorization by OIT.
Intended for Mac users who need access to ArcGIS to do homework. PC users should install ArcGIS on their home computers to do homework. Users can download software from .
To access during a class period, you must be registered for the class, and be authorized by OIT.
Allows access to the full complement of software used by Geography.
Students must provide their own computer to establish the remote session.
Students must have access to a network with reasonable throughput.
Can be used after hours by CU students when classes are not in session. In-person users reduce the number of remote PCs available.
See for documentation on how to get authorized.
After you are authorized, see for instructions regarding the required Splashtop software.
The normal schedule for after hours Splashtop use is:
- 6:30 PM - 7:00 AM on weekdays.
- All day on the weekends.

Using Virtual Apps

Note: This method is not currently viable. OIT is evaluating new products to improve this functionality -- hopefully by Fall 2023.
Can be used for ArcGIS, ENVI/IDL QGIS, Matlab and more.
If the student installs the client software, files on the student's computer can be accessed by the virtual app. Otherwise, file access is through OneDrive.
Can be used anytime regardless of class schedules.
There are currently no limits to the number of simultaneous users, but the more users there are, the worse the response time is.
Students must provide their own, well-functioning computer.
Students must have access to a network with reasonable throughput.
See for documentation on how to do this.

Physical Access To The KESDA Lab

Allows access to the full complement of software used by Geography.
To access during a class period, you must be registered for the class unless approved by the instructor.
PCs in the lab are assigned to either remote access or local access. Therefore, it is possible you will have to wait for an available PC.
Before you go to KESDA, you can first see if there are PCs available by going to theGeography facilities page, right sidebar. Select the link. This page shows current PC availability in the lab. If any of the PCs are not colored red, they are available for you to use.
Review theGeography facilities page right sidebar to see the schedule of lab classes to ensure you are not attempting to use KESDA during a scheduled class period in which you are not enrolled.
Mask-wearing, cleanliness, and sanitized hands are required.

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