GIS.com
Good starting place for exploring GIS topics and creating maps.

ESRI
ESRI web site. Contains lots of info about GIS, software, data, etc.

Forests and Drylands Programme (UNEP-WCMC)
The programme produces integrated and accessible information on the conservation of the world's forests and their biodiversity, as well as providing support in managing this information. Nice site for interactive printable maps with information and links to forest data worldwide.

GIS, GPS, and Technology in Geography
Information and resources about computerized mapping, computerized navigation, satellites, and other aspects of technology in geography. From About.com.

DATA AND MAPS

National Geographic Map Machine
Map categories include: World Themes, U.S. Themes, Historical Maps, Flags and Facts, and Wild World (Global 200: Priority Areas, Terrestrial Ecoregions).

Global Land Cover Characterization
1km global land cover site. Data from this site has been downloaded and converted into ArcView readable format and will be available soon on the MBG GIS web site. This site gives you background information on how it was produced, at what scale, etc.

Federal Geographic Data Committee
Contains link to the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, a collection of over 250 spatial data servers.

EarthExplorer (USGS)
Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic products through the U.S. Geological Survey. Various U.S. and global data sets, some available for download, including Digital Elevation Models, Climate, Geology, etc.

Alexandria Digital Library Project
Jump station for various digital libraries, maps, and gazetteers.

ArcGIS Online
Part of the Esri Geospatial Cloud, ArcGIS Online enables you to connect people, locations, and data using interactive maps. Work with smart, data-driven styles and intuitive analysis tools that deliver location intelligence. Share your insights with the world or specific groups.

Center for Applied Biodiversity Science: GIS
Provides links to global vegetation data and related web sites.

OTHER GIS SOFTWARE SITES

DIVA-GIS
Scaled down version of ArcView that uses broad scale climate data for estimating climatic variables associated with occurrence data.

GRANTS

ESRI Conservation Program
The non-profit support arm of ESRI. Want to read some accounts about how GIS has been used to solve real-world conservation problems? This site contains over 25 in-depth stories, and much more. Includes information about ESRI grants and an ECP Grant Application Form.

The Conservation Technology Support Program
CTSP annually awards grants of equipment plus software to tax-exempt conservation organizations to build their Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capacity [CTSP will NOT be making any grants during 2001-2002, as they reassess their organizational direction].

TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

DataScience Programs
The Masters in GIS program is a highly innovative degree option that includes elements related to Geography, geographical technologies, and cross-disciplinary learning into different cultures and languages.

Working With GIS data?
A resource published by Syracuse University's online Master of Science in Library and Information Science program. The resource defines geographic information systems, offers a glossary list of GIS terms and lists 20 free, open-source software resources for building GIS maps. In addition, it offers five unique examples of GIS maps - heat, category, quantity, bubble and dot density.