UWF provides virtual software access to online students 24/7. The most up-to-date versions of ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced, ERDAS Imagine, and Adobe Illustrator are the primary GIS related software utilized to complete course assignments.

We currently offer two methods for students to access GIS related software via Virtual Desktops. eDesktop for GIS uses Windows Remote Desktop Protocol and GIS Virtual Apps & Desktops uses Citrix. GIS Virtual Apps & Desktops is the preferred choice. Not only does it work on both Macs and PCs but it also allows students to use tablets and other touchscreen devices.

Other GIS Applications are installed and available on both platforms so students can choose whichever service works best for them based on their internet connection and their computer. These Virtual Desktops allow students to access software and data directly from the GIS Online program servers. Student's connections are distributed evenly among the GIS servers by our Load Balancer and Session Broker systems. The Session Broker will also attempt to reconnect a student to their previous work session if they were accidentally disconnected.

Roaming profiles are used to provide a seamless experience regardless of which GIS server is used. Additionally, all users of the virtual desktops for GIS are assigned a "Student Folder" where they can save large data files (typical of GIS) mounted as S:\ Other network drives include: