Research software and solutions

Research Data Services

The mission of the Research Data Services (RDS) team is to help IU researchers to optimally utilize the broad range of available data sources and storage resources to solve their research challenges.

Supporting IU researchers

RDS helps researchers to leverage resources from Research Technologies, UITS, IU, and beyond, while supplementing with non-duplicative services in research databases, restricted data enclaves, data and metadata management workflows, and geospatial and text data analysis.

Databases for research

The Research Database Complex (RDC) supports data-intensive research requiring MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB and Oracle databases. RDC databases are operated in collaboration with the UITS Enterprise Database Administration team, and therefore offer enterprise grade uptime, updates, and security. In all but the largest cases, RDC databases are available to researchers with no chargeback. The RDC is strictly devoted to supporting research, and it is not a database environment for instruction or administration.

Help with research technology

Need assistance getting started? Need to request software, storage space, or extended consulting? Tell us what you’re trying to do, and we’ll connect you with the right resources. Or explore our list of services offered by Research Technologies.

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Analysis of restricted data (RADaRS)

The Restricted Access Data Remote Server (RADaRS) is a secure, Windows-based research hub that allows IU researchers to access and analyze datasets from a variety of data providers. RADARS is intended for use by researchers in all areas of social sciences that require that their data be used only within a highly secure environment with the oversight of a data custodian controlling the export of data analysis results.

Services for data management

RDS provides expert consulting and a set of software tools and workflows to help IU researchers optimize their use of available data storage options. These storage options may include RT-operated resources (Geode 2, Slate, Scholarly Data Archive, Research Database Complex) as well as cloud-based and departmentally operated storage options. RDS data management services are available through short-, medium-, and long-term consultations.

Data management consulting

Consult with RDS experts to identify data management tools and workflows that will enhance and streamline research activities.
College Archiving Tool

A web-based application to help IU Bloomington College of Arts + Sciences researchers archive and restore Geode-Project directories to/from tape storage on the Scholarly Data Archive.

Services for geospatial data

The RDS geospatial data services are designed to complement and extend the rich set of services and resources provided through other units at IU and through state and national entities. RDS focuses on the management of geospatial data through the Indiana Spatial Data Portal, support for commonly used GIS toolsets such as ESRI and QGIS, and consulting on the effective use of these resources. Other available resources for GIS data and expertise include the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, the Polis Center, the Environmental Resiliency Institute, the IU Libraries, IndianaMAP, the Indiana GIO Office, and the Indiana Geographic Information Council.

Indiana Spatial Data Portal

This portal provides access to more than 70 terabytes of Indiana geospatial data, including aerial photos, topographic maps, LiDAR, elevation data, and historic maps.
ESRI ArcGIS and other GIS software

Core ArcGIS products include desktop and server editions, mobile applications, and ArcGIS Online. Additional open source GIS applications are supported on Research Desktop.
Geospatial resources beyond UITS

This Knowledge Base article highlights some of the many GIS resources available through Indiana University and the state of Indiana.