Synopsis:
How can I view and/or print a .dwg file?

Solution:
There is software available on campus to view and print .dwg files. AutoCAD is a program that is used for simple floor plans, building drawings, as well as sophisticated location-based maps with geo-referenced information. AutoCAD files are not only drawings but also geospatial or GIS data. This software produces files with the .dwg extension.

A new Blackboard organization site for GIS Software Support is available to all Princeton University faculty, staff and students. To be given access to the site, please email wguthe@princeton.edu.

The University Library and Education Technology Centers has purchased a campus-wide license for ESRI software packages (ArcView, Arc/Info, and GIS), which are the most popular GIS software packages on the market and can open .dwg files. Any one who is affiliated with the University can download the ESRI software. The URL is:
http://www.princeton.edu/~geolib/gis/esrisoftware.html

In addition, the Center has seven workstations loaded with GIS and Remote Sensing software packages for patron use.

If any student, faculty or staff need help with maps (analog or digital), AutoCAD files, satellite images, aerial photos, etc., please contact the Digital Map and Geospatial Information Center. More information can be found at:
http://www.princeton.edu/~geolib/gis

Support is also provided by the Educational Technology Center (ETC). They can help select the appropriate GIS tools, and assist you in learning to use them. ETC can help you learn how to collect GIS data, or to convert your existing data into GIS-compatible formats. ETC also provides support in managing GIS data.

ETC and the Digital Map and Geospatial Information Center within the Princeton University Library jointly offer GIS training. For more information visit the Digital Map and Geospatial Information Center site. The goals of the training are to access spatial information collected and managed by the University Library and others; understand the limitations of mapped information and the importance of spatial precision and accuracy; explore various techniques to manipulate and update GIS data, and to perform data retrievals, extractions and spatial analysis.