What is the Scholars GeoPortal?
The Scholars GeoPortal is a academic geospatial data repository that provides access to over 5,000 large-scale geospatial datasets, maps, and imagery. The GeoPortal enables users to search, map, discover, visualize, and download geospatial data for research purposes.
As part of the GeoPortal redevelopment project, the platform is being redesigned with a more user-friendly and accessible search experience, improved navigation, enhanced data discovery tools, and support for evolving research and open science requirements. We are conducting usability testing on the new GeoPortal Alpha frontend to ensure that the new interface effectively meets the needs of our users.
Participate in Our Usability Study
We are currently seeking 10–12 participants to take part in individual usability testing sessions for the new Scholars GeoPortal Alpha site.
If you are a librarian, faculty member, GIS analyst, student, or researcher with some experience using geospatial data repositories, we would love to hear from you.
This is a unique opportunity to be among the first users to explore and evaluate the new Alpha site and help shape its future development!
About the Study
The usability study is designed to identify opportunities for improvement and address issues within the Alpha site before the beta launch in fall 2026. Participant feedback will play a critical role in helping us understand what is working well and where improvements are needed.
Current Phase
We are currently in the recruitment phase and actively seeking participants.
Usability testing sessions will take place between July 21, 2026, and August 19, 2026, and will be conducted in Eastern Standard Time (ET).
Participant Incentive
If participants are eligible, a $20 Starbucks gift card will be provided as a token of appreciation for their time.
Privacy and Confidentiality
All personal information collected for this study will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes.
Are you Interested?
To express your interest, please complete this form.
If you are selected to participate, you will be contacted by email with additional information and next steps.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at datagis@scholarsportal.info. We kindly ask that the subject line be "Scholars GeoPortal - Usability Study".