1. Analysis and spreadsheet tools
There are a lot of tools available to analyse data. Which tool you use may depend on a range of factors:
- Basic or advanced functions — if you are working with a complex document you may require a tool with a range of formulas.
- Availability of training — the availability of in-person training and online help varies between writing tools.
- Industry standards — within certain industries there may be an expectation that you use a particular tool.
Find:
- Spreadsheet tools
- Data analysis tools
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools
- Text analysis tools
Looking for help with your assignment?
Relevant Digital Essentials modules:
- Types of assignments — information on written, video, audio, presentations, posters, 3D models and coding assignments.
Spreadsheet tools
| Tool | Summary | Help and Tutorials | Charles Sturt-specific information |
| Microsoft Excel | Standard spreadsheet tool, commonly used in workplaces. | Excel help & learning
Excel Essential Training (Microsoft 365) – LinkedIn Learning (2h24m) |
Access Microsoft (MS) Office 365 ProPlus through the MS Student Advantage Program. |
| Google Sheets | Free, web-based spreadsheet tool. Requires a Google Account. In Google Chrome install Google Docs offline Chrome extension to access sheets offline. | Google Sheets Essentials Training – LinkedIn Learning (1h52m) | |
| Calc (LibreOffice) | Free, downloadable spreadsheet tool. Allows multiple users to add data. File formats compatible with Excel. | Learn LibreOffice Calc 6 in under 30 minutes – YouTube (22m3s) |
Data analysis tools
Tools to analyse and visualise data. Visit Research Support for more information on using data analysis software at Charles Sturt University.
| Tool | Summary | Help and Tutorials | Charles Sturt-specific information |
| ENVI | NV5 (Environment for Visualising Images). Remote sensing software, used to extract information from geospatial data. | NV5 Self Help Tools
ENVI Tutorial 1: ENVI for absolute beginners – YouTube (12m27s) |
Supported through the Charles Sturt Research Office.
Available to staff and research students via the Spacial Data Analysis Network (SPAN). |
| MATLAB | Downloadable software for data analysis, modelling and visualisation. | MATLAB – Getting started guide | Available to staff and research students via the Spacial Data Analysis Network (SPAN). |
| Maple | Analyse, explore, visualise, and solve mathematical problems. | Maple support & resources | Available to staff and research students via the Spacial Data Analysis Network (SPAN). |
| NVivo | Data analysis package, used to code and analyse qualitative data. | NVivo Knowledge Base | Supported through the Charles Sturt Research Office. See the Research Training Calendar for the next available NVivo course.
Available to staff and research students from the Software Centre shortcut. See A-Z software and applications. |
| SPSS | SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science). Software platform offering a range of products. Advanced statistical analysis, used across all disciplines. | IBM SPSS support guides | Supported through the Charles Sturt Research Office.
Available to staff and research students from the Software Centre shortcut. See A-Z software and applications. |
| R and RStudio | R is a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. RStudio is an integrated development environment (IDE) to make R easier to use. | Getting help with R | Charles Sturt R Introductory Workshop |
| KNIME | Free and open source desktop application. | Knime – Getting Started Guide | |
| Python | Programming language for data analysis and visualisation. | Python Beginners Guide |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools
Tools to capture, analyse and present spatial or geographical data. Visit Spatial Data Analysis Network (SPAN) for more information on using Geographic Information Systems at Charles Sturt University.
| Tools | Summary | Help and Tutorials | Charles Sturt-specific information |
| ESRI ArcGIS | GIS framework for gathering, integrating, managing and analysing many types of data, referenced by location. | GIS Overview | Available to staff and research students via the Spacial Data Analysis Network (SPAN). |
| Carto | Cloud-based GIS platform built on open source software. | Carto Academy | |
| Google Earth | Free mapping tool available online, via desktop or mobile device. | Become a Google mapping expert | |
| QGIS | Free, open-source desktop application for creating, editing and analysing geospatial information. | Learning QGIS – LinkedIn Learning (2h57m) |
Text analysis tools
Tools for text analysis. Charles Sturt’s Systematic and systematic-like reviews guide provides a more comprehensive overview for researchers. It includes information on:
- Sources of text data.
- Preparing text for analysis.
- A tool comparison table.
| Tools | Summary | Help and Tutorials | Charles Sturt-specific information |
| NVivo | Data analysis package, used to code and analyse qualitative data. | NVivo Knowledge Base | Supported through the Charles Sturt Research Office. See the Research Training Calendar for the next available NVivo course.
Available to staff and research students from the Software Centre shortcut. See A-Z software and applications. |
| Leximancer | Text-mining software that analyses, extracts and visually displays information in a concept map. | Leximancer Overview – YouTube (1m38s) | |
| OpenRefine | Tool for text and data analysis, can be used to clean and transform data. | OpenRefine has short introductory videos and user documentation to get you started. |
