A geographic information system (GIS) defines a vast assortment of computer-aided services and tools that collect, verify, and show information linked to locations on Earth’s surface.
GIS data can also be used to make layered charts, maps, and 3D models of geographical features such as streets, rivers, lakes, mountains, buildings, and forests.
What is GIS?
A GIS (geographic information system) uses software and computers to collect, study, and manage data based on geography and see the data on a map.
This sort of data, typically referred to as geospatial or spatial data, helps to decide the position of numerous features on the earth’s surface. Spatial data examples include addresses, borders, and roads which can all be mapped to particular locations.
GIS mapping uses spatial data to make 3D images and maps from layers of imagistic information, displaying connections and patterns in the GIS data. GIS is used in organizations across numerous businesses.
Numerous businesses and government agencies use GIS to effectively convey complicated information and resolve issues connected to geographic locations. GIS functions by combining five main components:
- Methods
- Data
- Hardware
- Software
- People
The Purpose of a Geographic Information System
A GIS overlays data on a map. By linking geography with data, GIS programming helps people know how data relates to a particular location. Envisioning data geographically can help people see patterns that would have been hard to find in a big spreadsheet.
GIS maps are used in an assortment of ways, from following climate change to investigating crime patterns. Several businesses use GIS and GIS technology is incorporated into practically every government organization and industry. For example, agriculturalists depend on GIS to map soil and crop types. Ecologists use GIS to track deforestation and melting glaciers.
Companies use GIS to choose store sites, run their supply chain, and profile their customers. GIS applications help real estate companies compare locations. GIS data can also help ad campaigns reach their target audiences. The military depends greatly on GIS to manage satellite data, location intelligence, and logistics.
GIS has also transformed public health by visualizing the spread of disease. For similar reasons, GIS has become a critical tool for disaster response. Currently, sectors such as transportation, archaeology, and education use GIS data.
How GIS is Used
GIS allows individuals to see the world distinctively by:
- Mapping the location and number of things
- Mapping the mass of objects and individuals
- Mapping any alterations that happen
Additionally, GIS lets you learn what is occurring inside or near a particular area.
To be more precise, GIS is used through:
Environmental geography – To study the effect people have on the environment
Physical geography – To examine the features of the biosphere, geosphere, and atmosphere.
Emergency management information system – To deliver real-time data regarding the geographical layout to first responders.
Health geography – To use geographical data to investigate health-related problems like illnesses and diseases.
Economic geography – To research economic activities around the world.
Transportation geography – To examine the spatial interactions of things or people.
Types of Geographic Information Systems
The types of data in geographic information systems (GIS) include:
Numeric data – Statistical data gathered with a geographic component and shown as a layer on a map. An example of numeric data is the U.S. census demographics.
Vector data – Containing X and Y coordinates, vector data can describe lines, polygons, and points linked to a geographic space. Vector formats are suitable for data with exact borders such as a political or street district.
Raster data – Usually digital images in TIF, GIF, and JPEG format, raster data is created from grids of pixels or cells. An excellent example of raster data is satellite imagery.
Linear networks – A layered line representing multiple elements, such as a road that is also the boundary of a city or political district.
Common GIS Methods
Some common GIS methods include:
Remote sensing – Remote sensing is the method of collecting data (satellite imagery, aerial photography, etc.) regarding the Earth’s surface using sensors that aren’t in straight contact with the surface. Remote sensing data is frequently used in GIS applications to observe ecological changes, generate maps, and examine land use patterns.
Network analysis – Procedures used to examine utility and transportation networks including service area evaluation, routing, and shortest path investigation.
Spatial analysis – Spatial analysis entails using GIS tools to study geographic data and gain insights about different phenomena like natural resource distribution, traffic patterns, and virus outbreaks.
Cartography – The art of creating maps, entailing creating and showing geographic data in an informative and visually appealing manner.
Geostatistics – A set of statistical procedures used to examine geospatial data like clustering, regression evaluation, and interpolation.
3D modeling – The making of three-dimensional images of geographical data that can be used for simulation, testing, and visualization.
Data visualization – The method of using graphs, charts, and other visual aids to share information and perceptions obtained from GIS data.
Data management – The method of storing, gathering, and keeping geographic data within a GIS, including jobs like organizing, metadata creating, and data cleaning.
The Benefits of Geographic Information Systems
Effective planning – Geospatial data is vital. GIS helps developers make better decisions on construction projects and preserve land based on water drainage, natural resources, and elevation in the area.
Road planning and other transportation types benefit from using GIS. The data offers information on what parts of a community would benefit from additional roads.
Better information management – Consultants typically use many mapping applications to finish a job for a client. With GIS solutions, specialists can consolidate their software, frequently using just one application to manage their data sharing and collecting. Sharing data in the GIS system helps generate an outline for making informed decisions. This lets organizations work more effectively to satisfy their customers’ needs.
Enhanced cartography – GIS software has drastically altered cartography. It lets businesses make their maps using current technology like LIDAR to gather 3D information and layer together several data sources and maps. Surveyors can layer topographic and satellite maps to view the terrain and landforms.
Manage natural resources – With GIS data, environmental agencies can control and track natural resources more efficiently. They can use geospatial mapping to get amounts and precise locations like mineral deposits, determining how to handle every resource they document. GIS technology can also be used to track the effect of human involvement on the earth including climate change and deforestation.
Simplify logistics and services – Geospatial technology has significantly transformed the shipping and logistics industry, making it simpler for services to deliver packages more conveniently than ever worldwide. Businesses use GIS data to track trucks, planes, weather, traffic conditions, products, and customer locations to deliver goods correctly and efficiently.
Efficient design – GIS mapping software saves both money and time. It allows employees to be more effective when mapping out job sites thanks to the vast amount of data they can access. GIS makes tracking and transporting goods considerably more resourceful even to the point of tracking goods in real time accurately.
Improved decision-making – GIS provides decision-makers with correct and current information, leading to better-informed decision-making and efficient planning. With geospatial data promptly available, policymakers can consider the effect of decisions on certain communities and areas.
During a public health catastrophe, like COVID, GIS can help visualize the spread of a disease, expedite targeted interventions, and track the capacity of healthcare facilities. This data helps in making decisions that decrease costs and improve efficiency.
Better marketing – By using GIS data, marketing teams can follow trends in consumer habits over various locations to better profile their customers in their consistently changing markets. They can then separate their ad campaigns by geographic location using current sales data. Marketing professionals can advertise more relevant products to shoppers.
Improved communication – Having updated, current maps means improved communication during an emergency or at a job site. Businesses can view property lines from the GIS data and decide if any natural feature would impact the planning and construction of the site. Additionally, first responders have access to GIS data to answer emergency calls and find people who need help.
Enhance public transportation – Public transportation uses GIS technology to oversee their fleet and map routes. Using GIS solutions, city transportation services can effectively evaluate their routes to add new stops. With live location tracking, should a situation arise, transit times are automatically revised to include the delay.
Summary
GIS is a great tool for those working with spatial data. It lets you gather, store, examine, and display information about the Earth in new and groundbreaking ways. By using GIS mapping, we can create thorough visualizations of everything from natural resource management to traffic patterns.
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