A GIS (Geographic Information System) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. It allows users to see, analyze, and map different kinds of data on one map, such as streets, buildings, vegetation, and more. By relating seemingly unrelated data, GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships. GIS technology applies geographic science with tools for understanding and collaboration, helping people gain actionable intelligence from all types of data.
GIS maps can be used to show information about numbers and density, such as how many doctors there are in a neighborhood compared with the area’s population. Any GIS data layer can be added or subtracted to the same map, and GIS systems are often used to produce three-dimensional images.
GIS mapping helps to visualize and identify patterns that are difficult to see if the data elements are in table format. It also helps to identify patterns that emerge when you view two or more datasets together. You can use GIS to map any data element that can be tied to a latitude and longitude (a geospatial point), such as the locations of current customers, the locations of consumers who have a high likelihood of becoming customers, the locations of competitors, estimates of demand for specific services per household, demographic characteristics such as average income, and more.
GIS is used in science and almost every industry, changing the way the world works. It is a powerful tool for problem-solving and decision-making processes, as well as for visualization of data in a spatial environment.
