What is GIS(Geographic Information Systems)? Explained in Detail

Have you ever wondered how maps are used to make decisions? Discover What is GIS and how it powers industries worldwide. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a technology that captures, analyses and visualises spatial data. It helps professionals across different fields understand geographic patterns and make informed choices. 

Imagine mapping data and gaining insights that improve urban planning, environment conservation, or even business logistics. GIS makes all of this possible by combining geography with Data Analysis. Learn more about GIS and explore how it can transform your work with spatial data. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is GIS? 

2) How does GIS work?   

3) Applications and Use Cases of GIS 

4) Various Types of Geographic Information Systems 

5) Core Components of Geographic Information Systems 

6) The Purpose Behind Geographic Information Systems 

7) Benefits of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) 

8) Conclusion 

What is GIS? 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools that create visual representations of geospatial data linked to the Earth. They capture, store, analyze, and manage this data, enabling a wide range of functionalities.  

Key Points: 

a) Data Capture and Storage: GIS systems gather and store vast amounts of geospatial data from various sources. 

b) Data Analysis and Management: They analyse and manage this data to uncover insights and trends. 

c) Interactive Queries: Users can perform interactive queries to explore specific aspects of the data. 

d) Spatial Analysis: GIS allows for detailed spatial analysis, helping to understand geographic patterns and relationships. 

e) Data Editing: Users can edit and update geospatial data to ensure accuracy and relevance. 

f) Map Integration: GIS integrates different data sets into comprehensive maps, providing a visual context. 

g) Result Presentation: The results of GIS analyses are presented in an easily understandable format, often through maps and reports. 

How does GIS work?   

GIS have several key parts: 

a) Maps: These are shareable and contain layers of geographic data. 

b) Data: This includes spreadsheets, tables, and images that are linked to specific locations. 

c) Analysis: Spatial analysis helps in making better decisions by providing insights. 

d) Apps: GIS data can now be accessed on mobile apps, not just desktops. 

All GIS tools work similarly by analysing and visualising spatial data, like addresses or coordinates. 

GIS generally follows three steps: 

a) Visualise Data: Display geographic data in GIS software. 

b) Combine Data: Merge different data layers to create maps. 

c) Query Data: Search for specific values within the layered data. 

Applications and Use Cases of GIS 

GIS tools and location-based information can help solve many of today’s challenges, like climate change and natural disasters. For example, Facility Managers can use GIS to assess the impact of natural disasters on their assets. GIS maps can also show the exact locations of pollution sites near water bodies to identify at-risk water supplies. 

Here are some real-world uses of GIS Technology: 

a) NOAA: Uses GIS to map oil spills, understand sea level changes, and track hurricanes. 

b) CDC: Uses GIS to study how location affects public health and disease spread. 

c) NASA and University of Maryland’s GEDI: Uses GIS from the ISS to study Earth’s forests and topography. 

These examples show just a few ways GIS helps people, businesses, and governments make better decisions, from predicting weather to urban planning. 

Various Types of Geographic Information Systems 

GIS uses various types of data: 

a) Numeric Data: Statistical data with a geographic component, shown as map layers. Example: US Census demographics. 

b) Vector Data: Uses X and Y coordinates to describe points, lines, or polygons. Ideal for data with clear boundaries, like streets or political districts. 

c) Raster Data: Digital images in formats like JPEG, TIF, or GIF, made up of grids of cells or pixels. Example: Satellite imagery. 

d) Linear Networks: Lines that represent multiple elements, such as roads that also serve as city or district boundaries. 

Core Components of Geographic Information Systems 

The 3 Main Components of Geographic Information Systems are: 

Hardware 

Hardware runs GIS software. It includes servers, mobile phones, or personal workstations. Important components are the CPU, dual monitors, extra storage, and good graphic cards. 

Software 

ArcGIS and QGIS are popular GIS software. They use spatial analysis to blend geography with technology, helping us measure and understand the world. 

Data 

GIS stores location data in layers. Each layer has an attribute table with information about features. There are two main types of GIS data: 

a) Raster: Looks like grids with rows and columns. Used for land cover, temperature, and imagery. 

b) Vector: Points, lines, and polygons with vertices. Used for fire hydrants, contours, and boundaries. 

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The Purpose Behind Geographic Information Systems 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) overlay data on maps. By linking data with geography, GIS helps people understand how data relates to specific locations. This makes it easier to spot patterns that are hard to see in spreadsheets. 

Uses of GIS: 

a) Climate Change: Tracking changes and patterns. 

b) Crime Analysis: Analysing crime patterns. 

c) Environmentalists: Tracking melting glaciers and deforestation. 

d) Agriculture: Mapping crops and soil types. 

Business Applications: 

a) Store Locations: Choosing sites for new stores. 

b) Supply Chain Management: Managing logistics and supply chains. 

c) Customer Profiling: Understanding customer demographics. 

d) Real Estate: Comparing locations and parcels. 

e) Journalism: Illustrating concepts for audiences. 

f) Advertising: Targeting ad campaigns. 

Other Applications: 

a) Military: Managing logistics, location intelligence, and satellite data. 

b) Police: Predictive policing and investigations. 

c) Public Health: Visualising disease spread. 

d) Disaster Response: Managing emergency situations. 

Expanding Fields: 

a) Archaeology 

b) Education 

c) Transportation 

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Benefits of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) 

GIS helps businesses and governments ask complex questions about location-based data. It uses spatiotemporal data to provide visual clues, offering deeper insights than paper maps or spreadsheets. This is crucial for addressing big issues like climate change, population dynamics, and natural disasters. 

Conclusion 

GIS is a powerful tool that transforms how we understand and use geographic data. Capturing, analysing, and visualising spatial information helps various industries make informed decisions. Understanding What is GIS allows us to see its value in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and business logistics. 

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