{"id":1003,"date":"2014-01-02T11:00:18","date_gmt":"2014-01-02T17:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gisgeography.com\/?p=1003"},"modified":"2025-05-31T21:39:59","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T02:39:59","slug":"what-is-gis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/what-is-gis\/","title":{"rendered":"What is GIS? Geographic Information Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1265\" height=\"727\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-1265x727.jpg\" alt=\"What Is Geographic Information Systems GIS\" class=\"wp-image-20712\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-1265x727.jpg 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-678x390.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-768x441.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-50x29.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-70x40.jpg 70w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-200x115.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-425x244.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-550x316.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-115x66.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured-850x489.jpg 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-Is-Geographic-Information-Systems-Featured.jpg 1364w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1265px) 100vw, 1265px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-right:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-bottom:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-left:1px solid #d3d3d3;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13{position:relative;}.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13:not(.specificity){margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-right:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-bottom:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-left:1px solid #d3d3d3;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-right:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-bottom:1px solid #d3d3d3;border-left:1px solid #d3d3d3;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_49cb15-2d13\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11\"]{padding-bottom:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-size:16px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_bcacae-9d11\"><strong>DEFINITION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12\"]{font-size:16px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1003_74a581-dc12\"><strong>GIS (Geographic Information Systems)<\/strong> is a technology that <strong>collects, stores, analyzes, manages, and displays spatial or geographic data<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is GIS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>GIS stands for <strong>Geographic Information Systems. <\/strong>A GIS stores, analyzes, and visualizes data for geographic positions on Earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a computer-based tool that examines spatial relationships, patterns, and trends in geography.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"985\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GIS-Layers-678x985.jpg\" alt=\"GIS Layers\" class=\"wp-image-97407\" style=\"width:325px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GIS-Layers-678x985.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GIS-Layers-206x300.jpg 206w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GIS-Layers.jpg 688w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>GIS mapping produces visualizations of geospatial information. The 4 main ideas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_37c426-ac:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_37c426-ac ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_37c426-ac ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_37c426-ac ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_37c426-ac kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_c4cdc6-c2 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_c4cdc6-c2 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_c4cdc6-c2 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Create geographic data.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_4f5842-e2 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_4f5842-e2 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_4f5842-e2 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Manage it in a database.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_8ab3aa-85 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_8ab3aa-85 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_8ab3aa-85 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Analyze and find patterns.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_953300-50 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_953300-50 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_953300-50 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Display it on a map.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Because viewing and analyzing data on maps impacts our understanding of data, we can make better decisions using GIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps us understand <strong>what<\/strong> is <strong>where<\/strong>. The analysis becomes simple. Answers become clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because you don&#8217;t fully understand your data until you see how it relates to other things in a geographic context.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Definitions of GIS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To get started, let&#8217;s explore some simple definitions of GIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\n<p>A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there).<\/p>\n<cite>Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\n<p>A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location.<\/p>\n<cite>United States Geological Survey (USGS)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\n<p>A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n<cite>NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>These definitions of GIS share several commonalities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Computer-Based System<\/strong>: All three definitions emphasize that GIS is a computer-based technology. This highlights the role of computers in processing and managing geographic information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spatial Data<\/strong>: They all mention the importance of geographic or geographically referenced information. GIS means that it deals with data associated with specific locations on the Earth&#8217;s surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data Management<\/strong>: Each definition of GIS mentions the storage and management of data. GIS is not just about displaying maps; it involves capturing, managing, and analyzing data in a spatial context.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integration of Data and Maps<\/strong>: These definitions stress location data and descriptive information. GIS connects spatial data (where things are) with attribute data (what things are like there). This integration is a core aspect of GIS functionality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Analytical Capability<\/strong>: The terms \u201canalyzes\u201d and \u201cdisplays\u201d indicate that GIS is not just about visualizing data. But a GIS also includes analytical functions. This means it can analyze and create insights from spatial data.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the Use Cases of GIS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every day, GIS powers millions of decisions around the world. It makes a big impact on our lives and you might not even realize it. For example, we use GIS for:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_ece6c9-28:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_ece6c9-28 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_ece6c9-28 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_ece6c9-28 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items1003_ece6c9-28 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_0920f9-d9 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_0920f9-d9 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_0920f9-d9 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Pinpointing new store locations<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_373bf7-75 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_373bf7-75 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_373bf7-75 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Reporting power outages<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_1dfa3d-9a .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_1dfa3d-9a .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_1dfa3d-9a kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Analyzing crime patterns<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_7b34b0-a3 .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_7b34b0-a3 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_7b34b0-a3 kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Routing in-car navigation<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_e4e158-5d .kt-svg-icon-list-single{font-size:20px !important;}.kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_e4e158-5d .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1003_e4e158-5d kt-svg-icon-list-style-default\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_checkCircle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14\"\/><polyline points=\"22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Forecasting and predicting weather<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/gis-applications-uses\/\">1000 GIS applications<\/a> show all the use cases of Geographic Information Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/spatial-analysis\/\">The Power of Spatial Analysis: Patterns in Geography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Visualize Geography with Maps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I think you\u2019ll agree:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s REALLY hard to visualize <a href=\"http:\/\/gisgeography.com\/latitude-longitude-coordinates\/\">latitude and longitude coordinates<\/a> from a spreadsheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>City<\/th><th>Latitude<\/th><th>Longitude<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Seattle<\/td><td>47.5\u00b0<\/td><td>-122.3\u00b0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New York<\/td><td>40.7<\/td><td>-73.9\u00b0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miami<\/td><td>25.8\u00b0<\/td><td>-80.2\u00b0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Los Angeles<\/td><td>33.9\u00b0<\/td><td>-118.2\u00b0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But when you add these positions on a map, suddenly spreadsheets come to life.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"222\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-425x222.png\" alt=\"Locations Map\" class=\"wp-image-20723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-425x222.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-678x354.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-768x401.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-50x26.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-200x104.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-550x287.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-135x70.png 135w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-115x60.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-1265x660.png 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map-850x444.png 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/What-is-GIS-Locations-Map.png 1391w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s because maps make geographic information easier to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have geographic context, you don&#8217;t only see where they are on a map. But you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Calculate how far points are from each other<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check if points are clustered for patterns and trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find the optimal route between cities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Components of Geographic Information Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 3 main components of Geographic Information Systems are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>GIS stores location data as <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/what-is-geodata-geospatial-data\/\">thematic layers<\/a>. Each data set has an attribute table that stores information about the feature. The two main types of GIS data are <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/spatial-data-types-vector-raster\/\">raster and vector<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1003_2ea151-6c alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_638ba0-d7 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Raster-Pixels-300x100.png\" alt=\"Raster Pixels\" class=\"wp-image-20727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Raster-Pixels-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Raster-Pixels-50x17.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Raster-Pixels-200x67.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Raster-Pixels-115x38.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Raster-Pixels.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Raster<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Raster data look like grids because they store data in rows and columns. They can be discrete or continuous. For example, we often represent land cover, temperature data, and imagery as raster data.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_2ec7b3-0c inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-300x200.png\" alt=\"Editing Trace\" class=\"wp-image-20366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-50x33.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-200x133.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-425x283.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-550x367.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace-115x77.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Editing-Trace.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vector<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Vectors are points, lines, and polygons with vertices. For example, fire hydrants, contours,  and administrative boundaries are often vectors.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardware runs GIS software. It could be anything from powerful servers, mobile phones, or a personal <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/gis-workstation-computer-components\/\">GIS workstation<\/a>. The CPU is your workhorse and data processing is the name of the game. Dual monitors, extra storage, and crisp graphic processing cards are must-haves too in GIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcgis-pro-vs-qgis-3\/\">ArcGIS and QGIS<\/a> are the leaders in <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-gis-software\/\">GIS software<\/a>. GIS software specializes in spatial analysis by using math in maps. It blends geography with modern technology to measure, quantify, and understand our world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive Decisions with Spatial Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Never before have we had more pressing issues in need of a geospatial perspective. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/climate-change-effects-maps\/\">climate change<\/a>, natural disasters, and population are all geographic in nature. These global issues need location-based knowledge that can only come from a GIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people think GIS is only about &#8220;making maps&#8221;. But we harness the power of GIS because of the insights of <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/spatial-analysis\/\">spatial analysis<\/a>. We use spatial analysis through math in maps. Spatial analysis is difficult with paper maps so that&#8217;s why we need GIS. Here are examples of spatial analysis:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1003_508d89-0b alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_d36b91-b0 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buffer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/buffer-tool-multiple-ring-geodesic-euclidean-round-square\/\">buffer tool<\/a> generates a polygon around features at a set distance. By creating buffers, you can find the surrounding features that are within buffers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_11c1d4-48 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"213\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-425x213.png\" alt=\"Buffer\" class=\"wp-image-10631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-425x213.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-678x339.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-50x25.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-200x100.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-550x275.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-115x58.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-850x425.png 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer-310x155.png 310w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Buffer.png 910w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1003_5b0afd-9d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_74e8f3-9c inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hot Spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hot spots highlight areas that have clusters of points. Whereas cold spots have a small density of points.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1003_92aa23-10 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-425x135.png\" alt=\"IDW Power 2\" class=\"wp-image-10651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-425x135.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-300x96.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-678x216.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-768x245.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-50x16.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-200x64.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-550x175.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-115x37.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-850x271.png 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2-487x155.png 487w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IDW-Power2.png 1165w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build Your Career in Geomatics<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"197\" height=\"198\" src=\"http:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Percent-80-20.png\" alt=\"GIS Percent 80% 20%\" class=\"wp-image-14647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Percent-80-20.png 197w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Percent-80-20-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Percent-80-20-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Percent-80-20-115x116.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Percent-80-20-154x155.png 154w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This quote means that if you take 80% of all government data, 80% has a geographic context. This quote originated from Robert Williams in his paper &#8220;Selling a Geographical Information System to government policymakers.&#8221;[<a href=\"#Ref\">1<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But recently, researchers have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/13658816.2012.743664\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cut this percentage to 60%<\/a> in 2012.[<a href=\"#Ref\">2<\/a>] Either way, geography is a big component of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From planning a pipeline to navigating ships, spatial problems need spatial thinkers. This is why Geographic Information Systems has expanded into countless disciplines. GIS careers are booming for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CARTOGRAPHERS<\/strong> create maps. In fact, the origin of <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/cartographer-job-salary\/\">&#8220;cartographer&#8221;<\/a> comes from charta which means &#8220;tablet or leaf of paper&#8221; and graph &#8220;to draw&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DATABASE MANAGERS<\/strong> store and extract information from structured sets into <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/spatial-databases\/\">spatial databases<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PROGRAMMERS<\/strong> write code and automate redundant GIS processes. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/gis-programming-tutorials\/\">GIS programming<\/a> languages include Python, SQL, C++, Visual Basic, and JavaScript.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>REMOTE SENSING SPECIALISTS<\/strong> use aerial, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-satellite-imagery-data-list\/\">satellite imagery<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/open-source-remote-sensing-software-packages\/\">remote sensing software<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SPATIAL ANALYSTS<\/strong> use <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/geoprocessing-tools\/\">geoprocessing tools<\/a> to manipulate, extract, locate, and analyze geographic data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LAND SURVEYORS<\/strong> measure the 3-dimensional coordinates on the land.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/gisgeography.com\/gis-salary-expectations-gis-career\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GIS Salary Expectations: Climb the GIS Career Ladder<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-medium-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>80% of the informational needs of local government are related to geographic location.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GIS All Started by Mapping Cholera<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"152\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map.png\" alt=\"Cholera Map\" class=\"wp-image-4474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map.png 350w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map-50x22.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map-80x35.png 80w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map-200x87.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Cholera-Map-115x50.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In 1854, cholera hit the city of London, England. No one knew where the disease started. So, British physician John Snow <strong>started mapping the outbreak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn&#8217;t just the disease. But he also mapped out roads, property boundaries, and water lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When he added these features to a map, something interesting happened. He noticed that cholera cases were only along one water line. This was a breakthrough that connected geography to public health safety. But it wasn&#8217;t only the beginning of <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/spatial-analysis\/\">spatial analysis<\/a>. It also marked the start of epidemiology, the study of the spread of disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1968, a man by the name of Roger Tomlinson started piecing together modern computing with maps. In fact, he first coined the term &#8220;GIS&#8221; in his paper &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/pdfs.semanticscholar.org\/266c\/362ae00c82ccf8a4f9b6467da511aa0bd5e1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A Geographic Information System for Regional Planning<\/a>&#8220;.[<a href=\"#Ref\">3<\/a>] At this moment, GIS truly became a computer-based tool for storing map data. In 2014, Roger Tomlinson later passed away and will always be remembered as the &#8220;father of GIS&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/history-of-gis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Remarkable History of GIS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-default\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"170\" height=\"170\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Roger-Tomlinson.png\" alt=\"Roger Tomlinson\" class=\"wp-image-7214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Roger-Tomlinson.png 170w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Roger-Tomlinson-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Roger-Tomlinson-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Roger-Tomlinson-115x115.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Roger-Tomlinson-155x155.png 155w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds. I may be given credit for having blaze the trail of GIS. But when I look at the subsequent development, I feel the credit is due to others rather than just myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014 Roger Tomlinson, <em>The Father of GIS<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-default\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GIS Uses and Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Geographic Information Systems is jam-packed with example use cases. For example, we&#8217;ve found over <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/gis-applications-uses\/\">1000 GIS uses and applications<\/a>. Here are some examples below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ENVIRONMENT:<\/strong> By far, the heaviest users are for the environment. For example, conservationists use GIS for climate change, groundwater studies, and impact assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"407\" height=\"421\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Analyst.png\" alt=\"GIS Analyst\" class=\"wp-image-20746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Analyst.png 407w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Analyst-290x300.png 290w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Analyst-48x50.png 48w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Analyst-193x200.png 193w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/GIS-Analyst-115x119.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>MILITARY AND DEFENSE:<\/strong> The military is a heavy user of GIS. They use it for location intelligence, logistics management, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/earth-satellite-list\/\">spy satellites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>AGRICULTURE:<\/strong> Farmers use it for precision farming, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/agriculture-maps-global-farming\/\">soil mapping<\/a>, and crop productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FORESTRY:<\/strong> Foresters manage timber, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/global-forest-maps\/\">track deforestation<\/a>, and inventory forest stands with GIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BUSINESS:<\/strong> More on the business side of things, GIS is for <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/optimal-business-location-allocation\/\">site selection<\/a>, consumer profiling, and customer prospecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>REAL ESTATE:<\/strong> Examples in real estate include market analysis, home valuations, and zoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PUBLIC SAFETY:<\/strong> GIS shows the <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/real-time-disease-map-healthmap\/\">spread of disease<\/a>, disaster response, and public health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can GIS Do For You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Geographic Information Systems better answer questions about location, patterns, and trends. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Phone-Route.jpg\" alt=\"Phone Route\" class=\"wp-image-96138\" style=\"width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Phone-Route.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Phone-Route-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Phone-Route-678x386.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Phone-Route-768x437.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Where are the land features found?<\/strong> If you need to find the closest gas station, GIS can show you the way. GIS can find optimal locations by connecting traffic volumes, zoning information, and demographics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. What geographical patterns exist?<\/strong> In conservation, we want to know animal habitats using GPS collars and <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-global-land-cover-land-use-data\/\">land cover<\/a>. By knowing animal locations, we can correlate preferred land types with GPS locations. In the end, we have a massive database with all types of species of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What changes have occurred over a given period of time?<\/strong> Time is the missing element in studying change. For example, we understand change through <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/remote-sensing-of-the-environment\/\">remote sensing of the environment<\/a>. Also, we better predict disasters by finding changes over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. What are the spatial implications?<\/strong> If a company wants to build a new project, GIS excels in storing environment data. Most environmental assessments use GIS to understand the impact of projects on the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-550x326.jpg\" alt=\"Photogrammetry Point Cloud\" class=\"wp-image-20503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-550x326.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-678x402.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-768x455.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-50x30.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-70x40.jpg 70w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-200x118.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-425x252.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-115x68.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud-850x503.jpg 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Photogrammetry-Point-Cloud.jpg 1025w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Geographic Information Science (GISc)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While GIS answers \u201cwhat\u201d and \u201cwhere\u201d, Geographic Information Science (GIScience) focuses on \u201chow\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How will GIS grow in the upcoming years? This is a question that Geographic Information Science understands best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/gisgeography.com\/giscience-geographic-information-science\/\">Geographic Information Science<\/a> provides all the <strong>building blocks<\/strong> for Geographic Information Systems. It draws from computer science, mathematics, geography, statistics, cartography, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/geodesy\/\">geodesy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GIScience incorporates the knowledge from these fields into Geographical Information Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Geographic Information Systems connects <strong><em>what <\/em><\/strong>with the <strong><em>where<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geographic Information Science discovers <strong><em>how<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Geographic Information Systems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might ask yourself: Haven\u2019t geographers been answering these questions for centuries? Yes, they have. But geographers can answer these questions much better with Geographic Information Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we first started recording inventories on paper maps, it was quite a tedious process. But what did we really need? We needed a GIS to record and store observations. Also, we needed a <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/relate-vs-join-attribute-tables-arcgis\/\">table to store the attributes<\/a> of the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the bottom line? Geographic information systems (GIS) let us interpret data understanding relationships, patterns, and trends. Then, viewing and analyzing data geographically impacts our understanding of our world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/geofence-geofencing\/\">What is Geofencing?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/remote-sensing-earth-observation-guide\/\">What is Remote Sensing? The Definitive Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/geomatics-gis-difference\/\">What is the Difference Between Geomatics and GIS?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/what-gis-geographic-information-systems\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-18664 noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"1387\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic.jpg\" alt=\"geographic information systems infographic - what is gis\" class=\"wp-image-18664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic.jpg 940w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-678x1000.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-768x1133.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-34x50.jpg 34w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-136x200.jpg 136w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-288x425.jpg 288w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-373x550.jpg 373w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-115x170.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/geographic-information-systems-gis-infographic-576x850.jpg 576w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Ref\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Williams, Robert (1987), Selling a geographical information system to government policymakers. Papers from the 1987 Annual Conference of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Stefan Hahmann &amp; Dirk Burghardt. How much information is geospatially referenced? Networks and cognition (Pages 1171-1189). Received 27 Jun 2012, Accepted 21 Oct 2012, Published online: 23 Nov 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. R. F. Tomlinson. A Geographic Information System for Regional Planning. Department of Forestry and Rural Development. Government of Canada, Published 1969.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Viewing and analyzing data on a map impacts our understanding of data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) helps us understand what belongs where.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20712,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[250],"tags":[446],"class_list":["post-1003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gis-career","tag-what-is-gis"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is GIS? 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