A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.
A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.
GIS technology can be integrated into any information system framework.
Managing Geographically
GIS is becoming essential to understanding what is happening – and what will happen – in geographic space. Once we understand, we can prescribe action. This approach to management – managing geographically – is transforming the way that organizations operate.
Approaching a problem geographically involves framing the question from a location-based perspective. What is the problem you are trying to solve or analyze, and where is it located? Being as specific as possible about the question you’re trying to answer will help you with the later stages when you’re faced with deciding how to structure the analysis, which analytic methods to use, and how to present the results to the target audience.
Better Decision Making
GIS is the go-to technology for making better decisions about location. Common examples include real estate site selection, route/corridor selection, evacuation planning, conservation, natural resource extraction, etc. Making correct decisions about location is critical to the success of an organization.
Maps are a proven method of communicating geographic knowledge. When a decision needs to be made, GIS helps us gather place-based information and organize it on a digital map. We then use GIS to evaluate the decision and we can act in an informed, responsible manner.
