GIS
- Technology for analyzing and manipulating spatial data to reveal relationships and patterns.
- Applied in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation analysis.
- Supports decision-making by mapping infrastructure, tracking environmental change, and identifying vulnerable areas.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”GIS, or geographic information systems, is a technology that allows users to analyze and manipulate spatial data to better understand the relationships and patterns between different geographic features.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”GIS provides tools to work with spatial data so users can examine how geographic features relate to one another and identify spatial patterns. By combining mapped information (for example, roads, utilities, land cover) with analytical functions, GIS supports evaluation of impacts, monitoring over time, and planning for events or developments.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Urban planning
Section titled “Urban planning”When a city is planning a new development, GIS can be used to analyze the potential impact on the surrounding environment and infrastructure. For instance, the city may use GIS to map out the location of existing roads, utilities, and other infrastructure to determine the best location for the development. GIS can also be used to analyze the potential impact of the development on traffic patterns, air quality, and other environmental factors.
Environmental management
Section titled “Environmental management”GIS can be used to monitor changes in land use, vegetation, and water quality over time. For example, a conservation organization might use GIS to track the spread of invasive species or monitor the health of a particular ecosystem. GIS can also be used to identify areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters, such as flooding or wildfires, and help emergency responders plan for these events.
Transportation analysis
Section titled “Transportation analysis”GIS is used in transportation analysis to examine spatial relationships relevant to transport systems and planning.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”- Urban planning
- Environmental management
- Transportation analysis
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Spatial data
- Geographic features
- Urban planning
- Environmental management
- Transportation analysis