Earth Science Information Center
To find out more about how GIS is used in your local community, contact your nearest Earth Science Information Center (ESIC). Staff from the US Geological Survey (USGS) answer questions about aerial photographs, maps, satellite imagery, computer programs, data formats, data standards, and digital cartographic data. To contact your local ESIC, call 1-888-ASK-USGS or visit the website.

The maps that we use online work because of GIS.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a kind of computer system. It captures, stores, and displays data about locations on Earth.

It can use and compare any information about a location. The location can be expressed in many different ways. Some examples are addresses or ZIP codes. Others are latitude and longitude. These are imaginary lines that appear on every map of Earth.

Lines of latitude run east to west. Lines of longitude run north to south. These lines are used to find any place on Earth.

GIS helps us find out how different bits of information related to each other. It tells us about the landscape and the people around us.

Data Capture

Data Formats

GIS data comes in many forms.

One example is cartographic data. This includes objects you might find on maps. Examples are rivers, roads, hills, and valleys.

Interpreting photographs is a big part of GIS. This involves photos that are taken from above. These images are then carefully studied.

Digital data can also be entered into GIS. For example, satellites collect computer data from above. This can show how land is used, such as the location of farms, towns, and forests.

Finally, GIS data can also be collected to compare populations of people. For example, imagine you had a list of everyone’s age in your state. With GIS data, you could compare the ages of people in your city to those in other cities. It would be laid out on a single map.

Spatial Relationships

GIS technology can be used to show how two spaces are related. For example, GIS could show how close farms are to water. It can also show patterns of how land is used, like where parks and neighborhoods are located.

It can also show networks of lines on a map. A line on a map might stand for a road, river, or highway. With GIS layers, however, that road might show the boundary of a public park next to the river.

GIS must make information from many different maps and sources fit together on the same scale. A scale is a relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.

Earth is curved, like a globe. It is not flat, like a paper map or a screen.

Different maps have different projections. A projection is a way of moving information from the Earth’s curved surface to something flat. You cannot put a curved, three-dimensional shape onto a flat surface without stretching some parts.

A world map can show either the correct sizes of countries or their correct shapes. It cannot do both.

GIS takes data from maps that were made using different projections. It combines them so all the information can be displayed using one shared projection.

GIS Maps

Very different data can be entered in a GIS system. When it is combined, it can produce many kinds of individual maps.

A common use of GIS involves comparing Earth’s features with human activity. It allows us to deeply examine a certain area. For example, GIS maps can display if buildings in an area are in danger of being flooded. Maps of a single city can show the voting patterns of people there. It can also show the average amount of money made by different people in the city.

Researchers can also look at changes over time with GIS technology. They can use pictures taken by satellites to study how ice sheets have moved or disappeared at the North Pole.

GIS technology sometimes allows users to get more information about specific areas on a map. For example, a user might click on a school on a map to find how many students go there.

It is also easy to update maps because of GIS technology. Any new data can simply be added. A new map can then be displayed immediately. In the past, maps had to be redrawn. This takes more time and money.

GIS Jobs

GIS technology is used in many jobs.

Businesses can use GIS to help them determine where to open a new store. Scientists use GIS to track the movement of animals.

Government officials use GIS to help plan their response to earthquakes or hurricanes. GIS maps can show what neighborhoods are most in danger or the closest emergency shelters.

Engineers might use GIS to develop road networks or train routes.

There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using GIS technology.

If you have ever used Google Maps or GPS when traveling, then you’ve experienced the power of GIS.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth.

It can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code.

Many different types of information can be compared and contrasted using GIS, and we can find out how that information relates to each other. It tells us about the landscape and people around us. GIS is an important tool for many different jobs.

Data Capture

Data Formats

GIS data comes in many forms.

One example is cartographic data or map data. This might include such information as the location of rivers, roads, hills, and valleys. Cartographic data might also include survey data, or mapping information, which can be directly entered into a GIS.

Interpreting photographs is a major part of GIS. Photo interpretation involves analyzing photographs from above and assessing the features that appear.

Digital data can also be entered into GIS. For example, computer data collected by satellites can show how land is used, plus the location of farms, towns, and forests. Satellites can also use GIS to capture images in a tool called remote sensing.

Finally, GIS data can also be collected from tables or spreadsheets. One example of this is population demographics. This is when people are grouped into certain categories. Some examples are age, income, ethnic background, or even internet browsing history.

GIS technology allows all these different types of information to be overlaid on top of one another on a single map. Location is the key data point that connects seemingly unrelated information.

Spatial Relationships

GIS technology can be used to display spatial relationships and linear networks.

Spatial relationships may display topography, such as farmland and streams. They may also show patterns of how land is used, such as the location of parks and neighborhoods.

Examples of linear networks are roads and rivers. A line on a map might indicate a road or highway. With GIS layers, however, that road may indicate the boundary of a school district, public park, or other land-use areas.

GIS must make the information from all the various maps and sources fit together on the same scale. A scale is a relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.

Often, GIS must manipulate and move data because different maps have different projections. A projection is a way of moving information from the Earth’s curved surface to a flat piece of paper or computer screen. Different types of projections accomplish this task in different ways. Whenever this happens, there is some distortion. You can’t put a curved, three-dimensional shape onto a flat surface without stretching some parts and squeezing others.

A world map can show either the correct sizes of countries or their correct shapes, but it can’t do both. GIS takes data from maps that were made using different projections. It combines them so all the information can be displayed using one common projection.

GIS Map

Once all the desired data have been entered into a GIS system, they can be combined to produce a wide variety of individual maps. One of the most common uses of GIS involves comparing natural features with human activity.

For instance, GIS maps can display what homes and businesses are in areas prone to flooding.

GIS technology also allows users to “dig deep” in a specific area with many kinds of information. Maps of a single city or neighborhood can relate to such information as voting patterns or the average amount of money made by people there. Any GIS data layer can be added or subtracted from the same map.

GIS maps can be used to show information about numbers and density. For example, GIS can show how many doctors there are in a neighborhood compared with the area’s population.

With GIS technology, researchers can also look at change over time. They can use satellite data to study topics such as the movement and disappearance of ice cover at the North Pole. A police department might study changes in crime data to help determine where to assign officers.

Photography and 3-D Images

One important use of time-based GIS technology involves creating time-lapse photography. It shows processes changing over large areas and long periods of time. For example, data showing the movement of fluid in ocean currents help scientists better understand how moisture and heat energy move around the globe.

GIS technology sometimes allows users to access further information about specific areas on a map. For example, a user might click on a school to find how many students are enrolled there or how many students there are per teacher.

Three-dimensional images are often produced with GIS systems. This is useful, for example, to geologists studying fault lines, where earthquakes happen.

It’s also easy to update maps because of GIS technology—data can simply be added to the existing program. A new map can then be printed or displayed on the screen. This skips the old way of drawing a map, which takes time and money.

GIS Jobs

GIS technology is used for many jobs.

Many retail businesses use GIS to help them determine where to locate a new store. Scientists use GIS to compare population statistics to resources such as drinking water. Biologists use GIS to track animal migration patterns.

City, state, or federal officials use GIS to help plan their response in the case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane. GIS maps can show these officials what neighborhoods are most in danger or where to locate emergency shelters.

Engineers use GIS technology to design and manage the cellphone and Wi-Fi networks we use. Other engineers might use GIS to develop road networks and transportation infrastructure.

There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using GIS technology.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. By relating seemingly unrelated data, GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships.

GIS technology is a crucial part of spatial data infrastructure, which the White House defines as “the technology, policies, standards, human resources, and related activities necessary to acquire, process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.”

GIS can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code.

Many different types of information can be compared and contrasted using GIS. The system can include data about people, such as population, income, or education level. It can include information about the landscape, such as the location of streams, different kinds of vegetation, and different kinds of soil. It can include information about the sites of factories, farms, and schools, or storm drains, roads, and electric power lines.

With GIS technology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to discover how they relate to each other. For example, using GIS, a single map could include sites that produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and rivers. Such a map would help people to determine where water supplies are most at risk.

Data Capture

Data Formats

GIS applications include both hardware and software systems. These applications may include cartographic data, photographic data, digital data, or data in spreadsheets.

Cartographic data are already in map form and may include such information as the location of rivers, roads, hills, and valleys. Cartographic data may also include survey data and mapping information that can be directly entered into a GIS.

Photographic interpretation is a major part of GIS. Photo interpretation involves analyzing aerial photographs and assessing the features that appear.

Digital data can also be entered into GIS. An example of this kind of information is computer data collected by satellites that show land use—the location of farms, towns, and forests.

Remote sensing provides another tool that can be integrated into a GIS. Remote sensing includes imagery and other data collected from satellites, balloons, and drones.

Finally, GIS can also include data in table or spreadsheet form, such as population demographics. Demographics can range from age, income, and ethnicity to recent purchases and internet browsing preferences.

GIS technology allows all these different types of information, no matter their source or original format, to be overlaid on top of one another on a single map. GIS uses location as the key index variable to relate these seemingly unrelated data.

Putting information into GIS is called data capture. Data that are already in digital forms, such as most tables and images taken by satellites, can simply be uploaded into GIS. Maps, however, must first be scanned, or converted to digital format.

The two major types of GIS file formats are raster and vector. Raster formats are grids of cells or pixels. Raster formats are useful for storing GIS data that vary, such as elevation or satellite imagery. Vector formats are polygons that use points (called nodes) and lines. Vector formats are useful for storing GIS data with firm borders, such as school districts or streets.

Spatial Relationships

GIS technology can be used to display spatial relationships and linear networks. Spatial relationships may display topography, such as agricultural fields and streams. They may also display land-use patterns, such as the location of parks and housing complexes.

Linear networks, sometimes called geometric networks, are often represented by roads, rivers, and public utility grids in a GIS. A line on a map might indicate a road or highway. With GIS layers, however, that road might indicate the boundary of a school district, public park, or other demographic or land-use areas. Using diverse data capture, the linear network of a river may be mapped on a GIS to indicate the streamflow of different tributaries.

GIS must make the information from all the various maps and sources align, so they fit together on the same scale. A scale is a relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.

Often, GIS must manipulate data because different maps have different projections. A projection is a method of transferring information from the Earth’s curved surface to a flat piece of paper or computer screen. Different types of projections accomplish this task in different ways, but all result in some distortion. To transfer a curved, three-dimensional shape onto a flat surface inevitably requires stretching some parts and squeezing others.

A world map can show either the correct sizes of countries or their correct shapes, but it can’t do both. GIS takes data from maps that were made using different projections and combines them so all the information can be displayed using a common projection.

GIS Maps

Once all of the desired data have been entered into a GIS system, they can be combined to produce a wide variety of individual maps, depending on which data layers are included. One of the most common uses of GIS technology involves comparing natural features with human activity.

For instance, GIS maps can display what man-made features are near certain natural features, such as which homes and businesses are in areas prone to flooding.

GIS technology also allows users to “dig deep” in a specific area with many kinds of information. Maps of a single city or neighborhood can relate such information as average income, book sales, or voting patterns. Any GIS data layer can be added or subtracted from the same map.

GIS maps can be used to show information about numbers and density. For example, GIS can show how many doctors there are in a neighborhood compared with the area’s population.

With GIS technology, researchers can also look at change over time. They can use satellite data to study topics such as the advance and retreat of ice cover in polar regions, and how that coverage has changed through time. A police precinct might study changes in crime data to help determine where to assign officers.

One important use of time-based GIS technology involves creating time-lapse photography that shows processes occurring over large areas and long periods of time. For example, data showing the movement of fluid in the ocean or air currents helps scientists better understand how moisture and heat energy move around the globe.

GIS technology sometimes allows users to access further information about specific areas on a map. A person can point to a spot on a digital map to find other information stored in the GIS about that location. For example, a user might click on a school to find how many students are enrolled, how many students there are per teacher, or what sports facilities the school has.

GIS systems are often used to produce three-dimensional images. This is useful, for example, to geologists studying earthquake faults.

GIS technology makes updating maps much easier than updating maps created manually. Updated data can simply be added to the existing GIS program. A new map can then be printed or displayed on the screen. This skips the traditional process of drawing a map, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

GIS Jobs

People working in many different fields use GIS technology. GIS technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, and development planning.

Many retail businesses use GIS to help them determine where to locate a new store. Marketing companies use GIS to decide to whom to market those stores and restaurants, and where that marketing should be.

Scientists use GIS to compare population statistics to resources such as drinking water. Biologists use GIS to track animal migration patterns.

City, state, or federal officials use GIS to help plan their response in the case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane. GIS maps can show these officials what neighborhoods are most in danger, where to locate emergency shelters, and what routes people should take to reach safety.

Engineers use GIS technology to support the design, implementation, and management of communication networks for the phones we use, as well as the infrastructure necessary for internet connectivity. Other engineers might use GIS to develop road networks and transportation infrastructure.

There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using GIS technology.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. By relating seemingly unrelated data, GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships.

GIS technology is a crucial part of spatial data infrastructure, which the White House defines as “the technology, policies, standards, human resources, and related activities necessary to acquire, process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.”

GIS can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code.

Many different types of information can be compared and contrasted using GIS. The system can include data about people, such as population, income, or education level. It can include information about the landscape, such as the location of streams, different kinds of vegetation, and different kinds of soil. It can include information about the sites of factories, farms, and schools, or storm drains, roads, and electric power lines.

With GIS technology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to discover how they relate to each other. For example, using GIS, a single map could include sites that produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and rivers. Such a map would help people to determine where water supplies are most at risk.

Data Capture

Data Formats

GIS applications include both hardware and software systems. These applications may include cartographic data, photographic data, digital data, or data in spreadsheets.

Cartographic data are already in map form and may include such information as the location of rivers, roads, hills, and valleys. Cartographic data may also include survey data and mapping information that can be directly entered into a GIS.

Photographic interpretation is a major part of GIS. Photo interpretation involves analyzing aerial photographs and assessing the features that appear.

Digital data can also be entered into GIS. An example of this kind of information is computer data collected by satellites that show land use—the location of farms, towns, and forests.

Remote sensing provides another tool that can be integrated into a GIS. Remote sensing includes imagery and other data collected from satellites, balloons, and drones.

Finally, GIS can also include data in table or spreadsheet form, such as population demographics. Demographics can range from age, income, and ethnicity to recent purchases and internet browsing preferences.

GIS technology allows all these different types of information, no matter their source or original format, to be overlaid on top of one another on a single map. GIS uses location as the key index variable to relate these seemingly unrelated data.

Putting information into GIS is called data capture. Data that are already in digital forms, such as most tables and images taken by satellites, can simply be uploaded into GIS. Maps, however, must first be scanned, or converted to digital format.

The two major types of GIS file formats are raster and vector. Raster formats are grids of cells or pixels. Raster formats are useful for storing GIS data that vary, such as elevation or satellite imagery. Vector formats are polygons that use points (called nodes) and lines. Vector formats are useful for storing GIS data with firm borders, such as school districts or streets.

Spatial Relationships

GIS technology can be used to display spatial relationships and linear networks. Spatial relationships may display topography, such as agricultural fields and streams. They may also display land-use patterns, such as the location of parks and housing complexes.

Linear networks, sometimes called geometric networks, are often represented by roads, rivers, and public utility grids in a GIS. A line on a map might indicate a road or highway. With GIS layers, however, that road might indicate the boundary of a school district, public park, or other demographic or land-use areas. Using diverse data capture, the linear network of a river may be mapped on a GIS to indicate the streamflow of different tributaries.

GIS must make the information from all the various maps and sources align, so they fit together on the same scale. A scale is a relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.

Often, Geographic Information Systems must manipulate data because different maps have different projections. A projection is a method of transferring information from the Earth’s curved surface to a flat piece of paper or computer screen. Different types of projections accomplish this task in different ways, but all result in some distortion. To transfer a curved, three-dimensional shape onto a flat surface inevitably requires stretching some parts and squeezing others.

A world map can show either the correct sizes of countries or their correct shapes, but it can’t do both. Geographic Information System takes data from maps that were made using different projections and combines them so all the information can be displayed using a common projection.

GIS Maps

Once all of the desired data have been entered into a Geographic Information System system, they can be combined to produce a wide variety of individual maps, depending on which data layers are included. One of the most common uses of GIS technology involves comparing natural features with human activity.

For instance, GIS maps can display what man-made features are near certain natural features, such as which homes and businesses are in areas prone to flooding.

GIS technology also allows users to “dig deep” in a specific area with many kinds of information. Maps of a single city or neighborhood can relate such information as average income, book sales, or voting patterns. Any GIS data layer can be added or subtracted from the same map.

GIS maps can be used to show information about numbers and density. For example, GIS can show how many doctors there are in a neighborhood compared with the area’s population.

With Geographic Information System technology, researchers can also look at change over time. They can use satellite data to study topics such as the advance and retreat of ice cover in polar regions, and how that coverage has changed through time. A police precinct might study changes in crime data to help determine where to assign officers.

One important use of time-based GIS technology involves creating time-lapse photography that shows processes occurring over large areas and long periods of time. For example, data showing the movement of fluid in the ocean or air currents helps scientists better understand how moisture and heat energy move around the globe.

Geographic Information System technology sometimes allows users to access further information about specific areas on a map. A person can point to a spot on a digital map to find other information stored in the GIS about that location. For example, a user might click on a school to find how many students are enrolled, how many students there are per teacher, or what sports facilities the school has.

Geographic Information System systems are often used to produce three-dimensional images. This is useful, for example, to geologists studying earthquake faults.

Geographic Information System technology makes updating maps much easier than updating maps created manually. Updated data can simply be added to the existing Geographic Information System program. A new map can then be printed or displayed on the screen. This skips the traditional process of drawing a map, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

GIS Jobs

People working in many different fields use Geographic Information System technology. Geographic Information System technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, and development planning.

Many retail businesses use Geographic Information Systems to help them determine where to locate a new store. Marketing companies use Geographic Information Systems to decide to whom to market those stores and restaurants, and where that marketing should be.

Scientists use Geographic Information Systems to compare population statistics to resources such as drinking water. Biologists use Geographic Information Systems to track animal migration patterns.

City, state, or federal officials use Geographic Information Systems to help plan their response in the case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane. Geographic Information System maps can show these officials what neighborhoods are most in danger, where to locate emergency shelters, and what routes people should take to reach safety.

Engineers use Geographic Information System technology to support the design, implementation, and management of communication networks for the phones we use, as well as the infrastructure necessary for internet connectivity. Other engineers might use Geographic Information Systems to develop road networks and transportation infrastructure.

There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using Geographic Information System technology.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. By relating seemingly unrelated data, Geographic Information Systems can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships.

Geographic Information System technology is a crucial part of spatial data infrastructure, which the White House defines as “the technology, policies, standards, human resources, and related activities necessary to acquire, process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.”

Geographic Information Systems can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code.

Many different types of information can be compared and contrasted using Geographic Information System. The system can include data about people, such as population, income, or education level. It can include information about the landscape, such as the location of streams, different kinds of vegetation, and different kinds of soil. It can include information about the sites of factories, farms, and schools, or storm drains, roads, and electric power lines.

With Geographic Information System technology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to discover how they relate to each other. For example, using Geographic Information System, a single map could include sites that produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and rivers. Such a map would help people determine where water supplies are most at risk.

Data Capture

Data Formats

Geographic Information System applications include both hardware and software systems. These applications may include cartographic data, photographic data, digital data, or data in spreadsheets.

Cartographic data are already in map form and may include such information as the location of rivers, roads, hills, and valleys. Cartographic data may also include survey data and mapping information that can be directly entered into a Geographic Information System.

Photographic interpretation is a major part of the Geographic Information System. Photo interpretation involves analyzing aerial photographs and assessing the features that appear.

Digital data can also be entered into Geographic Information System. An example of this kind of information is computer data collected by satellites that show land use—the location of farms, towns, and forests.

Remote sensing provides another tool that can be integrated into a Geographic Information System. Remote sensing includes imagery and other data collected from satellites, balloons, and drones.

Finally, Geographic Information Systems can also include data in table or spreadsheet form, such as population demographics. Demographics can range from age, income, and ethnicity to recent purchases and internet browsing preferences.

Geographic Information System technology allows all these different types of information, no matter their source or original format, to be overlaid on top of one another on a single map. Geographic Information System uses location as the key index variable to relate these seemingly unrelated data.

Putting information into Geographic Information System is called data capture. Data that are already in digital forms, such as most tables and images taken by satellites, can simply be uploaded into Geographic Information System. Maps, however, must first be scanned, or converted to digital format.

The two major types of Geographic Information System file formats are raster and vector. Raster formats are grids of cells or pixels. Raster formats are useful for storing Geographic Information System data that vary, such as elevation or satellite imagery. Vector formats are polygons that use points (called nodes) and lines. Vector formats are useful for storing Geographic Information System data with firm borders, such as school districts or streets.

Spatial Relationships

Geographic Information System technology can be used to display spatial relationships and linear networks. Spatial relationships may display topography, such as agricultural fields and streams. They may also display land-use patterns, such as the location of parks and housing complexes.

Linear networks, sometimes called geometric networks, are often represented by roads, rivers, and public utility grids in a Geographic Information System. A line on a map may indicate a road or highway. With Geographic Information System layers, however, that road may indicate the boundary of a school district, public park, or other demographic or land-use areas. Using diverse data capture, the linear network of a river may be mapped on a Geographic Information System to indicate the streamflow of different tributaries.

Geographic Information System must make the information from all the various maps and sources align, so they fit together on the same scale. A scale is a relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.

Often, Geographic Information Systems must manipulate data because different maps have different projections. A projection is a method of transferring information from the Earth’s curved surface to a flat piece of paper or computer screen. Different types of projections accomplish this task in different ways, but all result in some distortion. To transfer a curved, three-dimensional shape onto a flat surface inevitably requires stretching some parts and squeezing others.

A world map can show either the correct sizes of countries or their correct shapes, but it can’t do both. Geographic Information System takes data from maps that were made using different projections and combines them so all the information can be displayed using one common projection.

GIS Maps

Once all the desired data have been entered into a Geographic Information System system, they can be combined to produce a wide variety of individual maps, depending on which data layers are included. One of the most common uses of Geographic Information System technology involves comparing natural features with human activity.

For instance, Geographic Information System maps can display what man-made features are near certain natural features, such as which homes and businesses are in areas prone to flooding.

Geographic Information System technology also allows users to “dig deep” in a specific area with many kinds of information. Maps of a single city or neighborhood can relate such information as average income, book sales, or voting patterns. Any Geographic Information System data layer can be added or subtracted from the same map.

Geographic Information System maps can be used to show information about numbers and density. For example, the Geographic Information System can show how many doctors there are in a neighborhood compared with the area’s population.

With Geographic Information System technology, researchers can also look at change over time. They can use satellite data to study topics such as the advance and retreat of ice cover in polar regions, and how that coverage has changed through time. A police precinct might study changes in crime data to help determine where to assign officers.

One important use of time-based Geographic Information System technology involves creating time-lapse photography that shows processes occurring over large areas and long periods of time. For example, data showing the movement of fluid in the ocean or air currents help scientists better understand how moisture and heat energy move around the globe.

Geographic Information System technology sometimes allows users to access further information about specific areas on a map. A person can point to a spot on a digital map to find other information stored in the Geographic Information System about that location. For example, a user might click on a school to find how many students are enrolled, how many students there are per teacher, or what sports facilities the school has.

Geographic Information System systems are often used to produce three-dimensional images. This is useful, for example, to geologists studying earthquake faults.

Geographic Information System technology makes updating maps much easier than updating maps created manually. Updated data can simply be added to the existing Geographic Information System program. A new map can then be printed or displayed on the screen. This skips the traditional process of drawing a map, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

GIS Jobs

People working in many different fields use Geographic Information System technology. Geographic Information System technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, and development planning.

Many retail businesses use Geographic Information Systems to help them determine where to locate a new store. Marketing companies use Geographic Information Systems to decide to whom to market stores and restaurants, and where that marketing should be.

Scientists use Geographic Information Systems to compare population statistics to resources such as drinking water. Biologists use Geographic Information Systems to track animal migration patterns.

City, state, or federal officials use Geographic Information Systems to help plan their response in the case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane. Geographic Information System maps can show these officials what neighborhoods are most in danger, where to locate emergency shelters, and what routes people should take to reach safety.

Engineers use Geographic Information System technology to support the design, implementation, and management of communication networks for the phones we use, as well as the infrastructure necessary for internet connectivity. Other engineers may use Geographic Information Systems to develop road networks and transportation infrastructure.

There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using Geographic Information System technology.

The article was originally published here.

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