Fundamentals of GIS: GIS Explained

What is GIS?

A geographic information system (GIS) is a comprehensive framework designed to handle all aspects of geographical data. It encompasses functions such as capturing, storing, analyzing, managing, and presenting information.

The cornerstone of GIS is its focus on geography, indicating that data within the system is intrinsically tied to specific locations on the Earth's surface, often represented by geographic coordinates such as latitude (y) and longitude (x).

We’ll use this map of flood risk in Mexico City (abbreviated as CDMX? after the Spanish name, Ciudad de México) as an example. In the map, the city is shown as a collection of colored polygons, with each polygon representing a single “statistical area” (if you’re curious, you can download them here). In addition to describing the shape of each area, every polygon has additional data associated with it. In this case an ID number and flood risk. This data is stored in a table that enables access to the information.

GIS enables users to explore and comprehend the world by integrating various forms of spatial data, including geographic location and associated attributes stored in tabular format, into meaningful insights.

Applications of GIS

GIS is utilized across a diverse range of industries to facilitate decision-making processes. For instance, in urban planning, GIS aids city authorities in analyzing demographic data and infrastructure requirements to facilitate efficient city development. Similarly, in healthcare, GIS plays a crucial role in mapping disease outbreaks, identifying high-risk areas, and effectively allocating resources. Additionally, in agriculture, GIS assists farmers in precision farming by analyzing soil data and optimizing irrigation systems.

The increasing availability of data from sources such as drones, satellite imagery, and IoT devices has further expanded the use of GIS in modern industries. With technological advancements, GIS tools like Felt integrate collaborative mapping tools, allowing for real-time data visualization and analysis. For example, satellite imagery can be analyzed within GIS platforms to track the growth of new vegetation after events like the Dixie Fire, providing valuable insights into ecosystem recovery.

The primary objective of GIS is to visualize, analyze, and derive insights from spatial data to support informed decision-making. By overlaying different datasets, GIS enables stakeholders to identify patterns, trends, and relationships that may not be immediately apparent. This facilitates evidence-based decision-making across various domains, ultimately empowering organizations to effectively leverage spatial data for driving innovation and fostering sustainable development.

As industries increasingly use diverse data sources like remote sensing, drones, and Internet of Things devices, the demand for spatial analysis professionals is on the rise. Recognizing the crucial role of spatial analysis in decision-making and resource optimization, organizations are actively seeking skilled practitioners in this field.

If you’d like to learn more, we’ve published a series on the Fundamentals of GIS on YouTube.

Felt lets you quickly visualize your data on a map and share it with a single link anyone can view. Whether you’re a GIS industry pro or brand new to maps, we are the tool for you! Get started for free.