GIS (Geographic Information System) is a skill that is increasingly sought after. In this post, we briefly introduce the topic.

Terminology

Although GIS are often translated as territorial information system, technically they are computer systems. There is a subtle difference between computer systems and information systems, which is touched upon in this post.

Definition

A GIS system is a framework for collecting, managing, and analyzing data. A GIS is A system related to geographic and territorial sciences, capable of integrating many types of data. A GIS analyzes spatial location and organizes the various levels of information into map visualizations and 3D scenes. Thanks to this unique capability, a GIS reveals in-depth information about data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations, helping users make smarter decisions.

Uses

What are GISs used for? GISs are suitable for analyzing numerous problems, all particularly complex, where the use of maps effectively communicates information and helps develop solutions. For example, GIS can display opioid prescription requests on a geographic map, revealing geographic patterns of distribution. This is the example of the study The Opioid Epidemic conducted in the United States, which sheds light on the effectiveness of maps created with GIS.

Other possible uses of GIS include monitoring climate change, traffic forecasting, and real-time analysis of catastrophic events such as cyclones and hurricanes. To see more examples of use, you can Visit this link.

Components

GIS technology integrates geographic science with tools for understanding and collaboration and allows us to obtain usable information from different types of data. To this end, we can identify the following components:

Databases. Databases are a fundamental component of GIS, which must store images, features, source maps, etc. Everything must then be integrated with spatial location, giving the data a geographic component, which provides added value.

Apps.Apps allow interaction with the user and provide the so-called graphical user interface (GUI). Nowadays, interaction occurs through a myriad of devices: mobile phones, tablets, web browsers, and desktops. A fundamental part of the user experience in a GIS is certainly the display of geographic maps, which constitute the container for data visualization and analysis.

Analysis tools.To extract information from data, data analysis tools are necessary. Spatial analysis is very important in a GIS, allowing for evaluations, estimates, forecasts, interpretations, and understanding. This opens up new perspectives of understanding to support the decision-making process.