Understanding GIS
What is GIS?
A geographic Information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial and geographic data. GIS is a computer technology that combines geographic data [the location of man-made and natural features on the earth’s surface] and other types of information [names, classifications, addresses, and much more] to generate visual maps and reports.
GIS integrates many different types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualization using maps and 3D scenes. With unique capabilities, GIS has deeper insights into data, patterns, relationships, and situations- helping users make smarter decisions.
GIS helps in virtually every field to make maps that communicate, perform analysis, share information, and solve complex problems around the world. GIS helps to identify problems, manage & respond to events, set priorities, monitor change, perform forecasting and understand trends.
GIS helps to create maps and data with spatial location. It performs Spatial Analysis which helps to evaluate suitability and capability, estimate and predict, interpret and understand, and assist with decision making.
GIS helps create Apps that provide user experiences for getting work done and bringing GIS to life.
How GIS works for the government??
The government’s work involves land or geographically related issues, or tasks. Cities, and counties are investing heavily in information systems that can support or justify land-use decisions and help them manage government services. The greatest portion of such investment has been in geographic information system [GIS] technology that stores, analyzes, and displays land-related data.
GIS is useful for Parcels or properties information including appraisal, newly platted parcels, split or combined parcels, new construction, addition, remodeled properties, reassessment purpose, tax information.
GIS is beneficial in Area planning such as land use, zoning, commitments, urban growth planning, infrastructure and economic development planning, school districting, locating addresses and maintain new address data, road data, and many more.
Hydro and survey data benefits with GIS to maintain flood zones, water pipeline, drainage system, elevation data, section data, watersheds and make decisions, planning based on it.
GIS benefits Emergency services and 911 to maintain data which help to find the shortest route to location, nearby features of the scene, flood plains, hurricane and shelter locations.
Highway departments rely on GIS for crash data, railroad data, driving permits, guard rails and maintaining current and future projects data.
GIS has a vast application through health care from area planning and property assessment to emergency services.