At its core, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. It is much more than just a digital map; it is a sophisticated technology that connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there).
Why It Matters: GIS is used across almost every industry. Environmentalists use it to track deforestation, city planners use it to design more efficient public transit, and emergency responders use it to map out the fastest routes during a disaster. By visualizing data through a geographic lens, GIS helps us understand how the world works and where we should take action.
Why It Matters: GIS is used across almost every industry. Environmentalists use it to track deforestation, city planners use it to design more efficient public transit, and emergency responders use it to map out the fastest routes during a disaster. By visualizing data through a geographic lens, GIS helps us understand how the world works and where we should take action.