About GIS: What is GIS?

Home | Site Directory | Contact Info

What is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information System. Ask ten geographers to describe a GIS and you will get ten different answers. In a nutshell a GIS begins with a computer system that stores information about the world in spatially related layers. The layers are divided by a theme, such as zoning, streets, buildings, water lines, etc.

GIS software then analyzes the data layers relative to each other to answer such questions as:

What is happening on this property?
Where is the person who is making this 911 call?
What is the pattern to this rash of burglaries?
How can we best route water system improvements for next year?
What will be the traffic impact of this proposed development?
Where is the best place to build a new school?
Where are the snow plows & police cars?
Where are the homes that are likely to flood and what route do we use evacuate them?

---- And many, many more!

Top | Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Website Accessibility