GIS is a powerful tool that has been used in many industries including architecture, engineering and construction, government, law enforcement and more. This blog post will explore how GIS continues to be used today. We’ll discuss the most common methods of using GIS for big data analysis with an overview of some popular software packages such as ArcGIS and QGIS (Quantum GIS).
What is GIS?
GIS is a system for taking spatial data and turning it into meaningful information. It allows users to take data from multiple sources and visualize it on a map, analyze the results, and share it with others through geographic information systems (GIS). For example, take a look at these maps created by Esri that visualize floods caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
The use of GIS for data analysis has exploded in recent years as the technology has become more accessible and powerful. The ability to merge data from multiple sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, land survey data, and census data, into a single map has many potential uses. For example, GIS can be used for crime analysis in order to map suspect activity or perform site evaluations.
GIS is also used for analyzing potential new development projects. For example, see this map that Esri produced for the city of Denver to visualize parks, trails and open space areas. This information can be used by developers in deciding where to place new projects.
How does GIS work?
GIS works by taking spatial data and turning it into a map. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common way is to use software to create a digital map. The map can then be analyzed and used to make decisions.
There are many different software programs that can be used for GIS, but two of the most popular are ArcGIS and QGIS. ArcGIS is made by Esri and is the industry standard for GIS software. QGIS is an open source program that is becoming more popular due to its low cost and powerful features.
Both programs allow users to create digital maps, analyze data, and share information. QGIS has one additional powerful feature that ArcGIS does not, which is the ability to create web maps. This allows users to share map data online in a format that anyone can access.
What are some examples of GIS in action?
There are many ways in which GIS can be used, here are just a few examples:
- Mapping crime activity
- Analyzing potential new development projects
- Visualizing parks, trails and open space areas
- Creating web maps
- Disaster response and relief
- Environmental studies
- Urban planning
GIS is a powerful tool that has been used in many industries for data analysis. It allows users to take data from multiple sources and visualize it on a map, analyze the results, and share it with others. It is becoming more popular due to its low cost and powerful features. There are many different software programs that can be used for GIS, but two of the most popular are ArcGIS and QGIS. ArcGIS is made by Esri and is the industry standard for GIS software. QGIS is an open source program that is becoming more popular due to its low cost and powerful features.
Read More: How to use GIS for Data Analysis
How is GIS Used Today?
GIS is used today for a variety of purposes, including land management, emergency response, and urban planning.
Land Management
GIS can be used to map land parcels and track changes to them over time. This can help with land management decisions such as where to build new roads or houses.
Emergency Response
GIS can be used to help emergency responders plan their response to a disaster. GIS can map the location of hospitals, evacuation routes, and shelters.
Urban Planning
GIS can be used to model how a city will grow over time. This can help with urban planning decisions such as where to build new schools or parks.
GIS is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is important to understand how GIS works and what it can do so that you can make the most of its potential.
Read More: Choosing The Best Handheld GPS Device
The future of GIS and what that might look like in our everyday lives
GIS is rapidly changing and improving. The future of GIS might include many new developments such as:
Web maps
GIS can be shared online in a format that anyone can access using web maps. This will allow users to share map data with each other.
New hardware
More powerful hardware is being developed for GIS that can handle larger and more complex datasets. This will allow users to work with the data that they need and analyze it in new ways.
New software
There are many exciting new software applications being developed for GIS that will make it easier to use. These programs are user-friendly, free or low cost, and powerful.
These are just some of the new developments in GIS. There are many more possibilities for how GIS can be used in the future.
