Defining a geographic information system can be complex because GIS entails so much more than any short description can possibly explain. Therefore, in this post, we’ll take a look at the concept of geographic information systems first, followed by a look through some of its most important real-life applications across multiple sectors.
Geographic Information System: Definition
GIS is a very broad collection of multiple interconnected systems that comprises both hardware and software components. Each component within a geographic information system is dedicated to several specific tasks, including finding, acquiring, compiling, storing, verifying, analyzing, interpreting, organizing, predicting, and displaying geographical data with useful insights.
Everything from GPS satellites and handheld GNSS devices to the various software applications used in geomatics and geoinformatics are all parts of what we collectively call a geographic information system, aka GIS. Now that we have a basic understanding of what GIS is, it’s time to look at the real-life functions and services that are built around it.
Data Capture
Field data collection and analysis for landscape design is a comprehensive GIS service that’s essential today for everything from land development, urban planning, and disaster management to agricultural planning and land conservation efforts. The processes involved can be broadly classified under two main, subsequent steps called data capture and data analysis.
Data capturing refers to all actions involved in collecting and entering pertinent geographic data into the GIS database. There are several methods to capture data for GIS systems, but which ones will actually be used depends on the particular project’s budget and specific requirements. Nevertheless, some of the most commonly used methods for capturing GIS data are photography, cartography, satellite imaging, sonar imaging, thermal imaging, historical data comparison, and direct measuring.
Data Analysis
After a GIS system has access to all the captured data, it begins to analyze it. Data analysis in this respect refers to the investigation of all captured data with the goal of finding information and producing insights that would benefit the concerned project. The processes are myriad as multiple geomatic applications within the main GIS system will now work in perfect synchronization to analyze, organize, interpret, visualize, and display the collected data with useful and relevant insights.
For example, photographs, thermal images, and cartographic data are frequently analyzed to:
- Update maps, detect new geographical features, and report changes in previously recorded geographical features.
- Confirm or negate preestablished and presupposed geographic data.
- Identify potential mining locations.
- Find the best routes for building new transportation lines.
- Find ideal locations for opening new businesses.
- Devise strategies for sustainable and profitable land development, landscape design, and construction.
Prediction is very much an integral part of what GIS systems are used for, and that can prove itself to be immensely beneficial for not just industrial and commercial purposes but also for nature conservation and disaster aversion efforts. For example, modern GIS systems are quite capable of predicting and warning against impending disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards, to name a few.
