Applications
Business Applications
GIS applications, such as combining sales data with geographic data (i.e. ZIP code boundaries), allow businesses to use the power of maps to make more knowledgeable decisions. It is estimated that over 80% of all data contain a geographic feature. GIS enables users to obtain information in a unique way by combining spatial data, applying sophisticated spatial analysis, and providing a visual representation of that data on a map.
Retail, health care, oil and gas, banking, real estate, insurance, utilities, manufacturing, and virtually all other industries can benefit from the power of Geographic Information Systems. GIS software can help you visualize data in an invaluable way. Consumer groups and their buying habits can be viewed, determined by your own criteria. Multimedia also can be linked to a map, which provides a higher level of visual context for your data.
Hazard Awareness Through GIS
A Geographical Information System can improve hazard analysis and help identify which areas are prone to certain types of disasters. The knowledge gained from GIS is invaluable for adjusting development or putting into place preventative measures associated with known risks.
Areas and structures most vulnerable to floods or tornados can be determined, and the possible aftermath of a disaster estimated. Financial loss, severity of damage, and size of affected areas can also be predicted. GIS can analyze soil stability, geology, and slope to predict what areas are susceptible to landslides. This knowledge can aide in determining which buildings need to be reinforced. Seismic risk is another area for which GIS is highly beneficial. By identifying hazards and putting into place a hazard mitigation plan, a community can save time, money and, most importantly, lives.
The Urban Planning Connection
GIS is an effective solution for managing information within a city. Utilities such as water, gas, electric, and sewer can be easily tracked and updated. Placement changes within these areas are easily made, and additional data becomes readily accessible without the inconvenience of paper maps and binders.
GIS can also be used to quickly and efficiently gather information about the consequences of re-zoning, the placement of a new business, or the development of a subdivision.
A Geographical Information System can help manage local resources such as land cover, soils, and geology. In this way, natural elements can be preserved by structuring zoning and development around areas that need to be protected. GIS is also helpful in visually representing trends within a population. Law enforcement can use it to show the frequency and location of crimes, and respond to the different patterns and trends revealed on the maps. Some of the areas GIS is helpful in managing include:
- Utilities
- Zoning
- Transportation
- Emergency Response
