GIS has been around for decades, and with the technological advancements of recent years, its applications have also multiplied. Here, we answer questions on basic GIS concepts to help you better understand this technology.
What exactly is GIS?
GIS, or Geographic Information System, is a technological tool used to gather, collate, and visualize location data along with other kinds of data. It’s digital mapping that can be integrated with a variety of information, revealing patterns and insights that aren’t readily obvious.
The simplest applications of this are Google Maps and Waze. We use these apps to check traffic and find the best route to our destination. That’s GIS in action—we use location data to solve the problem of efficient navigation.
Why do I need to know about GIS?
Various industries and disciplines are already putting GIS to good use to improve overall processes and systems. This technology is key to making data-informed decisions.
When you have all the information you need, you become more confident in deciding what actions to take and which among these actions provide the best answer(s) to solve a problem. You’re also able to determine which problem to prioritize and how.
How can it actually help streamline processes and make them efficient?
When it comes to using data for better decision-making, accuracy is essential. With GIS technology, you can capture, collate, organize, and manage data so there’s less room for errors and inconsistency.
GIS can help streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and increase productivity by giving you access to real-time data. It can also facilitate better communication and collaboration between departments. You can also use GIS to analyze resources, monitor changes overtime, track assets, and improve resource utilization and allocation. All these can significantly reduce downtime and costs.
What GIS jargon do I need to be familiar with?
You don’t need to know all the terms right away. Here are some you may have already encountered.
- Geocoding is the process of assigning geographic coordinates (i.e., longitude and latitude) to a specific location.
- Data visualization uses visual elements, like graphs, charts, diagrams, and maps, to present data in a visually appealing manner. This makes it easier to understand an otherwise complex information.
- Layers are composed of individual sets of organized spatial data, each representing a specific type of information. Layers are used to combine multiple datasets to visualize relationships between these sets of data.
- Location intelligence makes use of location data in analyzing spatial data sets. These are then visualized using GIS to come up with informed decisions.
- Spatial analysis is the process of analyzing the attributes of geographic features to look for patterns, relationships, and trends.
How does GIS help in city planning and managing land?
Urban planners employ GIS to analyze and visualize various data on land use, infrastructure planning, demographics, and environmental factors. This is important in addressing urban planning issues and in designing smart, sustainable cities.
GIS technology also plays a role in real estate. By creating a dashboard, for instance, all the information developers need to manage, expand, and sell their properties is made readily available in just a few clicks.
In architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), GIS provides valuable data on environmental conditions, terrain, and accessibility so that architects and engineers can better facilitate site selection. It also helps in infrastructure planning and management for a more optimized construction and maintenance. 3D visualization and modeling, as well as digital twins, are also used to simulate construction sites for real-time monitoring and management.
How does GIS support transportation and mobility?
Transport agencies and local governments leverage GIS technology to improve traffic flow. Data on transportation routes, vehicle volume, traffic patterns, and road conditions are collected and analyzed to determine optimal transportation solutions for all road users.
How is GIS applied in industry and resource management?
In agriculture, GIS enables farmers to map soil characteristics, predict yield, and monitor crop growth so they can optimize the use of fertilizers, water, and other resources. This helps increase production while reducing costs.
GIS is also useful in marketing. It allows marketers and industry leaders to look beyond their market’s demographics. Location data, combined with customer behavior and preferences, provide a deeper insight into what the market needs in an ever-changing consumer landscape. GIS can help business owners craft better sales and marketing strategies.
These are just some of the many industries that employ GIS to help them streamline their workflow for efficiency and productivity.
Can you give examples of how GIS is used to solve real-world problems?
The use of GIS continues to evolve as technology progresses at a rapid pace. The GeoConnect Asia conference held in Singapore annually showcases numerous trends and potential applications of this technology and how it’s shaping the geospatial landscape across all fields.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, more commonly known as drones), which collect high-resolution geospatial data for instance, are now used to help maintain the safety of amusement park rides in Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. These remotely piloted aircraft are also used to create a more accurate inventory of plantations. Drone deliveries have also taken flight, with more than 2,000 commercial deliveries in 2022.
Then there’s 3D GIS, which enables users to visualize and analyze data in three dimensions. This is useful in urban planning, architecture, and engineering. 3D GIS can serve as a foundation for augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), resulting in a more immersive and interactive experience.
Are there other GIS trends I should take note of?
Cloud-based GIS has also been gaining traction in recent years. As with online collaboration tools like Google Docs and Trello, cloud-based GIS provides data access wherever you are. This makes information easily accessible for seamless collaboration. Ramp that up with real-time GIS, and you have a robust system for sectors that need it most, like environmental management and emergency response.
Then there’s Mobile GIS, which is also becoming increasingly practical because it allows you to gather and analyze data without lugging around cumbersome machines.
What about AI? How does it integrate with GIS?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) play a significant role in automating GIS-related processes. They are used in recognizing patterns and making predictions, among many other tasks that would otherwise take up more time to accomplish. Using AI and ML also provides a more accurate and efficient data analysis.
The Segment Anything Model (SAM) is an example. It’s a form of machine learning launched by Meta in 2023, which can be used for object and scene detection. This is especially useful when combined with GIS. Case in point: SAM can help identify changes in land cover to help experts determine and monitor the impact of climate change. When used with other geospatial technologies, SAM can also identify areas affected by natural disasters for more timely relief response.
Do I need to learn about GIS so I can start using it for my organization or business?
GIS does require technical know-how. After all, it’s a complex system that also demands substantial resources. Technical support, data management, and access to software all entail costs that should be considered.
If you’re looking to explore how GIS can help you, you can outsource your geospatial requirements to augment your current workflows and in-house skill set. This can be done on a project-based setup for seamless reinforcement.
Consulting with GIS companies is also an effective workaround. Your organization can partner with geospatial service providers in acquiring and managing data, whether on-site or remotely.
Geographic Information System and location intelligence are groundbreaking tools that can help individuals, businesses, communities, and organizations understand and navigate complex issues. Now is the best time to start taking advantage of this technology.
Message us if you want to know more about geospatial solutions and how we can help your business or organization.