GIS ...

What is GIS?

GIS is essentially a funky map!! It is a series of complex geographical data and is simply a route by which this data can be analysed and explored. This enables Geographers to focus upon the geography of places and relationships. GIS is a geographical information system and essentially it is a software tool that is available for geographers to aid the mapping and spatial analysis of data and information.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are a family of computer software tools that allow information to be linked to a geographical location. Map information is converted into digital information and can be utilised to aid everyday life. GIS helps people from all areas of life to visualise complex facts and to understand things that they perhaps would not otherwise have understood.

GIS is a powerful branch of information technology and its uses/applications far outstrips traditional paper maps. The origin of GIS can be traced back to the world of maps. In essence a map is a simplified visual representation of the real world and GIS allows us to bring information from multiple maps together to help us investigate the real world places and issues.

How it works

GIS allows us to overlay different types of information onto maps of the same area. This is just like using tracing paper or transparent overlays. With GIS we can link map data with information that is not shown on maps. This linked information can be anything! However, as the data is digital these overlays can be created using lots of data and then manipulated to produce original maps and help us make informed geographical decisions. GIS is everywhere! For example: Emergency services such as the Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulance service have all used GIS to speed up response times to accidents and emergencies thus saving lives. Even pizza companies utilise GIS to ensure that deliveries reach households efficiently!

Advantages of GIS The key advantage of GIS is that all the functionality for working with multiple sets of geographic information are embedded into one piece of software and it is quick and efficient. For example it can: Cover large areas Cope with large amounts of data Cope with unlimited and frequent editing/changing Select any sub-study area Act faster and more efficiently than manual approaches

What GIS does

GIS has a number of functions including:

• Distance: calculate distance between features
• Overlay: display multiple layers of information
• Merge: combines multiple layers into one layer
• 3D: data can be viewed in 3 – dimensions
• Select: identify features and their attributes
• Query: ask questions such as where is? What is the nearest?
• Mapping and Cartography: create an output map

What do you need to use GIS?

You will need five things:

• The computer hardware
• The computer software (you can pick and choose the package that suits your needs best – we can advise you on this)
• The map data (you can purchase data relating to your area from the OS and it is available from your Local Authority)
• CPD (we can provide this at Five Ways)
• You!

Click on the logo below to read more about GIS software