5 Geographic Information Science Examples You Need to Know

5 Geographic Information Science Examples You Need to Know

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a field of study that deals with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of geographical data. It involves the use of advanced technology and spatial analysis techniques to better understand the world around us.

In this article, we will discuss five GIS examples that demonstrate its power and versatility in various sectors. These examples will serve to highlight the importance of GIS in modern-day decision-making.

1. Public Health

GIS has become an essential tool for public health officials in their efforts to prevent and control disease outbreaks. By mapping the spread of infectious diseases, they can identify areas that require immediate attention and allocate necessary resources to those areas.

For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses GIS to track the pattern of outbreaks such as Lyme disease, flu, and Zika virus. This information helps medical professionals to understand the transmission routes of disease, and measures can be implemented to protect the public health.

2. Environmental Sustainability

GIS has many applications in environmental sustainability. For example, it is used to map land usage patterns, deforestation, and water pollution. Environmental organizations and policymakers can use GIS to identify the sources of environmental problems and come up with solutions to address them.

One excellent example of this is the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), which has developed a platform to monitor deforestation worldwide. Forest Atlas assists governments, campaigners, and industry players to reduce the impact of forestry on the environment.

3. Crime Mapping

GIS is a valuable tool in crime mapping and analysis. By analyzing patterns of criminal activity in specific neighborhoods or regions, law enforcement can identify high-risk areas where crimes are most likely to occur.

For example, the Baltimore City Police Department used GIS to map the incidence of street crimes within the city and come up with timely and efficient intervention strategies. This information led to a 30% decrease in violent crime in the area.

4. Disaster Response

During natural disasters such as hurricanes, GIS can be used to track the path of the storm and identify areas that require evacuation. In the aftermath of such events, GIS can help to map damage, prioritize rescue missions, and allocate necessary resources for recovery efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses GIS to provide relevant information to responders and victims on post-disaster recovery efforts. This information helps people to recover faster from floods and other disasters.

5. Real Estate

GIS is a valuable tool in real estate because it helps companies identify land suitable for specific developments, plot market demand, and track property sales. This data is useful in making informed decisions about investment returns estimates and enabling companies to provide targeted marketing strategies.

Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Analytics (GIS Analysis) also enable planners and architects to design buildings while taking into account the surrounding landscape, sunlight, and soil type, leading to more sustainable projects.

Conclusion

Geographic Information Science has become increasingly important in many industries due to its analytical and creative abilities. It’s usefulness encompasses areas such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, crime mapping, disaster response, and real estate.

GIS is an indispensable tool in modern-day decision-making. It can transform complex data into understandable formats, leading to effective decision-making and collaboration. With these five GIS examples, it is evident that GIS is an approach that can be applied across various sectors, making the world a better place.

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