A GIS (Geographic Information System) is a combination of hardware, software, and data that can be used to analyze and communicate information, (e.g. trends, and boundaries) geographically. At one time, the only way to maintain and utilize a GIS was to have onsite servers, computers, expensive usage licenses, and a dedicated staff. Now, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of a GIS with minimal initial investment through the use of pre-packaged solutions like ESRI’s ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS for Local Government.
What Can a Geographic Information System Do For You?
-
Save Money and Time
-
Create a one-stop-shop for accessing data from multiple sources
-
Identify trends and patterns such as foreclosure rates by neighborhood
-
Optimize delivery and service routes
-
Increase efficiency of fleet maintenance
-
-
Make Better Decisions
-
Estimate a storm’s impact before it happens
-
Better understand the distribution of your assets
-
Improve real estate site selection
-
Plan disaster aid and evacuation routes
-
Know the location of utilities before digging
-
-
Improve Communications
-
Embed interactive maps and data into your Microsoft Office documents for easier interpretation across departments and disciplines
-
Keep it portable with stunning mobile-enabled web-based applications
-
How a GIS Works
-
Determine your needs
-
This can be done by formal meeting or informal brainstorming
-
Your GIS consultant can help frame your problems as questions
-
-
Provide solutions
-
Several solutions will be presented based on needs and cost.
-
-
Research, acquire and create data
-
Use existing data when possible.
-
Integrate client’s data
-
Remember “free” data will still need formatting
-
-
Examine and analyze data
-
From “eyeballing” to running sophisticated statistical analysis, interpret data
-
The question in step one will determine the type of analysis used
-
-
Present your results
-
Share dynamic results via web-based or mobile applications
- Print static results as small or large-scale maps and charts
-
GISGOV 