What’s a GIS?

Print anything with Printful



Geographic information systems (GIS) are used in digital maps, smartphones, car audio systems, and military operations. GIS can document physical points of interest and provide location-specific satellite photography. It is also used in outdoor sports and fishing trips.

Visual mapping systems provide digital maps and location guidance on cell phones, smart handheld devices, and many car audio systems. Geographic information system (GIS) is software that graphically presents visual cartographic information. These systems require access to data storage devices that contain a wide variety of address and photograph locations around the world.

Many smartphones have GIS applications built into Internet search engines. This provides an improved experience for smartphones because many search results now include directions to the returned location. This integration of search results and a geographic information system demonstrates the power of this technology.

An example of the use of these integrated GIS applications is with the sports of mountain biking and hiking. These sports typically require an individual to explore areas that are not well mapped in standard maps. Historically this type of sport required hand maps and a compass. Today there are several geographical systems designed for outdoor sports. This geographic information system provides advanced features including current location, route and estimated time to your destination.

A geographic information system is critical to modern military operations. This software provides military commanders with critical information about terrain, enemy locations, and potential ambush opportunities. In the past, military commanders planned command and control operations based on data provided by scouts. With geographic information systems, commanders can better plan future movements without risking the lives of scouts.

Geographic information systems are not limited to physical address. They can also be programmed to document physical points of interest. Each point of interest is stored in GIS applications as latitude and longitude coordinates. With this feature, physical location points can be mapped into visual mapping systems. These points of interest can be any simple physical object, including trees, roads, or buildings. Many GIS applications allow the mapping of desolate areas in the desert or in dense forests.

There are also portable GIS systems available for boats, which can be used for fishing trips. An angler can upload specific fishing locations with coordinates into the GIS system. This information can be used on a return trip, which makes it easier to pinpoint the exact location of previous fishing grounds.
Location-specific and satellite photography is available with an advanced geographic information system. This provides a three-dimensional view of street and building locations. Many Internet-based mapping systems actually display pictures of roads that can be navigated with computer keyboards. This gives the user the experience of actually walking the streets of a city or country.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content