Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based systems that capture, store, analyze, and display spatial data. They can be run on local hardware or in the cloud, and enable the analysis of spatial data which refers to any information with a location or geographic component, such as the location of buildings, roads, or natural features. By integrating spatial data with other information, like demographics or environmental data, GIS creates maps and visualizations that help us understand complex relationships and patterns.
Geospatial technologies encompass a broader range of technologies that use geographic information, including remote sensing and global positioning systems (GPS). These technologies enable the collection and analysis of data about the Earth and its environment. Remote sensing technologies, for example, use sensors on aircraft or satellites to monitor changes in land use, vegetation, and other features. This technology provides near real-time monitoring of natural disasters and the spread of wildfires, while also detecting changes in the Earth’s climate, and informing decisions about environmental management, conservation, urban planning, and disaster response.
Remote sensing also allows for the capture of data that may be difficult or impossible to obtain using other methods. For instance, thermal sensors detect temperature differences on the Earth’s surface, which can be combined with air quality data to inform public health decisions and protect communities from extreme heat and poor air quality (curious about how healthy your air and temp are? visit Coolcooridors.com). Similarly, specialized sensors can collect data on invisible pollutants like methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas (Thanks GHGSat!).
Fields like environmental science, natural resource management, public health, and transportation planning are increasingly turning to GIS to help answer complex questions. Geospatial analysis enables the identification of patterns and relationships that would be hard to detect using other methods, helping to make informed decisions about environmental management and the resolution of complex problems.