What is GIS?

Geospatial data is digital data pertaining to a geographic or spatial location.  Popular examples include GIS data formats, GPS data, and remotely sensed imagery.

Numeric data is digital data pertaining to numbers, most often organized in tables.  Statistical analysis is often performed on this data, and numeric data can be related/merged/joined to geospatial data as well.  Popular examples include Excel tables, databases, and SAS/SPSS tables.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems that aid in the management and analysis of geographically referenced data. GIS allows the user to link geospatial data with numeric data in order to see relationships and patterns.

GIS has many applications across a variety of disciplines. Some examples of how GIS might be used include:

• Selection of a site for a new business.
• Exploration of relationships between well water and soil type.
• Epidemiological studies.
• Management and planning of military operations.
• Development of new bus routes.
• Community assessment projects.
• ESRI maintains a list of GIS uses by industry.

How We Can Help

Walk-in GIS assistance:

• Wednesdays: 1-3pm (Central Library Research Desk, 2nd floor)
• Saturdays: 10am-6pm (Central Library Research Desk, 2nd floor)

The Library provides assistance with:

• One-on-one instruction
• Locating data sources
• Spatial analysis
• Scripting/automation
• Workshops