What is GIS?

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyses and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis that is used in science and almost every industry. GIS helps users understand patterns, relationships and geographic context. The benefits include improved communication and efficiency as well as better management and decision making.

How is GIS used?

Hundreds of thousands of organisations in virtually every field are using GIS to make maps that communicate, perform analysis, share information and solve complex problems around the world. This is changing the way the world works.

Identify problems

Use GIS to illuminate issues that are driven by geography. This map of opioid prescription claims reveals the geographic patterns that emerge when data is well-mapped.

View an opioid epidemic map

Monitor change

If a picture tells a thousand words, a map tells a thousand pictures. This map starkly reveals the extent of glacier retreat in the Southern Hemisphere.

Look at the Patagon Journal Memories of Ice map

Map showing hurricane and cyclone damage

Manage & respond to events

GIS delivers real-time situational awareness. This hurricane and cyclone map shows potential impact to people and businesses, probable track of storms and storm surge.

Try the Hurricane and Tropical Cyclones map

Traffic map highlighting traffic challenge areas

Perform forecasting

Use GIS to forecast traffic. This map highlights challenges at an intersection in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, where forecasting shows traffic is expected to worsen based on land use changes.

Open the NKYmapLAB interactive map

Set priorities

GIS helps to set priorities based on spatial analysis. By analysing crime patterns, public safety officials can identify target areas and assign officers in those areas.

Take a look at a crime response map

Understand trends

GIS helps you gain insight into data that might be missed in a spreadsheet. This map measures job growth or losses in different industries and quantifies local competitive advantage.

Try the shift-share analysis map

How Does GIS Work?

GIS technology applies geographic science with tools for understanding and collaboration. It helps people reach a common goal: to gain actionable intelligence from all types of data.

Maps

Maps are the geographic container for the data layers and analytics you want to work with. GIS maps are easily shared and embedded in apps and accessible by virtually everyone, everywhere.

Read about maps in The ArcGIS Book
Data

GIS integrates many different kinds of data layers using spatial location. Most data has a geographic component. GIS data includes imagery, features and basemaps linked to spreadsheets and tables.

Read about data in The ArcGIS Book
Analysis

Spatial analysis lets you evaluate suitability and capability, estimate and predict, interpret and understand and much more, lending new perspectives to your insight and decision-making.

Read about analysis in The ArcGIS Book
Apps

Apps provide focused user experiences for getting work done and bringing GIS to life for everyone. GIS apps work virtually everywhere: on your mobile phones, tablets, in web browsers and on desktops.

Read about GIS apps in The ArcGIS Book

Who Uses GIS?

Modern GIS is about participation, sharing and collaboration. Discover how the technology is strengthening relationships, driving efficiencies and opening communications channels in your community.

GIS Showcase

Discover interactive maps and visualisations created with GIS that inform, engage and inspire.

Learn more
History of GIS

Explore the evolution of GIS from a rudimentary tool to a comprehensive platform for designing a smarter world.

Learn more
GIS Careers

Learn how GIS professionals qualify for occupations in countless fields.

Learn more
GIS Resources

Find resources for expanding your knowledge about GIS.

Learn more

National Geographic Explorers use GIS

Discover the power of geography in this series of video shorts by National Geographic and Esri, featuring National Geographic Explorers who are using GIS to map a better future.

Access the videos

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How is GIS used?

Identify problems

Monitor change

Manage & respond to events

Perform forecasting

Set priorities

Understand trends

How Does GIS Work?

Maps

Data

Analysis

Apps

Who Uses GIS?

Education

Health

Insurance

Manufacturing

Petroleum

Public Safety

Real Estate

Retail

Sustainability

Telecommunications

Transportation

Electric and Gas Utilities

Natural Resources

Government

Water

GIS Showcase

History of GIS

GIS Careers

GIS Resources

National Geographic Explorers use GIS

Get in touch

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