GPS and GIS

I’m a directionally challenged person. (Sad, but true...) I rely on Google Maps to provide me with real-time updates on how to get to a goal destination, whether I am traveling by foot, train, or car. Without Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to provide me with navigational guidance, I would be lost, always. It’s hard to imagine navigating without my handheld phone device to guide me whenever I’m unsure of how to get to a location.

GPS systems have many possible use cases in addition to the gathering of data on people; GPS systems can track animal movements, environmental factors such as gas emissions, roads and hiking trails… the list goes on. With all of this data comes the question of how to best represent the data in a visual form.

Geographic Information Systems, also known as GIS, can deal with the dilemma of data visualization by spatially representing geographic data. Through GIS, people can analyze and display layers upon layers of data to graphically illustrate the relationship between different pieces of information. For example, on a base-map you could overlay real estate prices under a heat map of recent gas pipe leaks. Or, you could overlay traffic flow with the location and density of accidents during rush hour. The possibilities are endless.

GIS graphics are powerful communication tools that spatially illustrate correlations and relationships between layers of data.