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What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is the platform that manages geospatial information. GIS software offers complex tools to create, manipulate, and analyze geospatial data, and it allows users to create informative maps, statistics, and applications.

Today, with the accessibility of the internet, cloud-based computing, and user-friendly software, mapping has become more wide-spread and effective for organizations to better plan, improve workflows, and provide more accurate services. 

GIS is the framework for visualizing, sharing, analyzing, tracking, and managing spatial data and data relationships through desktop platforms and/or integrated web and cloud services.
  • A traditional GIS setup is composed of software that offers intricate spatial analysis which can be performed on the underlying GIS data.
  • The data that makes up a GIS can range from any object that has a spatial attribute to it (houses, roads, parks, etc.).
  • The true power of GIS lies within the ability to track the spatial positioning of this data, along with any associated information tied to it, and then the ability to perform geospatial and other types of analysis with the data to gather additional information.
  • There is a reason why GIS is so widely integrated within government agencies. When utilized properly, GIS will enrich an organization’s planning, asset management, and decision making through understanding:
    • Where spatial data is located.
    • What information is associated with it.
    • How this data interacts and relates to each other and its environment.

How does GIS work?

Geospatial Data

At the foundation of a GIS is spatial data.

Spatial data accounts for point, line, or polygon (area) features that are defined in relation to their geographical location on the Earth. In addition to this spatial representation of an object, related tabular information may be associated with geospatial data to tie specific characteristics to an object.

Data can be created from within an organization or acquired from GIS users and data providers across the world. A GIS provides the platform to manipulate, edit, and integrate this spatial data with other datasets (through Relational Database Management Systems). Further analysis of the data can identify relationships and trends. Maps of these data interactions can then be produces, along with many more powerful uses.

  • There are multiple formats of spatial data: ex: Shapefiles, KMZ, GeoJSON, raster data (images geo-referenced to their actual ground coordinates), and many more.
  • Field data collection uses GPS devices on tablets or mobile devices to collect high accuracy spatial data.
  • Data can also be digitized using GIS software to digitally draw in spatial data. Other similar methods include Georeferencing, Coordinate Geometry – COGO, Geocoding, etc…
  • Aerial imagery captured by planes or drones can be combined with the above data collection methods to help visualize and reference features to their actual location on the Earth.
  • Centralizing and standardizing spatial data is an important step to operating a successful GIS. There are many different methods to do this, and they are dependent on the structure of the mapping infrastructure at hand.
    • Database organization is extremely important for an effective GIS
  • Open-sourced data is often available via web searches, and through ESRI’s data hub. This data sometimes may be downloadable for manipulation and further analysis, and other times it may just be viewable as a reference layer.
  • Note: There are multiple standards to follow for proper geospatial data creation and sharing.

GIS Software & Hardware

The technology for maintaining a local GIS infrastructure has changed drastically in the past 20 years alone. Prior to the cloud-serviced platform that exists for many GIS architectures today, organizations would need to purchase large computing systems and servers (stored in-house) to support their desktop GIS applications. Today, GIS software providers will work directly with their customers to ensure that the software and hardware needed will be intertwined with the organization’s existing infrastructure, budget, personnel, and other constraining resources.

With web-based GIS being the norm for the majority of GIS platforms today, it allows for users to still work independently on their desktop GIS applications, but also lets them share and access data (and other geospatial content) to/from the web. Esri’s Web GIS platforms are some of the leading geospatial architectures on the market due to their connectivity, scalability, customer support, and world-wide user community.

  • Software: GIS software includes the tools and graphical user interface (GUI) platform for storing, visualizing, and manipulating geospatial information in order to perform data analysis and produce maps. Oftentimes, a GIS software uses a relational database management system (RDBMS) to store and relate its data. GIS software can range from desktop-only options to completely web-based solutions. Many GIS architectures now offer a hybrid of the two.
    • There are many Free and Open-Source GIS software solutions to explore. Some examples include:
      • QGIS, GRASS, Open Street Maps,  PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GeoServer.
    • ESRI is the leader of the GIS market, and their products offer a wide range of flexibility to suit the needs of any organization.
      • ESRI’s ArcGIS Enterprise is a GIS option to strongly consider for local government agencies. It accounts for a multi-user GIS environment, with accessibility and sharing to and from a web environment to an individual user’s desktop.
      • ArcGIS Online is Esri’s Software as a Service (SaaS) option for Web GIS, and is used across the Globe.
  • Hardware: The Hardware of a GIS includes the computer on which the software operates. Today, there are multiple locations that the components of a GIS could be housed, including an individual’s desktop computer, a GIS Server (stored in-house or externally), or in a cloud environment. Depending on the GIS software and user requirements, the GIS hardware for your organization could include a blend of different on-premise/cloud equipment. 
    • Other GIS hardware  might include data collection equipment, such as GPS devices, Tablets/Mobile Devices (for data collection through GIS web map applications), drones for collecting aerial imagery, Servers for storing large databases (including a  RDBMS), or printers & scanners for paper maps.

Maps & Applications

Maps are the physical by-product of a GIS. They are what allow field crews to locate physical structures in the real world. They provide managers and decision makers with the spatial insight needed to produce quality decisions. And, they allow for a government to convey important information to their citizens in a visually appealing and informative manner. 

Today, hard-copy and digital mapping applications can be produced through using any GIS software. Being able to create these digital and physical maps to be tailored towards the end-user’s needs is the primary advantage of owning and operating a GIS.

 

For example, Esri’s Web Mapping applications consist of configurable and sharable online Web Maps (either for public use or for organizational use), Dashboards, field collection apps, and many other interactive applications. These applications can point directly to an organization’s active database, and be updated on the fly as changes are made to the database.

Blending Geography, Local Government, and Technology

Whether it’s in the form of hand-drawn paper maps, or custom designed web mapping applications, each government that owns or maintains a functioning infrastructure understand the importance of tracking their spatial assets.

We are fortunate to be surrounded by geography and all of the Earth’s physical elements everywhere we go. A government’s responsibility is to appropriately plan, manage, and protect the integrity of these geographic resources along with those living among them.

Fun Fact: About 80% of data captured has some type of geospatial component tied to it!

Governments (no matter the size) have a critical role to provide and protect its citizens across multiple aspects of life. GIS can improve all of these.

  • Policy: Decision Making 
  • Services:
    • Infrastructure (Utilities)
    • Emergency Management
    • Planning
    • Natural Resources
    • Community Development
    • Parcel Mapping & Zoning
  • Citizens: Public Health/Safety, Community engagement

With technology exponentially becoming part of how we operate in our daily activities (specifically in the work environment), the ability to incorporate the powerful functionality of a GIS into governmental operations and existing IT structures, will greatly improve the efficiency and services that a government can offer. Web-based computing provides a portal for sharing and accessing geospatial information and applications.

Benefits & Applications of GIS

Some governments are blessed with greater resources, budgets, technology, and staffing than others, but all governments are capable of integrating a GIS into their work environment.

When information for a governmental department (such as a public works department) is within a GIS data is easily accessed within the database.  The use of a GIS database can enhance organization of governmental assets along with providing appropriate data quickly and comprehensively to allow for improved decision making.

Growth of GIS infrastructure is a forward-thinking process for a sustainable government. 

How will GIS bring to local government?

  • Management and tracking of government-owned and maintained assets/infrastructure.

  • Improved planning, policies, & community development due to the ability to identify patterns, relationships, and geographic distribution of information.

  • Enhanced public engagement opportunities.

  • Sharing interactive maps and data with public

  • Growth of spatial databases that will benefit the organization long-term.

  • Saved time and money.

  • Collaboration and data sharing with other governments, educational institutions, regional planning councils, & private firms.

Device Slider

Check out the above real-life examples of public GIS resources provided by local governments. Tap the “[Click Here]” link on the computer screen to see example.

Resources & Training

Where to find GIS Training?

GIS requires regular training for staff to stay up to date with the newest mapping technology and better maintain spatial assets. Reach out to GIS consultants, regional planning committees, or even educational institutes to gain more information. Fortunately, there is an abundance of training courses and online articles (for free) that allow any employee access to all of the GIS information they need.
Free GIS Resources

GIS Guide - Local Governments

Below is a Story Map containing a scalable Guide that a local government organization (Counties or Municipalities) can follow to plan for and develop an organized geospatial system. It is intended to highlight the steps and knowledge necessary for either improving an existing GIS, or to creating a new GIS from scratch within an organization.
GIS Design Strategies for Local Government

Using GIS Technology for Local Government Management

The International City/County Management Association partnered with Esri to publish a guide on using GIS technology in local government management. This guide focuses on ‘smart communities,’ referring to communities that have made effort to use appropriate technology to meet the goals and objectives that have been established by leadership.
Guide for Smart Communities

Funding & Grants

With continuous need for improved GIS architecture at all levels of government, State and Federal grants are often available for small to mid sized municipalities for technology projects that will improve the operation of these governments. For some municipalities and local governments that already rely on state and federal grants for infrastructure or other capital improvement projects, they may already be aware that mapping can play a large role in applying for these grants.
NYS Grant Opportunities
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Works Cited

“What is GIS?” Environmental Systems Research Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.esri. com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview

MassGIS. (2002) Getting Started with GIS – A Guide for Municipalities. Retrieved from: https://www.cmrpc.org/sites/default/files/download/GIS_GettingStartedWithGIS.pdf

Fountains Spatial. (2009) Steuben County – GIS Needs Assessment, Conceptual System Design, and Implementation Plan Report. Retrieved from: https://www.steubencony.org/files/documents/planning/scgis_needs_assmt.pdf

International City/County Management Association (ICMA). (2018) A GUIDE FOR SMART COMMUNITIES: Using GIS Technology for Local Government Management. Retrieved from: https://icma.org/sites/default/files/18-137%20GIS%20e-Primer%20Report_final.pdf

Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). (2007) Enterprise GIS for Local Government. Retrieved from: https://www.esri.com/content/dam/esrisites/sitecore-archive/Files/Pdfs/library/whitepapers/pdfs/enterprise-gis-localgov.pdf

Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). ArcGIS Desktop licensing. Retrieved from: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/2.8/get-started/about-licensing.htm

Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). What is ArcGIS Enterprise? Retrieved from: https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/get-started/10.5/linux/what-is-arcgis-enterprise-.htm

Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). Understand the relationship between ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online. Retrieved from: https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/portal/latest/administer/windows/choosing-between-an-arcgis-online-subscription-and-portal-for-arcgis.htm

National Geospatial Advisory Committee. (March 2011) Best Practices For Local Government Geospatial Programs. Retrieved from: https://www.fgdc.gov/ngac/ngac-local-gov-gis-best-practices-paper.pdf

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). (2013) GIS Handbook for municipalities. Retrieved from: https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/download-manager-files/GIS%20Handbook%20for%20Municipalities.pdf

Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). What is GIS?.https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview

Esri Canada Education and Research. GIS for Municipalities. Retrieved from: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3c32cf8282eb420da40074c28d832657

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