What Is GIS (Geographical Information Systems)? Learn the Basics With an MPA Degree Online
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Few technologies are more integral to the modern world than geographical information systems (GIS). GIS has been quietly changing the world since its inception, and this technology is playing an increasingly significant role in both business success and the operation of governments.
According to IBM, GIS refers to “computer systems that produce connected visualizations of geospatial data — that is, data spatially referenced to Earth. Beyond creating visualizations, GIS is capable of capturing, storing, analyzing and managing geospatial data.” While the term “geographical” may seem to imply that GIS is just about mapping, its practical applications are much broader.
For professionals who wish to understand the implications of this cutting-edge technology, the online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program from Eastern Oregon University (EOU) offers a unique emphasis on student development of advanced competency with GIS. The program’s curriculum includes both an introductory course and an advanced course exploring the importance of GIS, covering the fundamentals of geospatial data and the many applications of GIS using ArcGIS software.
What Is GIS Data?
At a basic level, GIS involves connecting data points and a map. According to Esri, a global leader in GIS software, GIS is about “integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there).” In this way, GIS reveals patterns within data and spatial relationships. “The benefits include improved communication, efficiency, management, and decision-making,” states Esri.
What Is GIS Used For?
GIS is integral to the daily operations of almost every industry and covers thousands of possible use cases, according to Esri. In addition to mapping, GIS is also a method of storing and integrating information, applying spatial analysis to generate new insights from data, and communicating data and complex ideas more effectively.
For example, business success can hinge on a deep understanding of complex data. One important use case is deploying GIS to make more informed decisions about business growth and expansion. “When selecting the ideal place for a new retail store, distribution hub, or fire station, GIS can bring together all the information important to your decision,” states Esiri. GIS data can help a business owner weigh the impact of other nearby businesses, travel times, local population numbers, demographic data and more.
Why Is GIS Helpful to the Community?
It is not just businesses that can use the insights provided by GIS. GIS also plays a vital role in helping governments navigate the complexities of the modern world. As GovPilot points out: “GIS mapping technology plays a fundamental role in powering modern government. From improving the citizen experience to making better data-driven decisions, GIS technology empowers local governments to operate more efficiently with valuable, visual insights about virtually any issue.”
For public administrators, GIS can serve a critical function in areas from public policy to land use planning. According to a research article in the AKSU Journal of Administration and Corporate Governance, GIS “offers a framework for gathering and managing information and improving planning efforts in the public domain for effective service delivery.”
For example, one service that governments are often called upon to provide is easy access to property records. This is one area in which GIS is especially critical. “Because [GIS] can store a vast array of information, including ownership, zoning, land use, tax assessments, and building permits, among other things, localities can use GIS to retrieve information quickly and efficiently,” according to GovPilot.
What Degree Do You Need to Work in GIS?
An M.P.A. degree like the one offered through EOU’s online program helps prepare students to use GIS in a public administration role. Required courses include Geographic Information Systems I, which familiarizes students with geospatial data and ArcGIS software.
As the world becomes more data-driven in future years, GIS will likely become even more important. For those who want to gain an edge in understanding this critical technology, there is no better time than now.
Learn more about EOU’s online M.P.A. program.