Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic information systems (GIS) are digital maps with databases of information layered within it. So think along the lines of Google maps where you can find certain places, distances, general information and photos. Except the GIS is a lot more comprehensive. It shows almost as much information as possible, from in-depth census data for specific geographic locations to zoning restrictions and measurements for urban planners.

There are two types of data that the GIS can contain roster data and vector data.

Roster data contains info about the earth’s geographic features which are stored in cells and represent land use, vegetation, slope, elevation and aspect.

Vector data contains information about points, lines or polygons. Points represent benches, lights e.g. physical items, lines represent streets, water, electrical and sewer lines and polygons represent parcels of land, buildings and landscaped areas.

For urban planners, the GIS is now our most important tool. We will all most likely use a GIS in our careers as urban planners because it is such an efficient way to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of referenced data.