What is GIS and Why is it a BIG Deal?

What is GIS

In one of my articles about GIS Opportunities in Africa: the Continent NOT the Country, i confessed “each time I meet a friend and he/she asks me what we do as company! I try to stick to as basic an explanation as possible. Because I noticed each time I mentioned GIS related activities, it just got the person more confused.”

Well i feel indebted to all my non-GIS colleagues, with this article i hope to avoid the interrogation next time we meet!

What is GIS?






GIS Versus Geospatial

There is an increasing trend to use the term geospatial instead of GIS. What is the difference between geospatial and GIS? Although some may use the terms interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two in that GIS refers more narrowly to the traditional definition of using layers of geographic data to produce spatial analysis and derivative maps.


Other quotes to answer “What is GIS?”





GIS has already affected most of us in some way without us even realizing it. If you’ve ever using an Internet mapping program to find directions, congratulations, you’ve personally used GIS. The new supermarket chain on the corner was probably located using GIS to determine the most effective place to meet customer demand.

Why GIS is a Big Deal?

In one of our recent trainings, a student asked me why GIS is a big deal. The thing about GIS is that its a cross-cutting skill that complements many professions

There are numerous ways in which this technology can be used. The most common ones are:

  1. Management of resources
  2. Investigations of the earth’s surface that is scientific in nature
  3. Archeological uses
  4. Planning of locations and management of assets
  5. Urban & regional planning
  6. Criminology matters
  7. An Impact assessment of the environment
  8. The assessment and eventual development of infrastructure
  9. Studies of the demographics of an area plus its population
  10. Analysis with regards to engineering

Some of the common instances where you will find the GIS in use include:

  1. Emergency response teams normally use GIS when they want to collect logistics with regards to how they will move in times of natural disasters.
  2. The system also comes in handy when authorities want to discover any potential wetlands that need to be protected from the harmful effects brought about by pollution.
  3. Companies also take advantage of the GIS so that they may be able to choose a strategic market location that has not yet been saturated by other competitors in the particular niche industry.
  4. Management personnel use this system also so that they can be able to locate areas that are bound to suffer from catastrophes with regards to the infrastructure that is in place there.
  5. Any potential spread of diseases & other such like pandemic are usually limited by the use of the GIS since the patterns of their occurrence is predicted in sufficient time.

These are just broad strokes and pointers, but the application and ‘use of GIS is only limited by the users imagination” ~Jack Dangermond, ESRI

Always a pleasure reading your comments and insights.

About Author: Samuel Omara is a seasoned GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist, Managing Consultant and CEO of the company Geographic Information Solutions, we focus on GIS capacity building, Spatial data sales, Remote Sensing and Innovative data collection using smart phones. I have had the pleasure of building the capacity of several organizations and individuals in the most exciting field out there, GIS.

17 thoughts on “What is GIS and Why is it a BIG Deal?

  1. I simply want to tell you that I am just new to blogging and honestly enjoyed you’re web-site. Likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You actually have tremendous posts. Appreciate it for revealing your blog site.

  2. I just want to tell you that I’m beginner to weblog and absolutely liked your web page. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your site . You absolutely have incredible writings. Thanks a lot for sharing your website page.



  5. Hi, I really do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it ;
    ) I will return yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best approach to change, may you be
    rich and then guide others.

  6. I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing
    complications with your blog. It appears as though some of the written text in your own posts are running from the screen. Can another individual please provide
    feedback and tell me if it is happening to them too?

    This can be described as a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously.


Leave a Reply to anunturi gratuite Cancel reply
