How to use GIS?
1. Mapping Where Things Are
Mapping where things are lets you find places that have the features you are looking
for and to see where to take action. 1. Find a feature—People use maps to see where
or what an individual feature is. 2. Finding patterns—By looking at the distribution
of features on the map instead of just an individual feature, you can see patterns
2. Mapping Quantities
People map quantities, such as where the most and least are, to find places that
meet their criteria and take action, or to see the relationships between places.
This gives an additional level of information beyond simply mapping the locations
3. Mapping Densities
While you can see concentrations by simply mapping the locations of features, in
areas with many features it may be difficult to see which areas have a higher concentration
than others. A density map lets you measure the number of features using a uniform
areal unit, such as acres or square miles, so you can clearly see the distribution.
4. Finding What's Inside
Use GIS to monitor what is happening and to take specific action by mapping what
is inside a specific area. For example, you would monitor infection disease spreading
in a certain district to find out the pattern of the cases distribution —if so,
the proper action should be taken.
5. Finding What's Nearby
Find out what is occurring within a set distance of a feature by mapping what is
nearby. For example, you may need to notify all residents within 500 feet of a proposed
6. Mapping Change
Map the change in an area to anticipate future conditions, decide on a course of
action, or to evaluate the results of an action or policy. By mapping where and how
things move over a period of time, you can gain insight into how they behave. For
example, public health professionals may need to track the spreading of a certain
disease over a period of time.