What is GIS?

How many schools are in given area?

A GIS (Geographic Information System) gives you tools to answer questions about a location (geographic information). You can combine layers of information stored in a database that may include addresses, aerial photographs, satellite images, dates, and other numerical values.

A GIS does more than tell you "where," but can also answer questions like "why" and "what if?" With a GIS, you can explore relationships, trends, and conduct analyses that can be represented as maps.

Pull down menus let you select what to analyze.

GIS can be applied to a variety of topics in both the physical and social sciences, as well as mathematics and art/design, providing a great foundation for interdisciplinary projects. Working with GIS helps students develop computer literacy, analytical approaches to problem solving, and communication and presentation skills.

Learn More

GIS.com—Your Internet Guide to GIS
ESRI Map Book Gallery—Maps from GIS users around the world
Geography Matters White Paper—How GIS used in everyday life
USGS GIS in Education Web Site —Information about GIS and its role in education

What is GIS?
View demo: Flash [02:17]

• Using GIS software to explore the fundamental principals of geography.
• Using GIS to inventory, analyze, and manage global infrastructures.
• Creating maps to reveal statistics and content stored in databases.
• Making better decisions by asking questions such as where, how, and why the location of the data is significant.