What Is GIS Mapping? (+How to Use the Different Types of GIS Maps)
Maps are one of the only methods to current knowledge. They show the place we reside, the place we transfer, who we work together with and, in the end, the place we’re headed.
Traditionally, mapping was a handbook talent requiring a gentle hand, concentrated consideration to element and an infinite quantity of endurance. Quick-forward to at present and we’re in a position to use geographical data programs (GIS) to produce data-rich maps in a matter of minutes. It’s exhausting to think about our day-to-day lives with out GIS software — as analysis reveals greater than three-fourths (77%) of smartphone homeowners often use navigation apps.
Whereas GIS helps us get from Level A to Level B and discover the greatest eating places in our space, the GIS mapping operate inside this software program is in the end what’s revolutionized the means we analyze knowledge. GIS mapping transforms geographical knowledge into digital maps that assist customers simply determine patterns, traits and relationships. GIS mapping’s impression has touched city planning, environmental impression evaluation, asset administration and a range of different industries that make the most of geographical knowledge.
What is GIS mapping?
GIS mapping is the course of of inputting knowledge layers into GIS software program to produce a map. Maps current customers with legible data that uncooked knowledge can’t show by itself. It is because people soak up data higher when a visible illustration of knowledge fairly than a numerical dataset; consequently, GIS mapping, which transforms knowledge into maps is the only means to show geographical knowledge.
What are widespread varieties of GIS mapping?
The most typical GIS mapping varieties embody: class maps, warmth maps, and cluster maps. GIS mapping permits for all of these map varieties to be layered with a number of stacks and absolutely interactive.
How does GIS mapping work?
GIS mapping’s best profit is that it primarily does all the be just right for you. Most GIS software program presents customers a bit to enter all of the numerical knowledge to show on a map. The corresponding map is up to date in actual time to replicate mentioned knowledge.
The instance beneath reveals that the consumer is succesful of toggling between knowledge and the map, enabling the consumer to see how the knowledge is being translated. On this instance, the consumer has chosen to current knowledge with bubbles to present world inhabitants by nation.
Picture courtesy of Carto
Spatial knowledge and evaluation
GIS mapping permits for geographers and different professionals to use spatial analysis to determine the distance and relationship between geographical points. This helps pull out new information and data on specific coordinates for geographers to perform geocoding and allows us to understand the planet, geography, and climate better.
But what about the countless other ways a user can utilize GIS mapping?
Types of GIS maps
Below we’ll explore some of the most common types of GIS maps and how businesses can utilize them to their advantage.
Category maps
Category maps are one of the easiest ways to indicate which segments control a portion of a map. A great example is when news outlets display which states were won by a candidate in a U.S. election. With GIS software you can classify a category and input the related data, such as the number of votes within each state. Then the user chooses a color to represent each category and the data show up on the map.
Heat maps
Heat maps (also known as quantity maps) incorporate color-coded systems to display numerical density in a given area. Heat maps are an effective way to easily relate numerical data when dealing with a large amount of data. Analysts love heat maps since they are simple for people to understand: The larger the number in a dataset, the darker the color representing it on the map. This makes it easy to identify trends and patterns based on the shade of color. A great use case for heat maps is displaying population density in a given area. In the map below you can easily tell that areas with the highest population density have the darkest shade (red), while the lowest population density has the lightest shade (white). Many websites and UX/UI professionals incorporate heat mapping software into their day-to-day to create a greater consumer expertise.
Image courtesy of Imgur
Cluster maps
Cluster maps are one other means to point out the density of a selected class in a selected space. If you happen to’ve ever looked for a home or condominium utilizing a list service, you might need encountered one of these. The itemizing service usually makes use of clusters to show the out there properties in a given space, which presents the buyer a greater view of the complete structure of the space. In the instance beneath, itemizing service StreetEasy offers prospects a structure of 30 streets in decrease Manhattan. It then reveals numbered clusters to show what number of residences are in a smaller subsection of the map. This gives customers with a extra holistic view of the map without having to zoom in on explicit areas.
Stacking GIS map layers
Earlier we displayed how customers are in a position to simply toggle between the numerical knowledge and the map. However, that’s simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowledge toggling in GIS. One of the greatest elements of GIS mapping is the skill to stack all the map varieties inside one map. On this sense, the totally different maps are like layers customers can toggle between to see totally different representations of the numerical knowledge.
Picture courtesy of Mangomap
Past numerical knowledge, customers can make use of knowledge layers to current a distinct type of visualization. If you happen to’ve ever used Google Maps, you is perhaps acquainted with its performance of toggling between avenue, satellite tv for pc and terrain views. This helps customers visualize areas extra holistically and current knowledge in a extra dynamic means.
Interactive GIS mapping
GIS mapping presents customers a range of interactive instruments. These instruments are meant to improve the readability of the knowledge introduced on the map.
Location data/factors of curiosity
A key characteristic in GIS mapping is the skill to spotlight factors of curiosity on a map and supply data comparable to location images, enterprise cellphone numbers and addresses. This provides the viewer a greater perspective of what a location truly seems like and the way to get in touch with a enterprise proprietor. From a enterprise perspective, it’s useful to map essential places comparable to firm warehouses, company workplaces, retailer places and firm property in the discipline.
Map queries
Most GIS mapping applications provide a characteristic often called a question device. A question device permits finish customers to filter a dataset to discover a explicit reply to a query they’ve. An instance is perhaps one thing like, “display all company store locations where we have more than 1,000 customers a day.” The GIS system then crafts a response primarily based on the knowledge already in the GIS. The question device is an effective way to extrapolate extra data from the knowledge already there.
Subsequent steps
Now that we’ve highlighted how to use GIS mapping and the greatest methods to take benefit of its key options, it’s time to begin making use of this device into your personal enterprise technique. From advertising to logistics, GIS can present visible knowledge about your prospects and enhance inside communication inside your organization.
Prepared to begin producing your personal maps? Take a look at our listing of the greatest free GIS software program.