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At Cartisan Maps, not only do all of our custom maps have a geographic information system (GIS) at their core, but a substantial segment of our creations actually are GIS products. If you’re unfamiliar with GIS, we’d like to offer you this brief introduction:
“GIS (Geographic Information System) is a computer-based tool for analyzing and mapping things that exist and events that happen on Earth. GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. GIS goes beyond simple cartography and allows the user to analyze data about specific points on the earth thus providing geographically referenced data. This data can be represented as different layers where each layer holds data about a particular feature. Each feature is then linked to a position on the graphical image of a map.
“Traditional maps are abstractions of the real world, a sampling of important elements portrayed on a sheet of paper with symbols to represent physical objects. Topographic maps, for instance, use contour lines to show the shape of land surface. The actual shape of the land can be only supposed and visualized in the mind's eye. Graphic display techniques in GIS make relationships among map elements visible, heightening a person's ability to extract and analyze information. This information can then be used to generate statistics, measure distances and areas, develop new cartographic models, propose new sets of research questions, or design and print hard copy maps. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies.”
With all of this said, here are some of the many applications for which GIS may provide a solution:
Address Geocoding: Do you have a nationwide membership database and need to target specific members within legislative districts, demographic areas, or influence zones? With a GIS, we can plug your members’ addresses directly into a map and overlay their locations with available information, then select specific member groups.
Vehicle Routing and Scheduling: A GIS can not only track your fleet assets and issue timely reports, but vehicle locations and routes can be compared to traffic analysis to assure that merchandise is not idling in gridlock.
Location Analysis and Site Selection: Expanding your business with a new store location? We can help pinpoint ideal properties by comparing land values, neighborhood demographics, location of competitors, and market trends. Additionally, we can make sure you’re not setting up shop in a flood plain, fault zone, or high crime area.
Environmental Impact Analysis: With a GIS, we can overlay habitats with resource zones, monitor wind directions and water flows, proximity to sensitive areas, and analyze the relationships to your operations.
Rangeland Management: Instead of tracking your resources on paper, a GIS can make it possible to know the current extent of your assets and their relationship to land ownership, watershed, soil moisture content and extraction routes.
Political Campaigns: Would you like to improve your stance with voters? Our GIS tools can analyze regions, states, and down to specific neighborhood blocks. Using that information, you can have the campaign intelligence tailored and prepared the way you need it to be.
Land Zoning and Plan Review: When municipalities reevaluate community plans and zoning, the information a GIS provides is more than just helpful. While you may know your community better than anyone, being able to visualize the relationships between residential areas, industries, and networks will assist your team in developing the best plan for years to come. Additionally, a GIS can present that information in a way you and your community will understand.
The above quote is provided by the US National Park Service. We look forward to discussing GIS solutions with you and invite you to contact us at maps@cartisan.com.