GIS (Geographic Information System)

GIS is a spatial system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis that is used in science and almost every industry. GIS helps users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context. The benefits include improved communication and efficiency as well as better management and decision making.

GIS is used to perform analysis, monitor change, recognize patterns, share information, identify problems, visualize where things are and much much more.

You can make something called a "shapefile" which is a layer that can be lines, polygons or points. A layer is exactly what it sounds like, it is a "layer" on your map. You can have many layers on your map that you can perform analysis and everything in between on.

Examples of layers are: Road lines, GPS points, buildings, property area, boundaries, lakes, streams, construction work, weather conditions, etc.

There are some very useful apps and software made by Esri as well for GIS, including this software that is being used for a presentation. This Software is called "Story Maps", which can be used to tell a story about your data, findings and maps. There is no limit to what you can do with these software. A few other apps/software are:

• FieldMaps, which is used for data collection. A form can be made online for the data you will be collecting and then downloaded in the app on your phone or tablet. You can then collect the data and see it right on the map as a layer.

• Survey123 is very similar to FieldMaps in that you make a form and download it on the app, but Survey123 is for surveys that can be aimed more towards the public vs field workers collecting data in the field.

• QuickCapture is also an app that you configure online. Unlike Survey123 and FieldMaps, you don't make a form with quest5ions and everything else, you just make buttons that can be tapped quickly when collecting data. Each of these buttons in also a layer that can be visualized on a map. A few examples of some buttons you can make are potholes, utilities, fire hydrants, stop signs, other road signs, buildings, crosswalks etc.

• Workforce is used to assign tasks to workers. It can be used for things such as assigning different areas to groups for a search and rescue which helps keep track of what area was searched and if anything was found there.

• Other apps include: AppStudio, ArcGIS Online, Dashboards, Developers, Experience Builder, Hub, Instant Apps, Living Atlas, Map Viewer, Scene Viewer, Solutions, and Track Viewer.

When you are thinking about creating a map, the first thing you need to think about is what the map will be used for and how it will be used. Will it be an interactive map? Paper map? Map of a city? Map of the world? Map of a neighborhood? Will the map show change over time, give directions, show trails, lakes, parks, restaurants, etc. Who will use the map? Field crew collecting data? Community members? Search parties, police, firemen, search and rescue?

All of these are important questions to ask yourself when creating a map and displaying your data. Interactive web maps are great for many things when you want you data to be open for the public to see.