How do Geographical Information Systems Work?
Geography: KS3, topic 1.2.2
How Do Geographical Information Systems Work?
GIS is essentially electronic mapping software that provides a lot more data than a traditional paper map can.
How does GIS work?
- GIS software starts with a base map.
- The base map is the first layer.
- It is a simple map of the area that you are studying.
Type of map
- It can be a map of human features:
- E.g. roads and buildings.
- Or it can be a map of physical features:
- E.g. mountains and rivers.
- Commonly, it will be a base map containing information about both human and physical features.
Adding data
- Onto this base map, you add the layers of data that you want to look at.
- You might take this data from the internet where someone else has collected it for you.
- For example anyone can access the UK police data to look at crimes that have happened in their local area.
- Or, you can add your own data.
Google maps example
- The mapping software that you have on your phone is an example of GIS.
- If you go onto Google Maps, you can see the base layer of:
- Where the rivers are, where the roads are and where the buildings are.
Other features of google maps
- You can also see where traffic is particularly bad if you ask it for directions to a particular location.
- You can also look at additional data on this software, for example, searching where the nearest supermarket is.
Test yourself on How do Geographical Information Systems Work?
Which is NOT a feature that would be on the base map layer?
Which could be a feature of GIS maps and not paper maps?