GIS and Geospatial Technologies

Articles focusing on the application of geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial technologies, remote sensing, LiDAR, and Global Positioning System (GPS). These technologies serve as critical tools for understanding and interacting with our physical environment. GIS allows for the mapping and analysis of spatial data Geospatial technologies refer to the various tools used to measure and analyze Earth’s lands and resources. Remote sensing provides a way to collect data from a distance, often via satellites or high-flying aircraft, and is commonly used for environmental monitoring and military applications.

GIS subcategories :

GIS Career | GIS Data | GIS Industry | GIS Learning | GIS Software | GPS | Remote Sensing | Spatial Analysis

PurpleAir provides crowdsourced air quality measurements.

A Review of the State of Crowdsourced Geospatial Data

Caitlin Dempsey

A review in the Journal of Remote Sensing provides an updated look at the benefits and concerns when it comes to collaborative geospatial data collection.

A completed polygon that has been digitized with artificial intelligence from a map.

Using AI to Digitize Data From Scanned Maps

Caitlin Dempsey

This AI-powered plugin is designed to automate the digitization of data from scanned maps and PDFs in QGIS for GIS users.

A view of the QGIS map canvas with a scanned map overlaying OpenStreetMap street data.

Learn How to Georeference a Map in QGIS Using GIS Data

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn how to georeference a map using GIS data in QGIS with this step-by-step tutorial.

Photo of the coastline of Acadia National Park.

The Coastline Paradox: Why Measuring Coastlines isn’t that Simple

Caitlin Dempsey

The coastline paradox is the concept that the measured length of a coastline will change depending on the scale of the GIS data used for the measurement.

Map showing a gradient from bright yellow to deep red to show increase or decrease.

Change Detection Using Kernel Density Analysis in ArcGIS Pro

Jeff Oppong

This GIS tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for how to use two point datasets to detect changes in ArcGIS Pro using kernel density.

An AI generated drawing showing four kids at a long table looking at maps on a screen.

Teaching GIS to Kids to Help Them Learn Spatial Skills

Caitlin Dempsey

Tips and resources to help you get started with teaching your children about GIS and mapping.

A screenshot showing a georeferenced map on top of a satellite image of the Nile River area.

Georeferencing Scanned Maps in QGIS Using Graticules

Jeff Oppong

This GIS tutorial teaches you how to assign geographic coordinates to a scanned map in QGIS using a process known as georeferencing.

Introduction to GIS

Caitlin Dempsey

GIS is a technological field that incorporates geographical features with tabular data in order to map, analyze, and assess real-world problems.

A screenshot showing green gradient elevation points on top of a raster layer with a yellow to dark red elevation gradient.

Using interpolation to create a surface layer with contours in QGIS

Jeff Oppong

This GIS tutorial shows you how to find elevation data points and create a surface layer and contours using QGIS.

GIS User Groups in the United States

Caitlin Dempsey

GIS user groups are a great way to network with other GIS professionals on a local level. GIS user groups commonly are organized at the regional level.

A gray map of Oklahoma with the point locations of cities buffered in different sized purple circles depending on the elevation.

Buffers in GIS

Caitlin Dempsey

A buffer in GIS is a reclassification based on distance.

Screenshot showing a project in QGIS with a grayscale digital elevation model and an elevation profile.

Creating Elevation Cross-Section Profiles with QGIS

Jeff Oppong

Learn to create elevation cross-sections in QGIS with the Profile Tool plugin and SRTM elevation data.

Screenshot of a map in QGIS showing 5, 10, and 15 minute drive times and a matrix in a spreadsheet showing shortest versus fastest distances between three points.

Using QGIS to Create Isochrone Maps and Identify Shortest, Fastest Routes

Jeff Oppong

Learn how to use QGIS, OpenStreetMap, and the ORS plugin to find shortest and fastest routes and to create 10 and 15-minute isochrone maps.

Screenshot from Business Analyst showing a color coded map for beer consumption among seniors in Boone County, Iowa.

Getting Started with the ArcGIS Business Analyst Web App

Jeff Oppong

This GIS tutorial provides a brief introduction to using the ArcGIS Business Analyst Web App.

QGIS is a very popular popular open source GIS software.

GIS Tutorials

Caitlin Dempsey

Online GIS tutorials from Geography Realm for mapping and data analysis.

A view of the lower forest canopy and floor in a redwood forest.

GEDI: A Tool for Forest Carbon Maps

Mark Altaweel

The GEDI satellite system is being used to map forest carbon content and assess forest biodiversity and health.

A screenshot of a QGIS map project with building footprints in medium orange over a clipped aerial image.

Automatic Digitizing of Imagery Using QGIS

Jeff Oppong

This QGIS tutorial takes you step-by-step through the process of automatically digitizing building footprints using the Mapflow plugin and OpenStreetMap aerials.

Screenshot from QGIS showing the interface for adding a CSV file with a red circle around the dropdown menus for designated the X and Y fields.

X is Longitude, Y is Latitude

Caitlin Dempsey

Here are some simple strategies for remembering that X is longitude and Y is latitude in GIS.

Screenshot of a land cover classification map in ArcGIS Pro.

Using Deep Learning to Map Land Cover in ArcGIS Pro

Jeff Oppong

This GIS tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to use deep learning models and Landsat 8 satellite imagery in ArcGIS to classify land cover.

Screenshot showing yellow building footprints on top of a satellite imagery.

Extracting Building Footprints and Trees from Imagery Using ArcGIS Pro

Jeff Oppong

This tutorial teaches you how to extract trees and building footprints from satellite imagery using ArcGIS Pro.

What is PostGIS?

Mark Altaweel

PostGIS is an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)-compliant software that serves as an extension for PostgreSQL, an object-relational database.

Fire and embers glow orange on the floor of a conifer forest at twilight.

Mapping Wildfire Movement

Caitlin Dempsey

The Fire Events Data Suite is being used to map near real-time wildfire behavior including fire perimeters, active front, and total burned areas.

A globe from the early 20th century with a black wire base with a side picture showing an analemma printed on it.

Analemma: The Sun’s Pattern in the Sky

Caitlin Dempsey

Analemmas are diagrams and photographs that show the changing position of the Sun and the Earth's moon over the course of a year.

Screenshot showing a raster layer interpolated from the magnitude value of an earthquake data set with fault lines.

Mapping Earthquakes with ArcGIS Pro

Jeff Oppong

This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to use USGS data and ArcGIS Pro to map earthquakes and geological faults.

A screenshot from ArcGIS pro showing bathymetry data with a rainbow gradient with contour lines.

Create a Bathymetric Map Using ArcGIS Pro

Jeff Oppong

This step-by-step GIS tutorial shows you how to create a bathymetry map using ocean data from GEBCO.

An oblique image of 3D buildings in purple on top of a green base layer.

Mapping Buildings in 2.5D Using ArcGIS Pro

Jeff Oppong

Learn how to find and use building footprint data from OpenStreetMap to create a 2.5D map in ArcGIS Pro.