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

A blue globe that forms the dot of a blue question mark.

Information Services and the User Experience in the Geographic Information Community

Caitlin Dempsey

Members of the geographic information community can be considered heavy users of information services. Geographic information (GI) users are  “super-encounterers” ...

Information Needs and Information Seeking Behavior Within the Geographic Information Community

Caitlin Dempsey

As part of the Professional and Occupational information community category (Hansen 2014), members of the geographic information community can be ...

The Geographic Information Community

Caitlin Dempsey

At its broadest definition, the geographic information community (GIC) is a community of users who are connected by the common interest in visualizing and analyzing spatial (or geographic) information.

Dress Up Your QGIS Install With this Whimsical Plugin

Caitlin Dempsey

The QGIS hats plugin is a bit of fun that accomplishes no other purpose than to add a hat to the QGIS icon.

A book cover called ArcGIS Book with a map of Europe.

These Two ArcGIS Books are Free from Esri

Caitlin Dempsey

Esri offers two free ArcGIS books: '10 Big Ideas about Applying The Science of Where' & 'Instructional Guide for The ArcGIS Imagery Book'.

Screenshot showing where to tool for "flat map" is in Excel.

How to Make a Map in Excel Using the 3D Map Add-in

Geo Contributor

This tutorial by Nick Williams provides an overview of how to create a map in Excel using 3D Map for Excel 2016 (or Power Map for Excel 2013).

Teaching Math with GIS

Liam Oakwood

GIS has enormous potential to be used for teaching mathematics to students.

An Automated Design Model (ADM) for a wildlife corridor shown in ArcScene, a 3D viewer for GIS data.

The Role of GIS in Wildlife Research and Conservation

Mark Altaweel

Monitoring and studying wildlife habitats has long been a key focus within GIS.

Vendors like GISinc use GIST.

GIS and Advertising

Mark Altaweel

Advertisers are becoming more sophisticated with the use of GIS as a way to better target their audiences.

Map created with data before generalization (left) and after automatic generalization (right).

Automated Generalization Sped Up Cartographic Output by 40% for This German Mapping Agency

1Spatial

Working with 1Spatial, AdV’s ATKIS-Gen Project Group's cartographic output is 40% faster with automated generalization.  

Be Aware of the Proposed Geospatial Data Act (GDA) of 2017

Caitlin Dempsey

The Geospatial Data Act (GDA) of 2017 is being reintroduced in Congress. Passage of this bill would have a severe impact on the GIS industry.

Cover of the SAGA GIS manual showing a grayed out shaded relief.

Using Free and Open Source GIS to Support Natural Resource Management in the Developing World

Geo Contributor

Rohan Fisher describes his GIS work for decentralized, evidence-based resource management in developing nations.

Seven forest canopy traits mapped throughout the Peruvian Andes-to-Amazon region by using airborne imaging spectroscopy and modeling.

Mapping Rainforest Chemistry

Elizabeth Borneman

Researchers mapped 23 chemicals that are released by the rainforests in Peru with laser-guided imaging spectroscopy.

A screenshot of an interactive map viewer.

WMS Map Viewer

Geo Contributor

WMS Map Viewer, developed by Pantelis Rodis, is a http/JavaScript application for visualizing, combining and indexing web maps.

GIS and Flight Training

Mark Altaweel

The future of aviation technology looks to continue to utilize GIS in ways that allow better training and smarter aircraft.

The Use of Python in GIS

Mark Altaweel

Python today is by far the most widely used language by GIS users and programmers.

Laptop with QGIS, a desktop GIS software program

Streamline GIS Project Workflow with Online Recordkeeping

Olivia Harne

For efficient collaboration on a GIS project, document and catalog all work in an easily accessible location to overcome common challenges with diverse skill sets.

The new Firelight Detection Algorithm (FILDA) detects the start of a fire 11 hours earlier than the standard algorithm, Active Fire Application Related Product (AFARP). Maps: Joshua Stevens, using data from Polivka, T. N., et al. (2016).

A New Algorithm to Find Wildfires When It’s Cloudy

Elizabeth Borneman

New technology called the Firelight Detection Algorithm, or FILDA, can help detect wildfires at night even when the skies are cloudy.

Spatial distributions of (a) language richness, (b) mammal richness and (c) elevation across the New Guinea mainland. From Turvey & Pettorelli, 2014).

GIS and Spatial Autocorrelation

Mark Altaweel

Spatial autocorrelation statistics have become incorporated into commonly used packages such as ArcGIS as well as open source software such as GRASS and QGIS.

Sub-surface Mapping and Subterranean Data Representation

Olivia Harne

ArcGIS Online advances sub-surface mapping with 3D options, enhancing design, accessibility, and customization for urban planning and transportation.

Maps showing Socioeconomic risk, physical risk, and total risk areas for drug abuse. From: Mendoza et. al, 2013).

Detecting Spatial Patterns in Drug Abuse With GIS

Mark Altaweel

Drug abuse has been shown to have clear spatial patterns that GIS has helped to demonstrate.

Logging an incident via ArcGIS Online.

How Agencies Can Harness Geosharing to Improve Infrastructure

Olivia Harne

How can communities become more engaged with reporting issues with infrastructure? Olivia Harne discusses how an investment in geographical data sharing could be a potential solution.

Creating and Editing Features with MapInfo

Geo Contributor

This tutorial by Nick Williams, a MapInfo trainer at Acuity Training, provides an overview of how to create, edit, and convert features within MapInfo.

MDC's suite of mobile apps.

GIS RoadMap and Mobile Strategy for Engaging Missouri Constituents

Geo Contributor

Douglas Fees, the Information Technology Services Chief with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) discusses how his agency collaborated with Timmons Group to develop a GIS roadmap and mobile strategy that resulted in a suite of applications to better serve citizens, visitors and internal MDC staff.

GIS and Topic Modeling

Mark Altaweel

Topic modeling is a thriving field in humanities and social sciences, with GIS being use to identify trends in social media.

ZIP Code boundaries overlayed with the City of Flint's boundary. Map: Richard Casey Sadler.

How the ‘Quirky Geography’ of ZIP Codes Obscured Flint’s Lead Problem

Caitlin Dempsey

Richard Casey Sadler, an assistant professor at Michigan State University discusses how the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' reliance on using ZIP Code level data obscured the link between Flint residents and lead exposure.