Top 10 Benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

1. IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

Through the creation of rich maps and hi-tech communication systems, GIS has greatly assisted in improving communication. It has improved communication between different departments, teams, disciplines, professional fields, organizations, and the public.

2. IMPROVED DECISION MAKING

GIS has led to a better decision making. It has enhanced our ability to make better decisions about the location of places. Examples include real estate site selection, zoning, planning, conservation, route selection and natural resource extraction. People are starting to realize the significance of GIS in making correct decision about the location of an intended project.

3. EFFICIENCY

GIS has promoted cost savings mechanism and measures resulting in greater efficiency. These are associated either with carrying out the mission like labor savings from automating or improving a workflow. By implementing GIS in logistics operations, there will be dramatic improvements in efficiency. By implementing GIS, customer service efficiency can also be increased by reducing the number of return visits to the same site and scheduled appointments more efficiently.

4. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Handling, compiling and distribution of information have been made easy thanks to GIS. Government and many other large corporations use GIS information products to communicate and share data. These products provide a framework for creating a blueprint for action, understanding it and prescribing the action. GIS is fast becoming an enterprise for information systems. Geography is emerging as a new way to organize and manage information. GIS is transforming the way organizations manage their assets, serve their clients, make decisions and communicate. Notable examples are giant oil companies. Their assets and resources are now being managed as an enterprise information system to support day-to-day work management tasks and provide a broader context for assets and resource management.

5. IMPROVED SERVICES

It has led to the improvement of services. GIS technology has transformed several services that got dented by virtue of failed human logistics. For instance, home delivery of packages has greatly been improved thanks to GIS. Health care services have also received a huge boost. Also, Ambulance drivers can easily determine the quickest and easiest route to the hospital thanks to GIS mapping systems. GIS has led to the development of top-notch navigation system in cars making life easy for cab drivers and delivering quality service.

6. MARKETING

It has promoted marketing. Integrating the power of geography into marketing planning helps the organization responds to both customers and market needs. Trough Geo-Marketing, GIS allows organization segment and profile existing customers to improve acquisition and retention and find new opportunities providing a competitive edge to succeed in today’s volatile economy.

7. EDUCATION

GIS has taken education to the next level. It equips the education community with tools to develop a greater understanding of our world through geospatial data analysis. With GIS, students and teachers can integrate and evaluate data from diverse means to develop new theories and knowledge. This grooms the students to cope with the demands of the 21st-century workforce, whether involved in science, government or business. Educative institutions like libraries, museums and universities are now using GIS for resource management, facilities management, and advanced research.

8. MAPPING

GIS has made mapping and charting easier. GIS is a vital tool for topographic, aeronautical and nautical mapping and charting agencies. GIS has the ability to manage and produce the specific data and map products required by these agencies. GIS allows them the opportunity to implement an effective workflow for data gathering management, production, and delivery.

9. IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS DURING A CRISIS

The biggest benefit of GIS has been improved communication. By improving communication, handling and containing crisis situation has been given a huge boost. Rescue operations no longer have the problem of communication. Mapping technology of GIS has also aided the process. Search and Rescue team now have the advantage of a smooth communication with the base of operation.

10. MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

It has always been a herculean task for the agency responsible for accounting for the mineral resources of a country to do so. This is because of lack of adequate information about their location and how to manage them. However, with the introduction of GIS with remote sensing, the whole has become easy. GIS helps pinpoint the exact location of the mineral resource and quantity. This information allows for proper planning and management.

Geographic information system is a powerful tool that has been successfully implemented to help address a number of significant issues. As more and more professionals begin to adopt and integrate the program the number of benefits is likely to continue to rise including the connectivity between government, transport system, health sectors and managerial posts professionals with communities they serve which are perhaps the most important connection to be made.

Source:  http://monde-geospatial.com/top-10-benefits-of-geographic-information-systems/