Idox Spotlight on…
Geographic Information Systems: The catalyst for informed decision-making
Carol Bateman, GIS Training Manager at Idox, highlights the transformative power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial data literacy in enhancing organisational outcomes.
Fuelling data-driven decision-making
Since its inception in the 1960s, GIS has revolutionised how we navigate and influence our natural and built environments.
Today, GIS is indispensable across industries, offering robust tools for data management and spatial analysis. In our data-driven world, GIS provides precise, comprehensive data to support informed decision-making, crucial for local governments striving to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
The technical versatility and effectiveness of GIS and the types of data it manages, make it a go-to system for those seeking success through innovation in an interconnected, and efficient world.
The power of visualisation
GIS blends spatial and non-spatial data, creating a holistic view of “what, why, when, how, where, and who” in any location. Powerful, visual representations reveal patterns, trends, and insights more effectively than traditional data formats.
Local governments extensively leverage GIS for public service delivery, where GIS and geospatial data play a transformative role. GIS is integral to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of local governance. Applications include managing public assets, driving planning and development strategies, optimising transport logistics, addressing social inequality, identifying anti-social behaviour hotspots, and assessing environmental conservation efforts.
GIS is also used for global challenges such as predictive modelling for monitoring environmental change, flood risk assessment, and real-time monitoring of the natural and built environment.
GIS blends spatial and non-spatial data, creating a holistic view of “what, why, when, how, where, and who” in any location.
Quality matters
The true effectiveness of GIS hinges on data quality and user expertise. With data now the lifeblood of modern businesses, high-quality data transforms raw inputs into actionable insights. Poor-quality data can lead to significant problems such as inadequate conservation efforts, improper planning decisions, and non-compliance with regulations.
Our top 5 geospatial data quality considerations include:
- Accuracy and precision: utilise data at appropriate scales
- Consistency: maintain logical and temporal consistency
- Completeness: address data gaps for a comprehensive view
- Timeliness: ensure data currency and understand a dataset’s update frequency
- Reliability: source data from credible origins
By strengthening geospatial data literacy, data insights derived from GIS analyses become more reliable, trustworthy, and actionable. As a result, more informed decisions can be made, and better outcomes can be achieved.
An ever-evolving technology and data landscape
To harness the full potential of GIS, we must understand it properly. This is an ongoing process since the technology, volume, and variety of data are constantly evolving.
Emerging technologies like cloud-based GIS, mobile GIS, AI, AR, and automation offer new opportunities for solving real-world problems in new, more innovative ways.
Innovations in data such as the IoT, real-time data, big data analytics, 3D/4D modelling, and digital twins further expand our understanding of the natural and built world, providing more detailed insights than before.
Understanding such advancements ensures teams leverage appropriate new tools and techniques to improve information management, innovate workflows, and better meet citizen outcomes.
Empowering the future
Whether you’re a GIS technician, urban planner, public health analyst, asset manager, or transport coordinator, there are always new opportunities to learn more about GIS and geospatial data.
In our data-centric age, GIS skills are highly sought after. Harnessing location-based insights enhances operational efficiency for driving better outcomes for organisations and stakeholders.
Investing in training leads to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and staff retention. As the world and its data grow more complex, advanced GIS skills and a deep understanding of geospatial data will become even more critical.
Find out more
Idox provides professional training services in ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, MapInfo, and QGIS. Developed by our expert team of GIS and data management specialists, our instructor-led courses cater to all skill levels.
