A geographic information system (GIS) is used to read and analyse map data, with a broad range of benefits. Geographic information (GI) data is all about location. It includes features such as buildings, roads, railways, population density, height and flooding data.
GI can also be used to tell you about the people in a particular location, like age profiles, crime levels or movement patterns. A GIS will help you get the most value from OS Data, and range of sectors benefiting from GIS insights to improve efficiency.
Insurers use GIS to visualise and predict flood patterns so they can set the right premiums; retailers use GIS to site the most suitable new store location (perhaps based on population size) and emergency services use it to position their vehicles in the best locations at any given time of day.
Key information
What is GIS?
With GIS, you can read map data, and make decisions and predictions relating to a location.
Using GIS
Get to grips with working with GIS to get value out of OS data.
GIS in action
Businesses, individuals and the public sector use GIS to view map data and make decisions that improve efficiency and save time, effort and cost.
GIS software
Depending on the project you will need different things from your GIS solution. These software providers can help get you started.
Raster and vector data
These two types of data are beneficial in different ways.