How to Use a GIS to Map
A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software and data to capture, manage, analyze and display a wide range of geographically referenced date, according to GIS.com. Most GIS programs are user friendly and can be self-taught with a little bit of research, time and dedication. However, there are advanced functions within a GIS that will require advanced knowledge of the software and possibly outside training.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- GIS software installed on your computer
- Access to data (some is available for free)
- A tutorial guide (either online or in print) to learn more advanced features
Instructions
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Four basic steps to use a GIS
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1
Think about why you want--or need-to use a geographic information system. Do you want to make a basic map, or do you want to do analysis on a dataset and come up with some type of result? Formulate a research question that will help you identify the data you need to answer it.
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2
Open up your GIS software and add the data you'll be using. Most likely, you'll need some base layers, such as streets, towns, counties, states, etc. In addition, you'll want to add the data that you'll be researching--whether it be traffic flows, crime levels, sales volumes, or hospital locations.
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3
Decide which GIS tools you need to perform analysis on your data. There are a variety of them. You can create hot-spot maps using the density tool or graduate symbol maps, which use symbols, placed within a region, to denoted the value ascribed to it, according to Brian McManus of Penn State's Population Research Instutute. You can also change symbology, or the colors of layers in a map, do 3-D mapping, and other tasks. Scan through the menus and the extensions to find the tools that will best suite your analysis.
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4
Create a map to display your results in GIS. Switch to your layout or map view, turn on the appropriate data layers, and add your own map elements such as a title bar, scale, legend, and north arrow. Make your map look professional by using appropriate symbology, colors and text sizes. Export your map to a PDF or a JPG format and it is ready to go.
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References
- Photo Credit Map image by Stephen VanHorn from Fotolia.com
