GIS Software

Lesson 5 of 8 · Software for Data Work 101 · Beginner

Geographic Information System (GIS) software is designed for working with spatial data — data that has a location component. If your work involves maps, addresses, coordinates, service areas, or any kind of location-based analysis, GIS software is the appropriate tool.

What Is Spatial Data?

Spatial data describes the location, shape, and relationships of features in the physical world. It comes in two main forms:

• Vector data — points, lines, and polygons representing discrete features (a building, a road, a municipal boundary)
• Raster data — a grid of cells, each with a value (satellite imagery, elevation models, population density maps)

Related learning: GIS 101 covers spatial data concepts in depth, including coordinate systems, projections, and common file formats.

What GIS Software Does

GIS software allows you to:

• Display and explore geographic data on a map
• Overlay multiple data layers to find patterns and relationships
• Perform spatial analysis — such as finding all addresses within a certain distance of a facility
• Geocode addresses — convert street addresses to coordinates
• Create maps for reports, presentations, and publications
• Export data in standard spatial formats

Desktop vs Web-Based GIS

GIS software comes in two main forms:

• Desktop GIS — installed on a computer, offering full analytical capabilities. Suitable for complex analysis and data preparation.
• Web-based GIS — accessed through a browser, often easier to share and collaborate on. May have fewer analytical features than desktop software.

When Do You Need GIS Software?

Consider GIS software when:

• Your data includes addresses, coordinates, or geographic boundaries
• You need to create maps for reports or public communication
• You need to perform location-based analysis (proximity, coverage, routing)
• You are working with open data that includes spatial components