What is Geographic Information System (GIS)?

Geography is basic information about the earth’s surface. GIS is a technology that manages, analyzes and distributes geographic knowledge. It is a computer system that provides tools for storing, editing, mapping, displaying and querying data that exist on the surface of the earth. GIS technology integrates statistical analysis with unique visualization that allows you to view your data in a different way compared to the traditional way with spreadsheets and table lists. These qualities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable for explaining trends, predicting outcomes and developing future scenarios. GIS facilitates tasks on obtaining a variety of information such as folio number, census tract, Zip Code, zoning or land use classifications.

GIS is not a “map-making” software. When appropriate data is entered into the GIS, the product is an intelligent map that is able to answer questions such as:

• List all the properties listed within ½ mile of a given address?
• Show all the locations where most burglaries are occurring?
• Where is the closest park with a pool?
• Show the Hurricane Evacuation Route from my residence?

ACCESS TO CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS GIS MAPS