Geographic Information System (GIS) data is rapidly emerging as an essential resource for businesses in various industries. From retail and logistics to real estate and urban planning, companies are utilizing GIS data to gain a better understanding of spatial relationships, customer behaviors, and market trends. By combining geographical data with business intelligence, organizations can unlock powerful insights that boost efficiency, foster innovation, and support growth. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of GIS data, the different types available, its real-world applications, and emerging trends set to transform business operations.
What is GIS Data?
GIS data refers to information that is linked to specific geographic locations. It typically includes multiple types of data layers such as demographic trends, foot traffic patterns, and environmental factors, all connected by their spatial properties. GIS data allows businesses to visualize and analyze information geographically, uncovering patterns and relationships that traditional data analysis might miss.
The Three Types of GIS Data
GIS data is typically categorized into three main types: spatial data, attribute data, and metadata. Each type serves a distinct purpose and together, they provide a comprehensive view of geographic information, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater precision.
1. Spatial Data
Spatial data, often referred to as geographic data, is the core of GIS systems. It represents the physical locations and shapes of objects on the Earth's surface. Spatial data is typically expressed in the form of coordinates (latitude and longitude) and comes in two primary formats:
- Vector Data: This format uses points, lines, and polygons to represent features such as cities, roads, and boundaries. Vector data is ideal for precise mapping and detailed geographic analysis.
- Raster Data: Raster data is a grid-based format where geographic features are represented as pixels. This type of data is often used for analyzing continuous data like satellite imagery, elevation, or weather patterns.
Both vector and raster data are essential for mapping and visualizing the spatial relationships between different geographic features.
2. Attribute Data
Attribute data provides descriptive information about spatial data. It is essentially the "what" that accompanies the "where." For example, if spatial data indicates the location of a store, the attribute data could provide details about the store, such as its size, type, sales figures, and opening hours.
Attribute data is stored in tables and can be used to filter or query specific information related to the spatial objects. This allows businesses to perform complex analyses and identify trends based on both location and specific characteristics of geographic features.
3. Metadata
Metadata refers to data that describes other types of GIS data. It provides information about the source, accuracy, and format of the spatial and attribute data being used. Metadata is crucial for ensuring data quality and reliability in GIS systems.
For instance, metadata might include the date when the data was collected, the method used to collect it, and any limitations or inaccuracies present in the data. Having accurate metadata ensures that GIS data can be trusted and properly interpreted, leading to more accurate business decisions.
How These Types of GIS Data Work Together
When combined, these three types of GIS data allow businesses to perform in-depth spatial analysis. Spatial data shows the location, attribute data explains the characteristics of those locations, and metadata ensures the data is reliable. Together, they form a robust system that enables organizations to visualize, analyze, and act on geographic insights.
Benefits of GIS Data for Businesses
Improved Decision-Making: GIS data enables businesses to make data-driven decisions by providing spatial context. This includes where customers are located, how they move through cities, and which areas present new market opportunities. GIS data offers deeper insight into customer behavior and market dynamics, resulting in more informed decision-making.
Optimized Resource Allocation: By understanding geographic trends, companies can optimize the distribution of resources. For instance, retail chains can select store locations based on customer density and foot traffic data. Logistics companies can streamline delivery routes by analyzing traffic patterns, helping reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Enhanced Market Analysis: GIS data can be used to analyze market trends at both macro and micro levels. Businesses can overlay various data points such as demographics, income levels, and purchasing behavior to identify untapped markets and potential growth areas.
Sustainable Development: In industries like urban planning and real estate, GIS data plays a pivotal role in sustainable development. It helps assess land use, environmental impact, and zoning laws to guide better planning decisions that are both environmentally and economically sound.
How Businesses are Using GIS Data
Retail: Retail businesses use GIS data to understand customer behavior, choose optimal store locations, and manage supply chains more effectively. For example, mapping customer demographics and foot traffic helps retailers target specific audiences and maximize sales.
Real Estate: GIS data is essential for real estate developers looking to analyze property values and infrastructure. It can highlight growth areas, forecast future developments, and help make investment decisions based on geographic insights.
Utilities and Infrastructure: Utility companies use GIS data to manage assets, monitor networks, and plan maintenance. Infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and pipelines, also benefits from GIS data in planning and construction stages.
Logistics: Companies in the logistics and transportation sectors rely on GIS data to plan delivery routes, optimize fleet management, and improve overall efficiency. Mapping road networks, traffic flows, and delivery points ensures faster, cost-effective distribution.
A Real-World Example of GIS
GIS data is already transforming industries by providing detailed spatial insights that lead to better decision-making and operational efficiency. Let’s look at a real-world example of how GIS is used in retail to optimize store locations and improve customer engagement.
Retail Industry: Optimizing Store Locations
One of the most successful applications of GIS data is in the retail sector, where businesses use it to make smarter decisions about where to open new stores or close underperforming ones.
For instance, a global coffee chain leverages GIS data to strategically plan its store locations. By analyzing a combination of demographic data, customer density, and foot traffic, the coffee chain can pinpoint the most lucrative locations for new stores.
How It Works:
- Customer Data: The coffee chain analyzes the geographic distribution of its existing customer base, identifying areas where there is high demand for coffee but fewer stores. This can be based on a range of data, including mobile location data and demographic data.
- Competitor Analysis: GIS data helps assess the proximity and density of competitor coffee shops. This allows the coffee chain to determine whether there’s sufficient market share to justify opening a new location in a given area.
- Foot Traffic: Using foot traffic data from Unacast, the coffee chain can evaluate how many people pass through an area during different times of the day. This helps them choose high-traffic areas, such as shopping malls, office complexes, or transportation hubs, where there is greater potential for sales.
- Site Suitability: GIS also helps identify whether a potential location meets specific criteria, such as parking availability, proximity to public transportation, and accessibility to key customer segments. This data-driven approach ensures that the chosen sites have the highest chance of success.
Results:
By using GIS data for store planning, the coffee chain can optimize its real estate investments, ensuring higher foot traffic and increased sales. This approach has contributed to the company's ability to strategically expand, especially in crowded urban areas where competition is high and real estate is limited.
Other Real-World Applications of GIS:
- Advertising: Adtech companies utilize Unacast location data in their platforms to build audiences based on real world activity, and to perform ad targeting to the right person at the right place at the right time.
- Logistics: Shipping companies use GIS data to optimize delivery routes, improve logistics planning, and reduce fuel consumption.
- Healthcare: Public health agencies use GIS data to map disease outbreaks and allocate medical resources effectively during crises.
- Urban Planning: City governments rely on GIS for zoning, infrastructure planning, and managing public utilities.
Where to Get GIS Data From?
1. Commercial Providers
For businesses requiring highly accurate and specialized GIS data, commercial providers offer advanced solutions. These companies often provide premium data products tailored to specific industries, from real estate and retail to logistics and infrastructure development. Examples of commercial GIS data providers include:
- Unacast: A pioneer in human mobility data, Unacast offers GIS data that monitors real-world human activity. This type of data is particularly valuable for businesses looking to understand foot traffic, customer behavior, demographics and geographic trends.
- Here Technologies: This provider specializes in mapping and location data, offering GIS data related to transportation networks, real-time traffic conditions, and geographic boundaries.
- Mapbox: Mapbox is a customizable mapping platform that provides real-time GIS data and mapping solutions for a wide range of industries, particularly in mobile and web applications.
2. Government and Public Agencies
Many government organizations provide free or low-cost access to GIS data. These agencies often collect vast amounts of data related to land use, environmental conditions, demographics, and infrastructure. Key public sources include:
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): The USGS provides a wealth of GIS data related to geology, hydrology, topography, and environmental conditions in the United States. The National Map is one of their popular services for downloading spatial data.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): NASA offers GIS data through its Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). This data includes satellite imagery, climate trends, and environmental changes on a global scale.
- Census Bureau: The U.S. Census Bureau offers demographic data that can be integrated into GIS applications to analyze population trends, income levels, and more.
3. Open-Source GIS Data Platforms
There are also numerous open-source platforms that offer GIS data, typically for free. These platforms are ideal for organizations and individuals who need accessible data for research, education, or smaller-scale projects. Popular open-source GIS data sources include:
- OpenStreetMap (OSM): OSM is a collaborative project that provides free, open-source map data contributed by users worldwide. This data can be used for a variety of applications, including urban planning, navigation, and geographic analysis.
- Natural Earth: This platform offers public domain vector and raster GIS data, including political boundaries, population density, and geographic features. It's often used for cartographic purposes and is widely appreciated for its simplicity and ease of use.
- Landsat Program: Managed by USGS and NASA, the Landsat program provides satellite imagery that can be used for various environmental and land use analyses.
Future Trends in GIS Data
The future of GIS data is exciting, with advancements in technology set to unlock even more potential. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with GIS systems will allow businesses to analyze and predict geographic trends with greater accuracy. Unacast has already incorporated machine learning and AI into its location data products, providing companies with unparalleled forecasting and analysis capabilities. Unacast makes it easy to work with complex location data by gathering data from 15+ suppliers and using its rigorous methodology to ensure the most clean, privacy-focused, and easy-to-use datasets in the industry.
As industries increasingly turn to location intelligence to optimize operations, GIS data will become more vital to business success. By embracing GIS technology, companies can gain a competitive advantage, improve decision-making, and foster sustainable growth. Investing in GIS data and technology today ensures a competitive edge in the business landscape of tomorrow.
Maximizing GIS Data with Unacast
GIS data is a powerful tool that allows businesses to gain valuable insights into spatial relationships, customer behavior, and market opportunities. Whether it's optimizing store locations, improving logistics, or planning for sustainable development, GIS data provides the foundation for more informed and strategic decision-making.
As the demand for real-time, actionable location data continues to grow, organizations that leverage GIS effectively will gain a competitive edge. Unacast is at the forefront of this revolution, providing businesses with human mobility data and location intelligence that enhances the capabilities of GIS systems. By combining GIS data with Unacast's precise, real-world insights, businesses can:
- Visualize customer movement and foot traffic trends
- Make data-driven decisions about store placement and market expansion
- Optimize supply chains and improve operational efficiency
- Analyze geographic patterns to predict future market behavior
- Advertise to the right people at the right place and time
With Unacast’s cutting-edge data solutions, businesses can take their use of GIS data to the next level, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. Book a meeting with us today to learn how we can help you harness the power of GIS data to drive success.
Frequently Asked Questions about GIS Data
What is an example of GIS data?
An example of GIS data is GPS data, recording latitude, longitude, and sometimes altitude for navigation and geolocation-based services. GIS data goes beyond mapping, serving purposes like risk management and public safety.
How is GIS used to collect data?
GIS data is collected through satellite imaging, field surveys, various online sources, remote sensing, and public/private databases.
What are the two main types of GIS data?
GIS data is categorized into Vector Data (representing geographical features as points, lines, and polygons) and Raster Data (suitable for continuous features without clear boundaries).
What is GIS data analysis?
GIS data analysis transforms raw geographic data into actionable insights through steps like data collection, cleaning, integration, spatial analysis, visualization, and interpretation for intelligent decision-making.
