When I was National Land Realty’s GIS Director, people would ask me what I did for a living and I would answer with, “GIS Mapping.” Almost everyone gave me a look of confusion! GIS is all around us in daily life, but most people either don’t know what it is or are confused about what it does. So, with that in mind, here’s a quick overview of what GIS is and how it’s used in the land industry.

What is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It’s a software program that lets individuals visualize, query, analyze and interpret location-based data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. There are plenty of examples of this technology in our modern world, from the app that gets you directions to the website that helps you find the nearest pharmacy to pick up your prescription.

Where did GIS come from?

The history of GIS and mapping analysis can be traced back to the 1800s when researchers began to map out cases of cholera in England. While doing this, they realized that these cases tended to pop up around the same bodies of water, thereby leading to the discovery that cholera is water-transmissible. 

In this way, GIS essentially kick-started the field of epidemiology, the study of disease origins. Following this use, the field would continue to see advancements in the form of line-printed maps. These maps were more accurate than were previously possible and allowed data analysts to better determine the viability of farmlands based on soil compositions and other environmental factors.

Since then, GIS technology has been changing and evolving alongside modern civilization. With the advent of the internet and satellite mapping technologies, this technology has become more accurate and robust than ever before.  

The Five Components of GIS

These are the five main pieces that work together to form an effective GIS. All five are necessary to varying degrees, however, their implementation can change on a case-by-case basis. These five components are as follows:

People– Possibly the most important part of any GIS is the people that make it run. These people would include GIS analysts and other technical experts that ensure the maintenance and upkeep of Geographic Infomation Systems. Without these people, GIS would not be nearly as accurate or reliable.

Methods– These are the ways in which a business integrates a GIS into its business plan. Methods of implementation vary greatly between companies but essentially dictate the company’s efficacy in using Geographic Information Systems. 

Data– This component is one of the more important aspects, as, without data to generate reports, the system as a whole serves no purpose. This data is compiled in a variety of ways such as through individual collection, or by purchase from third-party data aggregates.  

Software– These are the programs that make the system run. They include things such as a Database Management System, or DBMS, which is basically a digital record-keeping system. This would be used in tandem with other programs that can generate reports, analytics, and maps. 

Hardware– This simply refers to the actual computers that the GIS uses to operate. Companies have varying degrees of hardware based on their necessity. Those that require a higher degree of security would likely also have their own secured server rooms to ensure the integrity of their digital environment. 

Modern Applications

A couple of everyday examples of how you might see and use GIS include searching for a restaurant on the Google Maps app on your smartphone, locating the nearest options, and then getting directions to it from your current location. Snapping a photo and sharing it on social media with the precise location of where you took the picture is another example of GIS at work. If you’ve ever watched the flight-tracker during a long flight, then you’ve certainly witnessed GIS in action.

Furthermore, this technology has applications in the planning of a variety of projects as well. For example, urban planners use GIS to analyze growth and directions of expansion in order to better plan future development sites. Since GIS can be used to view factors such as vacant land, low-value land, and land with little incline, this technology is very useful to urban planners. 

GIS would also be used in transportation planning to determine viable locations for new metro rail lines based on factors like the flattest route, and the least environmentally damaging location. It also applies to transportation since accident reporting generally uses this same technology to keep mapping software updated with current traffic information. Identifying accident zones can help city planners better understand how traffic moves, and allow them to better prepare for these kinds of accidents in the future. Essentially, GIS allows a variety of industries to benefit from its data-gathering capabilities.

These systems are used in many industries. But in the land industry, geographic technology serves as a tool to better help land buyers, landowners or investors find the perfect property that meets their specific goals.

Today’s land buyers have explicit requirements. They’re not just going to a real estate agent with questions and general ideas – they know exactly what they want.  So, the process starts with a conversation. Experienced NLR land professionals collect a buyer’s criteria which includes components such as the number of acres, location, soil productivity, and land use, among others.

For example, say you’re looking for a 20 to 40-acre recreational property within a one-hour drive from your home residence with a pond and some timber for hunting. Our internal GIS team at National Land Realty uses those requirements to identify properties that meet only those specifications.

Our team of data professionals, database analysts, and web developers can generate GIS platforms using client-driven criteria, statewide and national datasets, parcel data, and market trends. With this technology, our team can quickly and efficiently sift through multiple data layers to see clear opportunities for our clients.

Whether you need to drive business growth, enhance performance in existing markets or streamline/update operations, GIS can help you reach your goals. The potential applications of this technology are limitless. To learn more about GIS and how it can help you on your search for the perfect property, I encourage you to reach out to National Land Realty. The GIS team at NLR has the experience to match you with the perfect tract that fits your specific needs.