Level 78
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Cartography, GIS, and Geospatial Technology

Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis

An introduction to GIS as a tool for storing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data across every field of geography, from the vector and raster data models that encode the world to the software, databases, and careers built on top of them.

60-Second Review

Express review

A condensed, point-by-point summary of the module, for reviewing right before a test or exam.

  1. Vector and Raster Data Models. GIS encodes the world as discrete vector features or continuous raster grids.
  2. Spatial Analysis and Overlay Techniques. Overlay, buffering, and spatial statistics let GIS turn layered data into decisions.
  3. GIS Software and Major Platforms. From Esri's ArcGIS to open-source QGIS, GIS software spans proprietary and free platforms.
  4. Spatial Databases and Geospatial Data Sources. Spatial databases and open data programs like Landsat and TIGER supply GIS with structured data.
  5. Network Analysis and Routing. Graph algorithms like Dijkstra's power GIS network analysis, routing, and transit planning.
  6. GIS in Urban Planning and Public Health. From John Snow's cholera map to COVID-19 dashboards, GIS underpins planning and public health.
  7. Crowdsourced and Open-Source Mapping. OpenStreetMap and volunteered geographic information opened mapmaking beyond official agencies.
  8. Careers and Applications of GIS. GIS skills span analyst, developer, and planning roles across government, industry, and defense.

This module continues after "Map Projections and Cartographic Methods" in the syllabus. If you haven't reviewed it yet, it may help set the context.

Key points

Visual module map

1Vector and Raster Data Models
2GIS Software and Major Platforms
3Network Analysis and Routing
4GIS in Urban Planning and Public Health
5Careers and Applications of GIS

Alternative visual view: a simplified sequence of some of the module's key points, in their order within the syllabus.

Your module mastery

0% (overall measurement)

Final test

You need to review all key points to unlock the final test.

Optional mini-games

Extra practice, with no penalty, to reinforce the module's content.

Review Flashcards

Review each key point with cards that flip to reveal the summary.

Memory

Match each concept with its definition in as few attempts as possible.

Time Attack

Answer true or false statements before time runs out.

Chronological Order

Put the module's key points back in their original order.

Further reading

Bibliography and cited sources used to create this module.

  • Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J., and Rhind, D.W. (2015). Geographic Information Science and Systems (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • Tomlin, C.D. (1990). Geographic Information Systems and Cartographic Modeling. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
  • McHarg, I.L. (1969). Design with Nature. Garden City, NY: Natural History Press.
  • Goodchild, M.F. (2007). "Citizens as Sensors: The World of Volunteered Geography." GeoJournal, 69(4), 211-221.
  • Johnson, S. (2006). The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic. New York: Riverhead Books.
  • Neteler, M. and Mitasova, H. (2008). Open Source GIS: A GRASS GIS Approach (3rd ed.). New York: Springer.