Ever since my professional services firm came into being, I have often been asked this question-
What is GIS? What does it do?
As much as I am keen to share paragraphs of information or redirect the person to my website to see the numerous articles and demonstrations I've prepared on this topic, I only end up muttering: GIS stands for Geographic Information System or that GIS is a Mapping Platform to perform Location Analytics. I am used to the confused expressions that follow - after all, I get the same looks when I respond to What is Supply Chain Management? (My academic specialization is in this field and I do respond to this query as it is the operating ecosystem of an organization).
A short sentence as a response just doesn't seem to suffice! While some probe further, most respond Ok. Good luck with that and walk away😒.
Surely, there must be a short and sweet way to explain such a broad and multi-dimensional concept. Fortunately, I may have just found it -
Remember Harry Potter? GIS is like a real-life Marauder's Map!
Just like the The Marauder's Map unraveled the majestic Hogwarts castle and estate with granular detail, a GIS application is able to show the viewer a common operating picture of the organization at a given point in time. The operational visualization can be developed for a physical space such as a hospital, university, stadium or a port. And it just as well can be prepared for the geographic span of operations: be it country-wide or world-wide.
Unlike the secretive, single copy that The Marauder's Map was meant to be, GIS is meant to be used by multiple stakeholders of an organisation, be it internal (employees) or external (customers, distributors, regulators etc.).
Like Harry Potter used The Marauder's Map to plan his adventures better and overcome looming obstacles, Location Intelligence derived from GIS enables stakeholders to take better decisions for savings, growth, and competitive advantage. Having geospatial modelling capabilities, GIS is adept at Route Optimization and Imagery Analytics as well and one can use any of its several applications to generate powerful Insights from complex and large location datasets. For beginners, I feel this demonstration would be a good example to understand the potential of GIS.
If you wish to have a Marauder's Map made for your organization (which I recommend you MUST), send in your requirements. We work with the world's best marauders by the way.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers Mapping services that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India and will aid your organization to meet its stated objectives pertaining to Operational Excellence, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, the firm's area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities-
Our Mapping for Operations-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this brochure. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,