Ever since Intelloc Mapping Services (Mapmyops) came into being, I have been frequently asked this question: 'What is GIS? What does it do?'
As much as I am keen to share paragraphs of information over email or redirect them to my website to see the numerous articles and demonstrations I've prepared on this topic, in reality I only end up muttering: 'GIS stands for Geographic Information System' or 'GIS is a Mapping Platform to perform Location Analytics'. I've seen those confused looks that follow thereafter. Those are the exact expressions I get when I respond to the question: 'What is Supply Chain Management?'. I've done my academic specialization in this field and often respond to this query as 'it is the operating ecosystem of an organization'.
A phrase as a response just doesn't seem to suffice! While some enquire further, others utter 'Ok. Good luck with that' and walk away 😒.
Surely, there must be a short and sweet way to explain such a 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 detailed operating picture can be made for a large space such as a hospital, university, stadium or a port. It can also be made for the entire span of business operations: Country-wide for a National organization and World-wide for a Multinational one.
Unlike the secretive, single copy that The Marauder's Map was meant to be, GIS is meant to be used by multiple if not all the stakeholders of an organisation or an industry, 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, the Location Intelligence derived from the common operating picture that GIS helps build enables stakeholders to take better decisions for savings, growth and competitive advantage. I must emphasize that GIS can do much more - technical stuff such as Route Optimization and Imagery Exploitation and even generate powerful Insights.
This is a good way to understand for beginners
If you are wondering how a Marauder's Map can be made for your organization (which I recommend you absolutely MUST), send in your requirements after reviewing the note below. Oh, let me add that we collaborate with the world's best Marauders, by the way.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions 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, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our 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 flyer. 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,
(Thank you J.K. Rowling, for it is due to your best-selling book series that I have found a creative way to explain this complex topic to a wide audience!)