What does GIS stand for? GIS stands for geographic information system, a set of software and data used to store, map and analyze information that is tied to a location on Earth. When a county shows property lines on an online map, or a city decides where to put a new fire station, there is usually a GIS behind it.
The letters can also mean geographic information science, the academic field that studies these tools and methods. In both senses, the core idea is the same: if you know where something is, you can learn more by layering it with other information about that place.
Quick facts
Stands for
Geographic information systemAlso
Geographic information science (the field of study)Type
InitialismHow to say it
G I S, letter by letterUsed in
City planning, utilities, emergency services, environment, real estateNot to be confused with
GPS (a positioning system)Related terms
GPS, lidar, CAD, SQL
What does GIS stand for in mapping?
| Letter | Word | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| G | Geographic | Everything is linked to a place, using coordinates or an address |
| I | Information | Facts about that place: owners, roads, soil, population, pipes |
| S | System | Software, hardware, data and people working together |
A paper map shows what is where. A GIS goes further, because each feature on the map carries a record of facts you can search, count and compare. Click a parcel and see its size and zoning; ask the system for every school within one mile of a highway and it draws the answer.
How a GIS works: layers and data
Most GIS work stacks maps in layers, like clear sheets laid on top of each other. One layer might hold streets, another flood zones, another schools. Turning layers on and off and overlapping them reveals patterns.
- Vector data uses points (fire hydrants), lines (roads, rivers) and polygons (parcels, lakes).
- Raster data uses a grid of cells, like a satellite image or an elevation map.
- Attribute tables store the facts for each feature, much like a spreadsheet. Many datasets arrive as a CSV file and are queried with SQL.
Data comes from surveys, aerial and satellite images, GPS readings, lidar scans and public records.
Where GIS shows up in daily life
- Property: county parcel viewers show lot lines, owners and assessed values.
- Emergency services: 911 centers match a caller's location to the nearest station and the best route.
- Utilities: water, gas and power companies map every pipe, valve and line.
- Public health: agencies map cases to spot clusters.
- Environment: scientists track wetlands, wildfire risk and wildlife habitat.
- Business: stores study where customers live before choosing a new site.
On a county website: "Search the GIS map by address to view your parcel, zoning and flood zone." This means an interactive map built on the county's geographic information system, where clicking your lot shows its records.
GIS vs GPS and other look-alikes
These two are often mixed up, but they do different jobs.
| Term | Stands for | Main job |
|---|---|---|
| GIS | Geographic information system | Store, analyze and map location data |
| GPS | Global Positioning System | Tell a receiver its location using satellites |
| CAD | Computer aided design | Draw precise designs of buildings, parts and sites |
| Remote sensing | (not an acronym) | Collect images and data from aircraft or satellites |
A simple way to remember it: GPS finds the point, GIS explains what is around it.
How to say and write GIS
Say each letter, "G I S." It is an initialism, so nobody pronounces it like "jiss." On maps and job listings it appears as three capitals with no dots. Since G opens with a "jee" sound, the article is a: "a GIS." People also use it as a modifier: "GIS analyst," "GIS data," "GIS map."
- "The city hired a GIS analyst to update the street map."
- "I downloaded the trail data from the state GIS portal."
- "She is studying GIS as part of her geography degree."
- "Our GIS layer shows every storm drain in the district."
Careers and learning GIS
Jobs with GIS in the title include technician, analyst, specialist and developer. The work is found in local governments, engineering firms, utilities, forestry, the military and research groups. Many colleges offer courses or certificates, and free software and open data let beginners practice at home.
For more computing and data terms, see the tech acronyms section.
Questions people ask
What does GIS stand for in geography?
It stands for geographic information system, or in academic settings geographic information science. Both refer to mapping and analyzing data tied to places.
What is the difference between GIS and GPS?
GPS uses satellites to tell a device where it is. GIS stores, analyzes and maps information about places, and it often uses GPS readings as one source of data.
What does a GIS analyst do?
A GIS analyst collects and cleans location data, builds map layers and runs analyses, such as finding areas at risk of flooding. They also make maps and reports for planners and decision makers.
Is a county GIS map accurate for property lines?
It is a helpful guide, but parcel lines on a county map are usually approximate. A licensed land survey is the record used to settle exact boundaries.
Is GIS an acronym?
Strictly, GIS is an initialism, since speakers voice G, I and S one by one. Plenty of surveyors and planners say acronym anyway, and no map maker will mind.