A common definition of a geographic information system: “a type of database containing geographic data (that is, descriptions of phenomena for which location is relevant), combined with software tools for managing, analyzing, and visualizing those data.” (If you copy and paste this quotation into a Google Search and you’ll see multiple examples of the use of this particular wording. If memory serves, quote originated in a ESRI information sheet on “what is GIS,” which is no longer available.)

A great feature of this definition is that it highlights the notion that ultimately GIS is a database technology and, in doing so, we move away from the simple notion that geographic information systems are just about making maps. Yes, maps are cool and, for many, especially in our contemporary world where we’re constantly inundated with geographic data and immersed in geographic visualizations, they can be a comfortable way to view all sorts of information (though we do lose something when we so normalize one, cartesian way of conceptualizing space and time. We’ll come back to this in the Ethics of GIS section). But, as John Corrigan notes, “GIS has always been a tool for analysis, in the same way that Dr. John Snow’s map of the cholera epidemic in London in 1854 was a means to an end, namely, saving lives.”

Highlighting the analytic component of GIS is what makes GIS technologies most relevant as a digital research tool for humanities work.

In many ways, even referring to GIS as a database technology is limiting. Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), the maker of the ArcGIS suite of products and one of the foundational GIS companies, defines GIS as

“a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations—helping users make smarter decisions.” (ESRI Canada)

Looking at this definition, we can say that, broadly speaking, GIS is involved in four major, interrelated things:

• Data management
• Mapping and visualization
• Spatial analysis
• Communication

References

• Corrigan, J.  (2010). “Qualitative GIS and Emergent Semantics.” In Bodenhamer, D. J., Corrigan, J., & Harris, T. M. (Eds.). The spatial humanities: GIS and the future of humanities scholarship (pp. 76-88). Indiana University Press.
• Esri Canada. (n.d.). What is GIS?. https://www.esri.ca/en-ca/landing-pages/what-is-gis.