GIS and Image Skills » GIS Benefits and Limitations

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

Define Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their core components
Explore the key benefits of using GIS in geographical analysis
Understand the limitations and challenges of GIS technology
Examine real-world applications of GIS in different contexts
Evaluate when GIS is appropriate for geographical investigation

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have revolutionised how we collect, analyse and present geographical data. Think of GIS as a super-powered digital map system that can store, manage and display all sorts of information about places and spaces. It's like having layers of information that you can switch on and off to see different patterns and relationships.

Key Definitions:

GIS: A computer system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage and present spatial or geographical data.
Spatial data: Information that identifies the geographic location of features and boundaries on Earth.
Attribute data: Descriptive information about features represented in a GIS.
Layer: A collection of similar geographic features in a GIS (like roads, buildings, or rivers).

💻 Components of GIS

A complete GIS system consists of five key parts:

Hardware: Computers, GPS devices and other physical equipment
Software: Programs that allow you to view, edit and analyse spatial data
Data: The geographical information being analysed
People: The users who operate the system and interpret results
Methods: The workflows and procedures for using GIS effectively

🔬 How GIS Works

GIS works by layering different types of information on top of each other:

Data is collected from various sources (satellites, surveys, etc.)
Information is organised into separate layers (e.g., roads, buildings, vegetation)
Users can combine layers to see relationships and patterns
Analysis tools help identify trends and make predictions
Results can be displayed as maps, charts, or reports

Benefits of Geographic Information Systems

GIS offers numerous advantages for geographical analysis and decision-making. Here are the key benefits that make it such a powerful tool:

📊 Data Integration

GIS can combine data from many different sources into one view. For example, you could overlay population density, rainfall patterns and soil types to see how they relate to each other.

🔍 Spatial Analysis

GIS allows you to spot patterns and relationships that might not be obvious from tables or charts. You can identify hotspots, measure distances and calculate areas with precision.

💡 Visualisation

Complex data becomes easier to understand when presented visually on maps. This helps communicate findings to others, even if they're not geography experts.

📅 Time Efficiency

Tasks that would take days or weeks to do by hand can be completed in minutes or hours with GIS. Updating information is also much quicker than with paper maps.

📝 Better Decision Making

With more accurate and comprehensive information, planners and policymakers can make more informed choices about resource allocation, development and conservation.

📺 Scenario Testing

GIS allows you to model "what if" scenarios, such as predicting how a flood might affect different areas or how a new road might change traffic patterns.

Real-World Applications of GIS

GIS is used across many fields and industries to solve real-world problems:

Environmental management: Tracking deforestation, monitoring wildlife habitats and planning conservation efforts
Urban planning: Designing new developments, managing infrastructure and improving public services
Disaster response: Predicting flood zones, planning evacuation routes and coordinating emergency services
Public health: Tracking disease outbreaks, planning healthcare facilities and targeting health interventions
Business: Selecting store locations, optimising delivery routes and analysing customer distribution

Case Study Focus: GIS in Flood Management

After severe flooding in Somerset, UK in 2013-2014, the Environment Agency used GIS to better prepare for future flood events. They combined data on:

Elevation models showing low-lying areas
River flow rates and historical flood patterns
Population density and vulnerable buildings
Transport networks and evacuation routes

This allowed them to create detailed flood risk maps, plan dredging operations more effectively and develop better early warning systems for residents. The GIS analysis helped prioritise which areas needed flood defences most urgently, making the best use of limited resources.

Limitations and Challenges of GIS

While GIS is incredibly useful, it's not without its drawbacks and challenges. Understanding these limitations is crucial for using GIS appropriately:

💸 Cost Factors

GIS can be expensive to implement and maintain:

Professional GIS software licences can cost thousands of pounds
Powerful computers may be needed to run complex analyses
High-quality data collection is time-consuming and costly
Staff need training to use the systems effectively
Ongoing maintenance and updates require continuous investment

📋 Data Issues

The quality of GIS analysis depends entirely on the data used:

Data may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate
Different sources may use incompatible formats or standards
Some regions have limited data availability
Privacy concerns can restrict access to certain types of data
Data collection methods may introduce biases

🛠 Technical Challenges

Using GIS effectively requires overcoming several technical hurdles:

Complex software has a steep learning curve
Large datasets can slow down processing
Different coordinate systems can cause alignment problems
3D representation of the Earth on 2D screens creates distortions
Software compatibility issues between different GIS platforms

📖 Interpretation Limitations

Even with good data and tools, problems can arise in how GIS is used:

Results can be misinterpreted without proper geographical knowledge
Maps can oversimplify complex realities
The choice of classification methods can dramatically change how data appears
Correlation in spatial patterns doesn't always mean causation
GIS may not capture cultural or social factors that aren't easily mapped

Balancing Benefits and Limitations

When deciding whether to use GIS for a geographical investigation, consider these questions:

Is spatial analysis central to answering your research question? If location isn't important to your study, simpler tools might be more appropriate.
Do you have access to reliable spatial data? Without good data, even the best GIS tools won't produce useful results.
Do you have the necessary skills and resources? Consider whether you have the time, training and tools needed.
Could simpler methods work just as well? Sometimes a basic map or graph might communicate your findings more effectively.
How will you address the limitations? Plan for how you'll handle data gaps, technical issues and interpretation challenges.

Ethical Considerations in GIS

When using GIS, it's important to consider ethical issues such as:

Privacy: Maps showing detailed information about where people live or work could violate privacy
Access inequality: Not everyone has equal access to GIS technology, creating a digital divide
Representation: How communities are represented on maps can affect how they're perceived and treated
Data ownership: Questions about who owns and controls geographical information
Transparency: The methods used to create maps should be clearly explained

Always consider the potential impacts of your GIS work on communities and individuals.

Summary: GIS Benefits and Limitations

GIS is a powerful tool that has transformed how we understand and analyse geographical information. Its ability to integrate different data types, perform complex spatial analysis and create compelling visualisations makes it invaluable for many applications. However, the costs, technical challenges, data quality issues and interpretation difficulties mean it's not always the right tool for every job.

The key to using GIS effectively is understanding both its capabilities and its limitations. By approaching GIS with a critical eye and combining it with other research methods when appropriate, you can harness its power while avoiding potential pitfalls.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!