1. Geographic Information Systems
Tools for Community Mapping

2. What is GIS?
GIS (Geographic Information System) is a method of digital mapping that links data to its physical location.

3. Components of an Effective GIS
Appropriate hardware.
Appropriate software.
Good data.
Trained people expert at using the system.
Methods of analyzing the resulting maps.

4. Why would you use GIS?
It can help you determine the how seriously an issue affects an area or the community as a whole.
It can clarify the relationships among several factors, populations, or issues.
It can demonstrate how differently an issue affects different populations or geographical areas.
It can show you exactly where to concentrate your efforts.
It can help you better understand the area or community you’re working in.
It can allow you to isolate and examine individual aspects of the situation or area

5. Why would you use GIS?
It can provide a picture of the community’s or area’s assets and weaknesses.
It can show you change over time.
GIS is by far the quickest and most efficient method of creating maps and similar graphics that provide a picture of not only the geographic, but of the social, demographic, environmental, political, and other aspects of an area as well.
GIS maps make powerful presentation tools.
GIS maps can help influence policy.

6. When would you use GIS?
When you’re determining what the most important issues are.
When you’re taking stock of the community’s assets and challenges.
When you want to locate, or determine the existence of, a particular constellation of factors in a population or an issue. 
When you want to understand the scope of an issue.
When you’re deciding where, and on whom, to concentrate your efforts. 
When you’re looking at changes that have taken place over time.
When you’re trying to influence policy.

7. Who might use GIS? Researchers and participatory research teams.
Community coalitions.
Health and human service organizations and agencies.
Environmental organizations.
Educators.
Policy makers.
Advocates (i.e., those who want to influence policy makers).
Community activists.
Watchdog organizations.
Community developers and community development agencies.
Local officials and community planners.

8. How do you use GIS? You frame the question. You gather data.
You integrate the data into the system.
You create the maps.
You analyze the results.
You use your analysis to create positive change.