GIS technology has become a necessary and valuable tool for the management of geospatial data. This technology has given civil engineers and other professionals valuable insight of a location and created efficiency during the life of a project to propose the best and most advanced, efficient solutions.
What is GIS?
A geographic information system, or GIS, is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information such as boundaries, elevation, geographic names, hydrography, land cover, orthoimagery, structures, and transportation routes. This information is then attached to a permanent numbering system of the location and provides a foundation for mapping and further analysis.
How Does GIS Work?
Information related to a location is stored in a database accessible to people looking for more in-depth information of the area. This information comes from many sources like spreadsheets, satellites, drones, aircraft, information databases from local, state, federal agencies, and more. Because GIS shows many types of data on one map, the captured information can be filtered to easily analyze and understand. In civil engineering, this information can help to create an innovative, viable solution for infrastructure management and to mitigate issues in the project area. The ability to see the layered information provides a dynamic view and allows the user the ability to see the full scope of the area.
What is GIS Used For?
There is an abundance of uses for GIS. Nearly every industry can find a purpose for the data created with GIS inventory. In the civil engineering and land surveying world, GIS is a valuable tool that civil engineers use to easily understand the geographic location of a particular project, infrastructure, or assets.
The GIS services that WLC provides include:
- Needs Assessments
- Strategic & Implementation Planning
- Asset Inventories Utilizing GPS
- Custom Geodatabase Development
- Data Development & Management
- Specialized Spatial Analysis
- Custom Mapping Products
- Mobile GIS Development
- CAD & Hardcopy Data Conversion
- Data Mining & Specialized Data Development
- Quality Assurance & Data Accuracy Evaluations
- Aerial Photography & LiDAR Flight Coordination
Who Can Provide GIS Services?
Once you have settled on using GIS services on your project, you will want to ensure that you are choosing a person that has experience with GIS software. An expert in GIS will ensure that all of the data used on your project is accurate and up-to-date to compile the most comprehensive system on your behalf.
Why is GIS Essential to my Project?
While a project can certainly be done without the use of GIS services, the benefits are worth considering. Because GIS is built on a database, this saves time and resources rather than having to pour over individual project files in order to analyze a unique location. Civil engineers apply GIS information in a variety of circumstances from structural engineering and transportation projects to terrain mapping and watershed analysis. The information obtained with a GIS report can help to mitigate potential problems before they arise and create efficiencies and cost savings in the future.
Unlike many firms, by utilizing GIS WLC is able to provide increased clarity through all phases of a project. From the field to the finished product, our team helps identify the situation and create a mapping and data management plan. As a result, WLC streamlines the process and improves efficiency and convenience on every project. Reach out to our team to learn more about our process and how we can support your next project.