GIS is the acronym for Geographic Information System. GIS software and geographic databases (geodatabases) represent features on the earth, such as buildings, site addresses, utility systems, city boundaries, roads, etc.
GIS is a tool used by individuals and organizations, schools, governments, and businesses seeking innovative ways to solve their problems.
A GIS stores information about the world as a collection of layers that can be linked together by a common locational component such as latitude and longitude, a postal zip code, census tract name, or road name.
These geographic references allow you to locate features on the earth's surface for analysis of patterns and trends. Dozens of map layers can be arrayed to display information about transportation networks, hydrography, population characteristics, economic activity, and political jurisdictions.