Final answer:
Keith Masback applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and solve problems related to various layers of geographical information, aiding in decision-making for both government and private entities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Keith Masback utilizes geography primarily by applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize data. GIS is a powerful tool that combines hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. This allows professionals in the field of geography to analyze spatial data and solve complex problems by looking at the various layers of information such as population distributions, physical terrain, climate patterns, and much more.
GIS specialists, like Masback, may work for government agencies or private businesses, creating and analyzing geographical information to aid in decision-making processes. For instance, determining the optimal location for a new store involves analyzing spatial data layers through GIS. This can include examining the distribution of potential customers, existing competition, traffic patterns, and access to transportation networks.
The study of geography encompasses both physical and human geography, each using a spatial perspective. This means that geographers utilize GIS, GPS, and remote sensing tools to understand both the physical and the human-made landscapes of the Earth. The spatial analysis provided by these tools helps in understanding relationships and processes that occur across different places on Earth.