Final answer:
A GIS analyst uses Geographic Information Systems to merge multiple data layers into a singular map for decision-making. GIS is essential in site location analysis and urban planning, and also plays a key role in crime mapping, helping law enforcement with strategic insights.
Step-by-step explanation:
A GIS analyst works with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to integrate various data layers into one comprehensive map, which is crucial for decision-making in various fields. This database may store the locations of new parcels for urban planning, or in the case of crime mapping, addresses of known felons, repeat offenders, or related institutions. GIS is a powerful tool for site location analysis, helping businesses and governments make strategic decisions such as selecting optimal sites for retail stores or public services by analyzing traffic patterns, competition, and demographics among other factors.
GIS has evolved significantly with computer technology, revolutionizing cartography. Today, GIS software assists in urban planning and social sciences by tracking patterns. It supports crime geographers in creating spatial crime patterns that help law enforcement agencies in tactical and policy decision-making. GIS specialists require knowledge about computer and database systems and are capable of performing intricate analysis, sometimes shown in crime dramas as assisting in solving complex crime sprees.
The data visualized through GIS applications, like those showing statistically significant clustering of points, provide decision-makers with crucial insights. For instance, GIS can be used to determine if businesses in a city are competing by analyzing their spatial clustering pattern.